33 31 503 Lowering/Raising Rear Axle Support

33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle support (AWD)

Special tools required:







WARNING:
Danger of injury.
Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.
Load the luggage compartment with a minimum of 100 kg before lowering/removing the rear axle support. This prevents the vehicle from tilting or sliding off the vehicle hoist.

When supporting components, make sure that:
- the vehicle can no longer be raised or lowered
- the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the vehicle hoist.







IMPORTANT:
Before lowering/removing rear axle support:
Observe safety instructions for raising the vehicle
In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.







Necessary preliminary tasks:
- Remove complete exhaust system with heat shield at centre.
- Remove underbody cover at right and left.







Engage special tool 31 5 251 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030.
Insert special tools31 5 255 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.
Insert special tools 31 5 253 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair, two profile rails are connected to one another by gearing.







The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tools 31 5 25531 5 253 and 31 5 251 to rear axle support.
Support rear axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030.

IMPORTANT:
The centre of gravity of the rear axle must be positioned centrally over the workshop jack.
Tie down rear axle support 33 5 206 to the special tool using a tensioning strap31 5 251.







Release screws (2) at rear axle support (1). (right-hand side is identical).
Tightening torque 33 31 1AZ.

Installation note:
Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts.







Undo screw (1) on the cross member (2). (right-hand side is identical).
Tightening torque 33 31 2AZ.

Installation note:
Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts.







Lower rear axle support by max. A = 40 mm.