Front Subframe: Service and Repair

31 11 001 - Replacing front axle support





Necessary preliminary tasks:
- Remove front wheels Removing or Installing Front or Rear Wheel
- Remove bumper bracket 31 11 020 - Removing and installing/replacing bumper bracket
- Remove underbody protection Service and Repair
- Remove stabilizer link Removing and Installing/Replacing Push Rod (Stabilizer Link) for Left/Right Stabilizer from stabilizer
- Remove tie rods Service and Repair from swivel bearing
- Remove control arm Removing and Installing Left or Right Control Arm from swivel bearing
After completing work, carry out electronic wheel alignment check.





Unscrew nuts (1).

Installation:
Replace self-locking nuts.
Tightening torque 32 41 8AZ Pump and Oil Supply.

Release nut (2) and remove bracket from supply reservoir.

Installation:
Replace self-locking nuts.
Tightening torque 32 41 9AZ Pump and Oil Supply.





Disconnect plug connection (1).
Detach plug connection (2) in direction of arrow.
If necessary, disconnect fan plug connection for power steering.
If necessary, remove cable tie.





Release nut (1) and remove screw (2).
Fold back lower steering spindle in direction of arrow.

Installation:
Replace self-locking nut.
Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ [1][2]Specifications.





CVT only:
Slacken cable lock nut (1).
Remove retainer.
Press retaining clips (2) together and remove cable (4) downwards out of bracket (3).





Warning!
Support front axle support with a suitable tool (workshop jack) over a large area and secure against slipping.





Unscrew bolt (1).

Installation:
Tightening torque 22 11 8AZ Specifications.

Release screw (2) and remove holder (3).

Installation:
Tightening torque 22 11 9AZ Specifications.





Release screws (1) on front axle support at front.

Installation:
Tightening torque 31 11 1AZ [1][2]Specifications.





Release screws (1) from control arm bracket.

Installation:
Tightening torque 31 11 6AZ [1][2]Specifications.
Tighten down screw (1) only after all other screws on the front axle support have been tightened down.
This will prevent the casing from being subjected to torsion stress.





Release screws (1).

Installation:
Tightening torque 31 11 2AZ [1][2]Specifications.





Important!
When lowering the front axle support, make sure that the supply reservoir is guided cleanly through the engine compartment.
Cars with CVT transmission:
Feed out cable for gear selector lever between steering gear and front axle support.





Important!
Hold supply reservoir vertically upwards with a suitable tool.





Note:
The following components must be modified when the front axle support is replaced:
- Stabilizer Removing and Installing/Replacing Front Stabilizer
- Power steering pump (except W17 engine)
- Steering gear Removing and Installing Power Steering Gear
- Control arm Removing and Installing Left or Right Control Arm
- Ball joint Service and Repair for control arm
- Retaining clip for underbody paneling





Release screws (1) on stoneguard and modify stoneguard.

Installation:
Tightening torque 31 11 7AZ [1][2]Specifications.





Installation:
Modify retaining clip (1), replace if necessary.