Removal and installation the front axle assembly (BMW 3 Series E21)

Removal

Place the vehicle on stands.

Remove the front wheels.

Remove the brake hose mounting brackets on the telescopic suspension struts.

Remove the front brake calipers and hang them from the body without disconnecting the brake hoses.

Remove the brackets securing the anti-roll bar to the body.

Disconnect the left and right engine mount brackets.

Loosen the nuts securing the upper supports of the telescopic struts.

Start the engine and tighten the straps slightly.

Place a jack under the front suspension crossmember and disconnect the front suspension crossmember from the left and right body side members.

After unscrewing the nut, remove the bolt connecting the universal joint of the steering shaft to the drive pinion.

Slowly lower and remove the front axle assembly.

Installation

Set the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position of the vehicle, with the mark on the drive pinion boot between the marks on the steering gear housing (see chapter "Steering").

In this position, connect the steering shaft to the drive pinion by inserting the connecting bolt and tightening the new self-locking nut.

Attach the front suspension crossmember to the body side members, making sure that the upper supports of the telescopic struts are correctly positioned in place.



Tighten the nuts securing the upper supports of the telescopic struts.

Install the engine mount brackets, making sure the protrusions on the cushions fit into the grooves.

Attach the stabilizer bar brackets to the body using new self-locking nuts.

Place the brake hose mounting brackets on the telescopic struts, aligning the bracket boss with the bracket hole.

Replace the brake calipers. Install the front wheels. Check and adjust the front wheel alignment.