BMW 1989-1995 525i Service Manual page 287

FRONT SUSPENSION
310-11
5. Install the thrust arm as described earlier.
CAUTlON-
Tighten the thrust arm bushing through-bolt to its
final torque onfy with car on the ground and the
suspension normally toaded
as
described earfier.
SUBFRAME CROSSMEMBER
The subframe crossmernber provides rigid mounting points
for the engine. suspension. and steering components. The
crossmember is not normally subject to wear and should only
be replaced if structurally damaged.
Removing the subframe crossmember requires engine lift·
ing equipment to support the weight of the engine so that the
subframe can be removed from below.
WARNfNG -
Removat or replacement of the subframe cross-
member may affect suspension and steering geom ·
etry. including front wheet alignmenr. Make
appropriate matching marks during removal and be
sure to have the front end professionally aligned et-
tet Installation.
To remove subframe crossmember
1. Using an engine hoist (BMW special tool no. 00 0 200
and 11 0 020). slightly raise the engine just until the
weight of the engine is supported . See 110 Engine Re-
moval and Installation.
2. Working in the engine compartment. remove the top
nut from the right engine mount.
3. Raise the car and remove the front wheels.
WARNING-
Make sure thar the car and the engine are firmly
supported on jack stands designed lor the purpose.
Place the jack stands beneath a structural chassis
point. Do not place jack stands under suspension
parts.
4. Working beneath the car. remove the lower nuts from
the left and right engine mounts. See Fig. 17.
5. Unbolt the left and right control arm through·bolts. Re·
move the bolts and support the contr ol arm from the
chassis using stiHwire.
WARNING -
Do not allow the control arm to hang from the ball
joint. This can damage the ball joint.
Fig . 17. Lett lower engine moun t (arro w).
6. Unbolt the steering gearbox from the subframe. See
320 Steering. Suspend the gearbox from the body us-
ing still wire.
7. Unbolt the steering idler arm from the crossmember.
See Fig. 18.
Fig.
18. S
eering Idler arm rnountmq boll tarrc w),
8. Using an appropriate jack. support the crossmember
from below.
SUBFRAME CROSSMEMBER