Drive Axle - BMW 1989-1995 525i Service Manual

R EAR SUSPENSION
330 Rear Suspension
330-1
GENERAL
330-1
RIDE HEIGHT _
330-1
SHOCK ABSORBERS AND SPRINGS
330-3
To remove and install strut assembly 330-3
To disassemble and assemble strut _ _ 330-4
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS _
330-5
To replace rear wheel bearing 330-5
DRIVE AXLES
330-7
To remove and install drive axle 330-7
To replace CV joint and joint boot. 330-7
GENERAL
The BMW E34 5-Series independent rear suspension is
shown in Fig. 1. For a general description of the rear suspen-
sion, see 300 Suspension, Steering and Brakes-General.
Special service tools are required for most of the work de-
scribed in this repair group. Read the procedu res through be-
fore beginning
any
job.
NOTE -
• Service and repair information on the final drive unit
can be found in 331 Final Drive.
• General suspens ion and steering troubleshooling can
be found in 300 Suspension, Steering, and
Brakes-General.
Some models are equipped with a self-levelling rear sus-
pension system called LAD (Load Absorption Dampening).
The LAD system monitors and automatica lly adjust the rear
suspension ride height based on load and driving conditions.
The system is in operation whenever the engine is running
and the vehicle load is changed. For more information on the
LAD system , including how to identify cars equipped with
LAD. see Self-levelling Suspension (LAD) given tater in this
repair group.
WARNING-
Do not reuse self-locking nuts. They are designed
to be used only once and may fail if reus ed. Always
replace them with new self-locking nuts.
TRAILING ARMS
330-8
To remove and install trailing arm 330·8
To replace trailing arm bushings 330-10
SELF-LEVELLING
SUSPENSION (LAD)
330-10
To pressure test LAD system 330-11
To adjust ride height (cars with LAD) 330· 11
To fill and bleed LAD system 330-12
To replace LAD regulator valve 330-13
To replace LAD fluid accum ulator 330-13
TABLES
Table a. Rear Ride Height Specifications 330-2
WARNfNG -
• Personal injury may result if proce dures de-
scribed here are undertaken without the proper
service tools and equipment. Be sure to have the
right tools on hand before beginning the j ob.
• Do not instalf bolls and nuts coated witn under-
coating wax. as correct tightening torque cannot
be assured. Always clean the threads with sol-
vent before installation. or install new parts.
• Do not euempt to weta or straighten any suspen-
sion components. Replace damaged parts.
RIDE HEIGHT
Rear suspension ride height is controlled by the rear
springs.
If the rear ride
height is not within the specifications
listed in Table a. the rear springs should be replaced.
NOTE -
On LAD·equipped cars. rear ride height is atso con-
trolfed by the LAD hydraulic system. For information on
adjusting rear ride height on LAD-equipped cars see
Self-levelling Suspension (LAD).
Ride height is measu red from the lower edge of the wheel
arch to the bottom edge of the wheel rim. See Fig. 2.
Table a lists rear suspens ion ride height specifications.
These specif ications apply to a car in a normally loaded posi-
tion, simulating a load of passengers. luggage and fuel. When
checking ride height or installing suspension components that
require the car to be "normally
toaoec.r
toao the car as follows:
RIDE HEIGHT