Drive Pinion Gear

1. Remove lock washer. Using a prick punch, mark installed position of companion flange. Using an INCH lb. torque wrench, measure and record pinion gear preload.
2. Hold flange stationary and remove lock nut. Pull off companion flange. Check bearing surface of flange. Replace flange if deeply scored. Pull out seal and discard. Press drive pinion from housing. Remove collapsible spacer and drive pinion rear bearing.
3. Remove drive pinion shaft oil seal. Remove pinion inner bearing race from case with puller. Note shim thickness under bearing race. Pull out front bearing race.

Fig 1: Sectional View of Drive Pinion Gear Assembly

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Note position of collapsible spacer and shim.