Drive Axle Shafts & Seal (Front, All Wheel Drive Vehicles): Removal

1. Remove engine underguard at front, middle and rear. Remove right heat shield from front axle support.
2. Raise and properly support front of vehicle and remove front wheel.
3. Remove ABS pulse sensor and detach ride level sensor on control arm. See WHEEL PULSE (SPEED) SENSOR -- FRONT (2WD) .
4. Detach brake hose from mounting. Do not detach from caliper. Remove brake caliper housing with linings and tie back.
5. Unfasten stabilizer link from stabilizer. See STABILIZER BAR .
6. Remove collar nut on axle shaft. See Fig 1.
7. Using special tool (33 2 111/116/117) press axle shaft out of drive flange. See Fig 2.
8. Detach control arm at front and rear from front axle support. See CONTROL ARM .
9. Tilt swivel bearing to one side.
10. Press axle shaft with special tool (31 1 170) out of front axle differential and remove. See Fig 3.
11. Using a screwdriver (2), pry radial seal (1) out of front axle differential housing (3) or bearing pedestal. See Fig 4.

Fig 1: Releasing Collar Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 2: Pressing Out Axle Shaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 3: Pressing Axle Shaft Out Of Front Differential

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 4: Levering Out Radial Seal

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 5: Removing Protective Sleeve

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.