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Home >> BMW >> 2002 >> X5 30i, Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 87 (Axle Shafts (Front & Rear) - Repair) >> Removal & Installation >> Axle Shafts (Front) >> Installation

Axle Shafts (Front): Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 BMW X5, 2005 BMW X5, 2004 BMW X5, and 2003 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Always replace radial seal on axle shaft. See RADIAL SEAL ON AXLE SHAFT .
  2. Install NEW retaining ring on axle shaft. See Fig 1.
  3. Push in axle shaft over resistance of retaining ring. Axle shaft coupling must snap audibly into place.
  4. Tilt swivel bearing into place and tighten screws to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  5. Lightly oil axle shaft splines and insert into drive flange splines. Screw on Special Tool (33 2 118).
  6. Screw on Special Tools (33 2 116) and (33 2 150) with 5 wheel studs (1). Draw in axle shaft with Special Tool (33 2 115). Grip with tire iron. See Fig 2.
  7. Install new collar nut and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  8. Lock collar nut by calking it at flat areas of axle shaft.
  9. Be sure tapered spigot and bore of control arm are both free of grease. Install new self-locking nut and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  10. Install tension strut and guide joint. Tighten screws to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  11. Be sure tapered spigot and bore of tie rod are both free of grease. Install new self-locking nut. Brace on hexagon socket if necessary and tighten nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  12. Install brake caliper and tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  13. Clean bore for ABS pulse generator and grease with Starburags NBU 12/K lubricant or equivalent. Tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  14. Ensure proper locking of plug connector and proper seating of rubber grommets.
  15. Install front wheel(s).
  16. Install engine undergaurd at front.
  17. CAUTION: Driving without reinforcement plate is not permitted.
  18. Install reinforcement plate and tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  19. CAUTION: Use only SAF-XLS or equivalent gear oil in this front axle differential. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in serious damage to the differential.
  20. After completing work, open filler plug and check front axle differential fluid level. Fluid level should be up to lower edge of filler plug.
Fig 1: Locating Retaining Ring
G00123127Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 2: Drawing In Axle Shaft
G00123128Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.