Axle Shafts (Rear): Removal
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.
- Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheel.
- Release screws of rear muffler and detach rear muffler from intermediate muffler.
- On models with one axle air spring, disconnect fuse on air supply system so that there is no unintentional system regulation.
- On models with two axle air spring, lower axle with BMW diagnostic system in EHC2 program under menu item "Component activation." Carry out each activation 6 times.
- On all models, remove axle CV joint-to-differential final drive flange bolts and washers. See Fig 1.
- To feed axle shaft in and out, raise wheel carrier (1) with Special Tool (00 2 030) (2) and a block of wood (3) about .8" (20 mm). See Fig 2.
- Release locking clip (1). See Fig 3.
- Remove axle hub collar nut, and discard. See Fig 4.
- Screw on Special Tools (33 2 111/116/117) with 5 wheel studs and press axle shaft out of drive hub. See Fig 5.
- Remove axle shaft.