3311021 Replacing radial shaft seal for drive flange on rear differential

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2011 BMW 328i, 2011 BMW 323i, 2010 BMW 335i, 2010 BMW 328i, and 2010 BMW 323i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: Use only approved gear oils. See REAR AXLE - OPERATING FLUIDS .
Failure to comply with this instruction will result in serious damage to the rear differential!

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove PROPELLER SHAFT FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL and tie back

Removing drive flange

Lift out retaining plate.

Mark position of collar nut (1) on drive shaft with center punch.

Fig 1: Locating Collar Nut

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Brace drive flange with special tool and release collar nut.

Fig 2: Removing Collar Nut Using Special Tool 23 0 020

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NOTE: Read and comply with document "REAR DIFFERENTIAL: ASSIGNMENT TO MODEL SERIES ".

215L/215LW/215 with lock:

Pull off drive flange with special tools 31 2 101, 31 2 102, 31 2 103/31 2 104.

Fig 3: Removing Drive Flange Using Special Tools (31 2 101/31 2 102/31 2 103 / 31 2 104)

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168L/188L/188LW:

Pull off drive flange with special tool 33 1 150 .

Fig 4: Removing Drive Flange Using Special Tools (33 1 150)

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Replacing radial shaft seal

Pull out radial shaft seal with special tool 00 5 010 .

Fig 5: Removing Radial Shaft Seal Using Special Tool (00 5 010)

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Drive in new radial shaft seal with following special tools (depending on REAR DIFFERENTIAL ) as far as it will go.

168L: Use special tools 00 5 500 MANDREL and 33 3 390 MANDREL
188L/188LW: Use special tools 00 5 500 MANDREL and 33-3470 MANDREL
215L/215LW/215 with lock: Use special tools 00 5 500 MANDREL and 33 3 440 MANDREL

Fig 6: Drive In Shaft Seal Using Special Tools (33 3 390, 33 3 440 And 33 3 470)
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Installing drive flange

Coat sealing lips of radial shaft seal and sealing surface of drive flange with differential oil.

Fit drive flange.

Press on drive flange with special tools 23 1 300 , 33 1 341 and 23 1 303, and if necessary 23 1 302 until collar nut can be screwed on.

Fig 7: Installing Drive Flange Using Special Tools

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IMPORTANT: Do not under any circumstances tighten down collar nut beyond marker points in order to avoid damaging the clamping sleeve.

Tighten down collar nut (1) to point where marker points are aligned.

Fig 8: Locating Collar Nut

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Drive in new retaining plate with following special tools (depending on REAR DIFFERENTIAL ) as far as it will go.

168L/188L/188LW: Use special tools 00 5 500 MANDREL and 33 3 480 MANDREL
215L/215LW/215 with lock: Use special tools 00 5 500 MANDREL and 33 3 490 MANDREL

Fig 9: Installing Retaining Plate Using Special Tools
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After installation

Correct REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID LEVEL