21 51 500 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Clutch Release Bearing/Lever

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M5, 2009 BMW M5, 2008 BMW M5, and 2007 BMW M5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Ttransmission removed.

New version (except M models)

Release bearing and release lever have been combined to form a single release module.

If possible, do not disassemble the release module. Otherwise there is a risk of the release module being incorrectly reassembled.

Installation:

Make sure that the correct cam (1) of the release bearing is on the sliding surface (2) of the release lever.

NOTE: Do not grease sliding surfaces (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Release Bearing Cam And Sliding Surface

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Fig. A: Cam (1) of release bearing (A=12 mm) is on sliding surface of release lever.

This version is for 4-cylinder petrol/gasoline engines.

Fig. B: Cam (1) of release bearing (A=7 mm) is on sliding surface of release lever.

This version is for 6-cylinder petrol/gasoline and diesel engines.

Fig 2: Identifying Sliding Surface Of Release Lever

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Remove release module (1) from spring wire clip.

Remove release module.

NOTE:

Illustration similar.

Fig 3: Identifying Release Module

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Installation:

Check spring wire clip (5) and ball pin (6) for damage and replace if necessary.

NOTE:

Illustration similar.

Fig 4: Identifying Spring Wire Clip And Ball Pin

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Clutch release bearing with moving thrust plate (1).

Swivel motion of thrust plate (1) possible.

NOTE:

Illustration similar.

Previous version

Detach release bearing (1).

Installation:

Clean all sliding surfaces on clutch release bearing, check for damage and replace if necessary.

Do not grease clutch release bearing.

Sliding surfaces (2) of clutch release bearing must rest on sliding surfaces (3) of release lever.

Apply a thin coating of grease to sliding surfaces (2) of release bearing.

Fig 5: Removing Bearing

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IMPORTANT:

On E60/E61/E63/E64/M5 and M6 - apply a light coating of grease to bearing guide .

Previous clutch release bearing:

Clutch release bearing with moving thrust washer (1).

Swivel motion of thrust washer (1) possible.

Fig 6: Identifying Clutch Release Bearing With Moving Thrust Plate

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Withraw release lever (4) from spring wire clip (5) and remove.

Installation:

Clean release lever.

NOTE:

Illustration similar.

Fig 7: Identifying Lever From Spring Wire Clip

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Apply a thin coating of grease to release lever at sliding surfaces (1 and 2) only.

Previous release lever

Installation note: Apply a thin coating of grease to release lever at sliding surfaces (1 and 2) only.

Fig 8: Identifying Sliding Surfaces Of Lever

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Installation note: Check spring wire clip (5) and ball pin (6) for damage and replace if necessary. Apply a thin coating of grease to ball pin (6).

NOTE: The wire spring clip and ball pin must always be replaced on the S6S 420G transmission. Similar to graphic.

Fig 9: Identifying Spring Wire Clip And Ball Pin

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Note on installation: (except for E60/E61/E63/E64/M5 and M6)

Do not grease guide sleeve.

If guide sleeve is greased, the release lever can stick on the guide sleeve.

Clean guide sleeve (7).

NOTE:

Illustration similar.

Fig 10: Identifying Guide Sleeve

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