33 11 091 Replacing Drive Flange On Left Or Right Of Rear Differential

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M5, 2009 BMW M5, 2008 BMW M5, 2007 BMW M5, and 2006 BMW M5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Risk of burning on the exhaust system!

IMPORTANT: When replacing the drive flange, you must also replace the shaft seal!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove output shaft from rear differential and tie back

Drive out drive flange.

Installation:

Insert drive flange and rotate until spline on flange meshes with teeth on differential bevel gear.

Press drive flange in further until circlip locates with an audible click.

IMPORTANT: High installation forces indicate that the spline teeth on the drive flange/differential bevel gear are damaged/deformed!
Check spline teeth, replaced damaged parts.

Fig 1: Driving Out Drive Flange

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Install retaining ring (1).

Installation:

Clean shaft seal race on drive flange thoroughly.

Coat drive flange at contact face of shaft seal with approved rear differential oil. See REAR AXLE - OPERATING FLUIDS .

Fig 2: Identifying Retaining Ring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Replace shaft seal .

After installation:

Correct gearbox oil level/change differential oil. See REAR AXLE - OPERATING FLUIDS .