31 51 010 Replacing Radial Seal For Drive Flange Of Front Differential

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 535xi, 2010 BMW 528xi, 2009 BMW 535xi, 2009 BMW 528xi, and 2008 BMW 535xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

23 0 020
31 5 130
33 1 150

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove reinforcement plate
Remove front propeller shaft

Mark position of nut with respect to shaft with punch marks (arrow).

Lever out lockplate (1) with a suitable tool.

Fig 1: Locating Lockplate

G04745222

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Do not place special tool on threaded holes of drive flange.

Secure drive flange with special tool 23 0 020 against turning and release nut (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (23 0 020)

G04745223

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Mount special tool only with longer screws (M10x30) on drive flange.

Pull drive flange off drive shaft with special tool 33 1 150.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool (33 1 150)

G04745224

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lever shaft seal (1) out of front differential with a suitable screwdriver (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Lever Shaft Seal And Screwdriver

G04745225

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Drive in shaft seal with special tool 31 5 130 as far as it will go.

Coat sealing lips of new shaft seal (1) with front differential oil.

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tool (31 5 130)

G04745226

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Do not tighten nut beyond punch marks. Otherwise the clamping sleeve will be damaged.

Clean drive flange and attach.

Tighten down nut until punch marks on nut and shaft are aligned.

Install new lockplate (1).

Fig 6: Locating Lockplate

G04745222

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Check front differential oil level, correct if necessary