26 11 000 Removing And Installing Complete Propeller Shaft (Constant-Velocity Joint): Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 BMW 550i and 2006 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear underbody protection.
Remove complete exhaust system . See EXHAUST SYSTEM - REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS .
Remove heat shields .

NOTE: M57 only.

Support transmission from underneath .
Remove transmission cross-member .

Release screws.

Installation:

ZNS bolts and nuts must be replaced.

Replace self-locking nuts.

IMPORTANT: Only M57:
The bolt without washer may only be tightened by means of the nut.
The bolt with rolled-on washer which has ribbed teeth facing the support side must be tightened by means of the bolt.
Observe different tightening torques.
Tightening torque, 26 11 1AZ . Refer to 26 11 PROPELLER SHAFT COMPLETE .

Fig 1: Identifying Propeller Shaft Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release bolts and replace.

Fig 2: Tightening Propeller Shaft Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Using a screwdriver, press constant velocity joint off drive flange at disassembly grooves.

Fig 3: Pressing Constant Velocity Joint Off Drive Flange

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not let propeller shaft fall into joints.
Joints and rubber sleeve can be damaged on constant-velocity joint.

Fig 4: Locating Constant-Velocity Joint

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Grip propeller shaft at centre bearing and release screws.

Tightening torque, 26 11 6AZ Refer to 26 11 PROPELLER SHAFT COMPLETE .

Fig 5: Locating Propeller Shaft Centre Bearing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Bend propeller shaft downwards at centre bearing.

Remove propeller shaft from transmission output flange and detach constant-velocity joint from rear axle differential.

Fig 6: Identifying Constant-Velocity Joint From Rear Axle Differential

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Withdraw constant-velocity joint (1) up to stop.

Fit shims.

Attach propeller shaft with pulled-apart constant-velocity joint to drive flange of rear differential.

Alternately tighten 2 opposing screws to draw constant-velocity joint evenly into the input flange.

Replace ZNS bolts.

Tightening torque, 26 11 4AZ . Refer to 26 11 PROPELLER SHAFT COMPLETE .

Fig 7: Identifying Constant-Velocity Joint

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Check centering mount (4).

Refer to 26 11 090 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING CENTERING MOUNT FOR PROPELLER SHAFT .

Grease centering mount.

The locating tabs of the drive shaft to the transmission output flange may be lubricated with any high temperature resistant, long-term grease (available locally).

Fig 8: Identifying Centering Mount

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

The aluminium propeller shaft contains a crash element.

Check the crash element before installing the propeller shaft.

Replace the propeller shaft if the crash element has been pushed together.

Deformation travel approx. 100 mm
Aluminium tubing
Bearing journal

Propeller shafts: refer to TECHNICAL DATA .

Fig 9: Identifying Deformation Travel And Bearing Journal

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.