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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW 750i, 2008 BMW 750Li, 2007 BMW 750i, 2007 BMW 750Li, and 2006 BMW 750i. 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! See 33 11 151 REPLACING SHAFT SEAL FOR DRIVE FLANGE LEFT OR RIGHT .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove output shaft from rear differential and tie back. See 33 21 001 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OUTPUT SHAFT or 33 21 002 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT .

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: Locating 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 . See 33 11 151 REPLACING SHAFT SEAL FOR DRIVE FLANGE LEFT OR RIGHT .

After installation:

Correct gearbox oil level/change differential oil . See 00 11 ... CHECKING/TOPPING UP OIL LEVEL IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL .