33 21 002 Removing and Installing/Replacing Right Output Shaft

Apply handbrake.

Remove rear wheel.  See 36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL

Version with ride-height control: Deactivate and drain air spring/suspension system  See 37 00 100 DRAINING/FILLING AIR SPRING SYSTEM

Unscrew collar nut.

Installation: 

Replace collar nut, apply a light coating of oil to contact surface and tighten down.

Tightening torque 33 41 3AZ.  See 33 41 WHEEL BEARINGS

Secure collar nut by peening on flat areas of output shaft.

Fig 1: Locating Collar Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release bolts and remove with washers (1).

Force output shaft off drive flange with a suitable tool.

Installation: 

Before installing output shaft, make sure that drive flange is fully engaged in rear differential.

Replace bolts and washers (1).

Tightening torque 33 21 1AZ  . See 33 21 OUTPUT SHAFT

Fig 2: Locating Output Shaft Bolts With Washers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove stabilizer link from swinging arm.  See 33 55 040 REPLACING STABILIZER LINK FOR REAR LEFT OR RIGHT STABILIZER 

Remove spring strut shock absorber/air spring strut from wheel carrier  . See 37 12 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT AIR SPRING STRUT

Raise wheel carrier for feeding output shaft out and in with workshop jack approx. 20 mm.

Fig 3: Identifying Jack

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Press output shaft out of drive flange  and remove towards center of car. See 33 21... PRESSING OUTPUT SHAFT OUT OF DRIVE FLANGE AND DRAWING IN (OUTPUT SHAFT REMOVED FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL) 

Fig 4: Identifying Output Shaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation: 

• Check that output shaft is correctly seated in rear differential.
• Version with ride-height control: Activate and fill air suspension system  See 37 00 100 DRAINING/FILLING AIR SPRING SYSTEM