26 11 020 Replacing Centre Mount Gaiter

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X5, 2009 BMW X5, 2008 BMW X5, and 2007 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove propeller shaft. Refer to 26 11 000 Removing and Installing Propeller Shaft (Inserted) Completely

NOTE: The propeller shaft is balanced. The front and rear propeller shafts must be reassembled in the same position.
Detach gaiter (1) from groove (2).

Mark front propeller shaft (3) and rear propeller shaft (4) in one plane.

Fig 1: Identifying Gaiter, Groove, Front Propeller Shaft And Rear Propeller Shaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull propeller shaft apart.

Fig 2: Pulling Propeller Shaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

If necessary, insert new clamping ring (1) into front propeller shaft (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Clamping Ring And Front Propeller Shaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release gaiter (1) with screwdriver from groove (2) and pull off over longitudinal splines.

Installation:

Apply an even coating of grease to longitudinal splines on shaft.

Grease, refer to BMW Service Operating Fluids.

Observe markings and force front propeller shaft onto longitudinal splines (markings must be flush).

Push gaiter (1) during installation into groove (2) and make sure it is firmly seated.

Fig 4: Identifying Gaiter And Groove

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.