33 10 021 Replacing output shaft seal in rear axle final drive

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.

Special tools required:

00 5 010
32 1 060
33 1 308

IMPORTANT: Up to build date 07/2008: Renew shaft seal in combination with drive flange and circlip only! Build date from 07/2008: Renew shaft seal in combination with circlip only!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear axle final drive . See 33 10 016/17 Removing and installing/renewing rear differential (Dynamic Performance Control) .

Drive out drive flange (1) with special tools 13 5 251 and 13 5 253.

Fig 1: Drive Out Drive Flange (1)

G00496817

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lever shaft seal (1) with a suitable open-end spanner (2) in direction of arrow out of rear axle final drive.

Fig 2: Lever Shaft Seal (1) With A Suitable Open-End Spanner (2) In Direction Of Arrow

G00496818

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installing new shaft seal: Important!

Circlip (1) must always be replaced. Install circlip (1) in sun gear in such a way that opening (2) is positioned at 6 o'clock.

Fig 3: Install Circlip (1) In Sun Gear

G00496819

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note: Protector (1) serves to protect the sealing lips on shaft seal (2) when the drive flange is being installed! Coat inner surface of protector (3) with provided grease only.

Fig 4: Protector (1) Serves To Protect The Sealing Lips On Shaft Seal (2)

G00496820

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Protector must not slip out of shaft seal!

Drive in shaft seal to stop with special tool 33 0 130. Do not remove protector (1).

Fig 5: Do Not Remove Protector (1)

G00496821

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note: Clean shaft seal races on drive flange thoroughly. Insert drive flange (1) to dimension A=4.5 cm into rear axle final drive (gearing on drive flange not visible). Pull out protector at tab (2). Push drive flange (1) into rear axle final drive as far as it will go and turn. Press in drive flange (1) further until circlip can be heard and felt to snap into place.

Fig 6: Push Drive Flange (1) Into Rear Axle Final Drive

G00496822

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The inner design of the differential causes a small, axial play of the drive flange - this play does not imply any damage.

IMPORTANT: High installation forces indicate that the gearing on the drive flange/differential bevel gear is damaged/deformed! Check gearing, replaced damaged parts.

After installation: Check rear axle final drive oil level, correct if necessary