26 11 000 Removing and installing complete propeller shaft (constant-velocity joint)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 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 (1) and (2).

NOTE: Illustration similar.

Fig 1: Identifying Heat Shields

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NOTE: M57/N47/M57T2/N54/N43/N46T only.

Remove Transmission Cross-Member. See 22 31 001 REPLACING RUBBER MOUNT FOR TRANSMISSION MOUNTING .

NOTE: N43, N46T only

Remove transmission support block.

Tightening torque 23 71 4AZ. See 23 71 TRANSMISSION MOUNTS .

Fig 2: Locating Transmission Support Block Bolts

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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.
See Tightening torque, 26 11 1AZ. in 26 11 PROPELLER SHAFT COMPLETE .

IMPORTANT: To avoid buzzing sound after refitting the propeller shaft:

The flexible disc connection (1) on the front at the propeller shaft must be marked in one plane with the flexible disc (2) and the three-bolt flange (3) before removal.
During installation the three-bolt flange (3) must be forced back together again with the flexible disc (2) in the same position.
Replace ZNS bolts and self-locking nuts.

Fig 3: Refitting Propeller Shaft

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Fig 4: Locating Propeller Shaft Self-Locking Nuts

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Release screws. Installation note: ZNS bolts and nuts must be replaced. Replace self-locking nuts.

Release bolts and replace.

Fig 5: Locating Propeller Shaft Bolts

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

Fig 6: Pressing Constant Velocity Joint Off Drive Flange

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

Fig 7: Locating Joints And Rubber Sleeve

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Grip propeller shaft at center bearing and release screws.

Tightening torque, 26 11 6AZ. See 26 11 PROPELLER SHAFT COMPLETE .

Fig 8: Locating Propeller Shaft Centre Bearing Bolts

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Bend propeller shaft downwards at center bearing.

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

Fig 9: Detaching Constant-Velocity Joint From Rear Axle Differential

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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. See 26 11 PROPELLER SHAFT COMPLETE .

Fig 10: Identifying Constant-Velocity Joint

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Installation:

Check centering mount (4).

Replace damaged centering mount.

Grease centering mount.

Fig 11: Identifying Centering Mount

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Installation:

The aluminum 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
Aluminum tubing
Bearing journal

Propeller shafts: refer to TECHNICAL DATA .

Fig 12: Identifying Propeller Shaft Aluminum Tubing And Bearing Journal

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