33 11 091 Replacing drive flange on left or right of rear differential

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 BMW 550i and 2008 BMW 550i. 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

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove output shaft from rear differential and tie back. See 33 21 001 Removing and installing or replacing left output shaft 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: Pressing 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 .

After installation:

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