Drive Shaft Phasing
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 22 other vehicles, including the 2001 BMW 540i, 2001 BMW 530i, 2001 BMW 525i, 2001 BMW 330xi, and 2001 BMW 330i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Drive shaft phasing does not normally need to be performed unless engine/transmission or differential assembly has been removed and installed or if noise or vibration is present and a visible inspection of drives shaft failed to reveal any obvious wear or damage.
NOTE:
Ensure drive shaft runs straight from transmission to differential assembly without any side-to-side variation. Ensure engine/transmission is centered in its mounts. Any misalignment will be apparent from center bearing forward.
- Measure side-to-side variation of drive shaft position in relation to clearance between drive shaft and drive shaft tunnel. See Fig 1 .
- Check drive shaft deflection by using a large protractor or suitable measuring tool. Measure front and rear drive shaft sections compared to transmission and differential. See DRIVE SHAFT DEFLECTION ANGLE SPECIFICATIONS table. Install or remove shims from between center bearing and vehicle body or between transmission and transmission rear support as needed.
- Using a protractor or suitable measuring tool, recheck drive shaft deflection.DRIVE SHAFT DEFLECTION ANGLE SPECIFICATIONS
Application (1) Deflection Angle 323ti & 328i Transmission-To-Driveshaft -0° 30' To +0° 30' Center Carrier -0° 48' To +0° 12' Drive Shaft-To-Differential +0° 46' To +1° 46' 528i Automatic Transmission Transmission-To-Driveshaft -0° 16' To +0° 44' Center Carrier -1° 07' To -0° 07' Drive Shaft-To-Differential +1° 35' To +2° 35' Manual Transmission Transmission-To-Driveshaft -0° 18' To +0° 42' Center Carrier -1° 07' To -0° 07' Drive Shaft-To-Differential +1° 37' To +2° 37' 540i Automatic Transmission Transmission-To-Driveshaft -0° 52' To +0° 08' Center Carrier -0° 58' To 0° 02' Drive Shaft-To-Differential +1° 20' To +2° 20' Manual Transmission Transmission-To-Driveshaft -0° 50' To +0° 10' Center Carrier -1° 03' To -0° 03' Drive Shaft-To-Differential +1° 22' To +2° 22' (1) ° indicates degrees, ' indicates minutes.
WARNING:
Maximum allowable height change of center bearing or transmission support when using shims is .118" (3 mm).