26 11 020 Replacing center mount gaiter

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW 328i xDrive, 2016 BMW 328d xDrive, 2015 BMW 328i xDrive, 2015 BMW 328d xDrive, and 2014 BMW 328i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove propeller shaft . See 26 11 000 COMPLETELY REMOVING AND INSTALLING PROPELLER SHAFT (INSERTED - REAR FLEXIBLE DISC) (WITHOUT VIBRATION ABSORBER) , 26 11 000 COMPLETELY REMOVING AND INSTALLING PROPELLER SHAFT (INSERTED - REAR FLEXIBLE DISC) (WITHOUT VIBRATION ABSORBER) or 26 11 000 REMOVING AND REFITTING COMPLETE PROPELLER SHAFT (PUSH-FIT - FLEXIBLE JOINT AT REAR) (WITH VIBRATION ABSORBER) .

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: Locating Propeller Shaft Marks (Front And Rear)

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Pull apart propeller shaft.

Fig 2: Pulling Propeller Shaft

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Installation note:

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

Fig 3: Identifying Front Propeller Shaft And Clamping Ring

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

Installation note:

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

Grease, refer to BMW Service Operating Fluids. See PROPELLER SHAFT - OPERATING FLUIDS .

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

Fig 4: Identifying Gaiter And Groove

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