31 51 010 Replacing radial seal for drive flange of front axle differential: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW 750xi, 2011 BMW 750Lxi, 2010 BMW 750xi, and 2010 BMW 750Lxi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove STIFFENING PLATE
Remove FRONT PROPELLER SHAFT .
Vehicles with N63 only: REMOVE FRONT AXLE DIFFERENTIAL.

Mark position of nut with respect to shaft with punch marks (arrow).

Lever out lockplate (1) with a suitable tool.

Fig 1: Locating Punch Mark Of Nut Mounting Position

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Do not place special tool on threaded holes of drive flange.

Secure drive flange with special tool 23 0 020 against turning and release nut (1).

Fig 2: Securing Drive Flange Using Special Tool (23 0 020)

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Mount special tool only with longer screws (M10x30) on drive flange.

Pull drive flange off drive shaft with special tool 33 1 150 .

Fig 3: Removing Drive Flange Drive Shaft Using Special Tool (33 1 150)

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Lever shaft seal (1) out of front axle differential with a suitable screwdriver (2).

Fig 4: Removing Shaft Seal From Front Axle Differential Using Screwdriver

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Installation note:

Drive in shaft seal with special tool 31 5 130 up to limit position.

Coat sealing lips of new shaft seal (1) with front axle differential oil.

Fig 5: Installing Shaft Seal Using Special Tool (31 5 130)

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Do not tighten nut beyond punch marks. Otherwise the clamping sleeve will be damaged.

Clean drive flange and attach.

Tighten down nut until punch marks on nut and shaft are aligned.

Install new lockplate (1).

Fig 6: Locating Punch Mark Of Nut Mounting Position

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.