31 60 000 Removing and installing/replacing left or right output shaft

Necessary preliminary work:

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Secure output shaft against falling out.

Knock out left or right output shaft with an aluminium spike (2) at the front axle differential/bearing support.

Fig 1: Driving Output Shaft Out Of Front Axle Differential/Bearing Support Using Aluminium Drift

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installing the output shaft

Check gaiter and replace if necessary.
Replace output shaft circlip (1).
Replace radial shaft seal on front axle differential and bearing support. See SEAL FOR LEFT OUTPUT SHAFT and SEAL FOR RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT .
Coat highlighted contact surface (2) of output shaft with approved front axle gearbox oil.

Fig 2: Identifying Output Shaft Contact Surface And Circlip
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The installation protective ring (1) serves to protect the sealing lips of the radial shaft seal (2) when installing the output shaft.

Open installation protective ring (1).

Fig 3: Identifying Protective Ring For Sealing Lips Of Radial Shaft Seal

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: When installing output shaft, make sure that tripod does not fall into gaiter.

Press swivel bearing slightly to one side and insert output shaft into front axle differential/bearing support.

Pull out assembly protection ring at lug (1) until one of the two predetermined breaking points gives.

Slide output shaft to the limit position into front axle differential. Output shaft must snap audibly into place.

Fig 4: Identifying Protection Ring

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IMPORTANT: Note on installation for spur gearing must be observed without fail!

Fig 5: Fitting Wheel Bearing And Output Shaft

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Installation note:

Spur gearing of wheel bearing (1) and output shaft (2) must be installed tooth in tooth!
Tighten collar bolt with compression spring by hand.
Check whether spur gearing is locked tooth in tooth by reciprocally rotating wheel hub/output shaft.
Tighten the collar bolt.
Tightening torque 31 60 2AZ