33 11 021 Replacing shaft seal for drive flange on rear differential (inserted propeller shaft)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 5 010
33 5 050
33 5 060
33 5 070
33 5 080

IMPORTANT: Use only approved gearbox oils.
Failure to comply with this instruction will result in serious damage to the rear axle final drive! See REAR AXLE - OPERATING FLUIDS .

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove THREE-HOLE FLANGE

Remove retaining clip (1) and insert nut (2) with diaphragm seal.

Fig 1: Identifying Retaining Clip And Nut With Diaphragm Seal

G06889621

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Mark position of flange nut (1) to bevel pinion (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Flange Nut And Bevel Pinion

G04794570

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release flange nut with special tools 33 5 050 and 33 5 070 by gripping bevel pinion with special tools 33 5 060 and 33 5 070.

Fig 3: Removing Flange Nut Using Special Tools (33 5 050 And 33 5 070)

G04794571

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull out radial shaft seal with special tool 00 5 010.

Fig 4: Pulling Out Shaft Seal Using Special Tool (00 5 010)

G04754034

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Coat sealing lips of new radial shaft seal and sealing surface of bevel pinion with final drive oil.

Drive in radial shaft seal with special tool 33 5 080 .

Fig 5: Driving Radial Shaft Seal With Special Tool (33 5 080)

G04794573

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Clean bevel pinion thoroughly to remove remnants of screw locking agent.

Fig 6: Identifying Bevel Pinion

G04794574

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check dust plate for damage, replace if necessary.

IMPORTANT: Clean flange nut thoroughly to remove remnants of grease and screw locking agent.
Pack collar insert (1) of flange nut with grease.
Apply a thin coating of grease to shaded area (2) of flange nut. See REAR AXLE - OPERATING FLUIDS .
Coat at least four thread turns of flange nut with "DREI BOND adhesive type 1385".

Fig 7: Identifying Collar Insert Of Flange Nut And Grease Area

G04794575

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: In order to avoid damaging the rear axle final drive, do not under any circumstances tighten down the flange nut (1) beyond the marker point of the bevel pinion (2).

Fig 8: Identifying Flange Nut And Bevel Pinion

G04794570

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Place insert nut (2) with diaphragm seal in flange nut.

Install retaining clip (1).

Fig 9: Identifying Insert Nut With Retaining Clip

G04794569

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation

Check FINAL DRIVE OIL LEVEL , correct if necessary.