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

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Special tools required:

23 0 020
31 5 130
33 1 150

Necessary preliminary work:

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: Identifying Lockplate

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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 With Special Tool 23 0 020 Against Turning And Release Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: Pulling Drive Flange Off Drive Shaft With Special Tool 33 1 150

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 4: Removing Shaft Seal Out Of Front Axle Differential Using Suitable 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: Driving-In Shaft Seal Up To Limit Position 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: Identifying Lockplate

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation

Check FRONT AXLE GEARBOX OIL LEVEL , correct if necessary.