31 60 005 Removing and installing/replacing both output shafts

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Necessary preliminary work:

Remove FRONT WHEEL .
Remove STIFFENING PLATE

Release collar bolt (1) on left and right.

Operate brake to do this.

Tightening torque 31 60 2AZ

Fig 1: Identifying Collar Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Replace collar bolt (1) and compression spring (2).
- Pay attention to direction of installation of compression spring!
Keep collar bolt and spur gearing of bearing/output shaft clean and free of grease.
Follow installation note of the spur gearing.

Fig 2: Identifying Collar Bolt And Compression Spring
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove CONTROL ARM in lower left and right.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!

The wheel control joint must not exceed an angle deflection >55° in the vehicle!

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

Knock out output shaft (1) on left and right using an aluminium drift (2) out of front axle differential/bearing support.

Press swivel bearing slightly to one side and remove output shaft.

Fig 3: Driving Output Shaft Out Of Front Axle Differential/Bearing Support Using Aluminium Drift

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installing output shafts

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

NOTE: The installation protection (1) serves to protect the sealing lips on radial shaft seal (2) when the output shaft is being installed.

Open installation protective ring (1).

Fig 5: Identifying Protective Ring For Sealing Lips Of Radial Shaft Seal

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: When installing output shafts, make sure that tripods do 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.

Fig 6: Identifying Protection Ring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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

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

Fig 7: Fitting Wheel Bearing And Output Shaft
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Perform chassis/wheel alignment check. See ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD or ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT (WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD) .