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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 50 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW M5, 2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, 2016 BMW 550i xDrive, 2016 BMW 550i, and 2016 BMW 535i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary work:

Remove STIFFENING PLATE
Remove SWIVEL BEARING .
Remove SPRING STRUT .

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

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

Fig 1: Removing Output Shaft From Front Axle Differential/Bearing Support Using Aluminum Drift

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installing the output shaft:

Check gaiter and renew if necessary.
Renew output shaft circlip (1).
Renew radial shaft seal . See 31 51 015 REPLACING SHAFT SEAL FOR LEFT OUTPUT SHAFT or 31 51 020 REPLACING SHAFT SEAL FOR RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT on front axle differential and bearing support.
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 And 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.

Fig 4: Identifying Assembly Protection Ring At Lug

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 5: Installing Spur Gearing Of Bearing And Output Shaft
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.