31 60 535 Replacing two gaiters on output shaft(s) (output shaft(s) removed)

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.

Grip output shaft (1) in vice with aluminum clamping jaws.

NOTE: 2 = Joint, wheel side
3 = Joint, transmission side

Fig 1: Removing Output Shaft In Vice With Aluminum Clamping Jaws

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Replacing gaiter of joint on wheel side:

Release LOW PROFILE CLIP (1) and clip (2).

Pull back rubber gaiter (3).

Installation note:

Feed gaiter (3) into groove of joint.

Fig 2: Pulling Back Rubber Gaiter

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Press off joint (1) via contact pressure of circlip on shaft (2).

Installation note:

Replace circlip.

Push on joint until circlip can be heard to snap into place.

Fig 3: Identifying Circlip On Shaft And Joint

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Lift out circlip (1).

Installation note:

Install retaining ring (1).

Fig 4: Identifying Retaining Ring

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Pull off gaiter (1) over shaft (2).

Carefully clean all components with a cloth.

NOTE: Re-grease constant velocity joint with the grease from the repair kit.

Fig 5: Pulling Off Gaiter Over Shaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacing gaiter of joint on gearbox side:

Release band clamps (1, 2).

Pull back rubber gaiter (3).

Detach joint housing (4).

Installation note:

Feed gaiter (3) into groove of joint housing (4).

Align band clamp (1) so that hook fastener is as at flat end of joint housing (4).

Fig 6: Pulling Back Rubber Gaiter

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove circlip (1).

Installation note:

Install retaining ring (1).

Detach tripod element (2) from shaft (3).

Pull off gaiter over shaft (3).

Carefully clean all components with a cloth.

Fig 7: Identifying Circlip, Tripod Element And Shaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Flat side (2) of tripod element (1) must point to circlip.

NOTE: Re-grease constant velocity joint (tripod element) with the grease from the repair kit.

Fig 8: Identifying Flat Side Of Tripod Element

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.