26 12 001 Replacing complete propeller shaft center bearing

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.

Special tools required:

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove PROPELLER SHAFT .

NOTE: The propeller shaft is balanced.
The front and rear propeller shafts must be reassembled in the same position.

Detach gaiter (1) from groove (2).

Mark front propeller shaft (3) and rear propeller shaft (4) in one plane.

Installation note:

Make sure gaiter (1) is securely fitted in groove (2).

Fig 1: Marking Front Propeller Shaft And Rear Propeller Shaft In One Plane

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Pull apart propeller shaft.

Fig 2: Pulling Propeller Shaft

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Installation note:

If necessary, insert new clamping ring (1) into front propeller shaft (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Front Propeller Shaft With Clamping Ring

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Release gaiter (1) with screwdriver from groove (2) and pull off over longitudinal splines.

Installation note:

Apply a coating of grease to longitudinal splines on shaft.

Grease, refer to OPERATING FLUIDS .

Push gaiter (1) during installation into groove (2) and make sure it is firmly fitted.

Fig 4: Identifying Gaiter And Groove

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Observe markings and force front propeller shaft onto longitudinal splines (markings must be flush).

Install special tool 00 7 500 between center mount (1) and universal joint (2).

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tool (00 7 500)

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Using a hydraulic press, force center mount (1) off propeller shaft (2).

Fig 6: Pushing Center Mount Off Propeller Shaft Using Hydraulic Press

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Force new center bearing (1) onto propeller shaft. Collar (2) must point in direction of travel towards front propeller shaft. Drive center mount to limit position with special tool 33 1 020 .

Fig 7: Pushing Center Bearing Onto Propeller Shaft

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