26 11 000 Removing and installing complete propeller shaft (inserted - flexible disc at rear) (N20)

Special tools required: 

• 00 9 120
• 00 9 130
• 33 5 070
• 33 0 080

The propeller shaft may only  be released at the sunk nut at the rear.

The sunk nut must be opened against direction of travel in clockwise direction  .

Replacement of the sunk nut on the rear axle differential is mandatory! 

The sunk nut already has a screw locking.

After the propeller shaft has been screwed into the rear axle final drive (sunk nut), a hardening time of at least 2 hours  is absolutely necessary.

The hardening time may be extended at lower temperatures!

Failure to comply with these instructions may cause serious damage!

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove rear underbody protection.
• Remove COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM .
• Remove heat shields.

Fig 1: Identifying Flexible Disc Connection And Bolt Flange

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Release screws.

Installation note: 

• Replace ZNS bolts and self-locking nuts.
• Grip mounting bolts of flexible disc at nuts and tighten down by way of bolts.
  Fig 2: Locating ZNS Bolts

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Installation note: 

Check centering mount.

If necessary, replace damaged CENTER BEARING .

Grease centering mount.

• Grease: refer to OPERATING FLUIDS .
  Fig 3: Locating Front Centering Bearing

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Installation note: 

Tighten down screws/bolts to specified torque.

Secure angle of rotation special tool 00 9 120 with magnets 00 9 130 to vehicle underbody and screw down further according to angle of rotation.

Tightening torque 26 11 1AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tools (00 9 120) (00 9 130)

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Slacken screws (1)

Tightening torque 26 11 5AZ .

Using a suitable tool (2), secure output shaft at center universal joint against turning.

Remove screws of center mount fully only after opening insert nut.

Fig 5: Securing Propeller Shaft Using Suitable Tool

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IMPORTANT: The sunk nut must be opened against direction of travel in clockwise direction  .

Fig 6: Releasing Nut Using Tool

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If an attempt is made to open the sunk nut in direction of travel in clockwise direction, the sunk nut is automatically screwed in further and the insert collar of the 12-edge flange nut is severely damaged.
If the insert collar of the flange nut was damaged, the propeller shaft can no longer  be secured using a new sunk nut and the rear axle differential must be replaced.

Release insert nut against direction of travel in clockwise direction  with special tool 33 5 070 and 33 0 080 .

Tightening torque 26 11 6AZ .

Remove retaining clip (1) and gasket (2).

Installation note: 

Retaining clip and gasket must be replaced.

Fig 7: Identifying Retaining Clip And Gasket

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Remove insert nut (1).

Installation note: 

Insert nut must be replaced.

The sunk nut is equipped with a screw locking.

Prior to the first journey, a minimum hardening time of 2 hours  must be complied with.

Failure to comply with these instructions may cause serious damage!

Fig 8: Identifying Propeller Shaft Nut

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Before installing propeller shaft:

Clean insert collar (1) on flange nut and gearing on bevel pinion (2).

Fill insert collar (1) with grease.

Grease: refer to OPERATING FLUIDS .

Fig 9: Identifying Collar And Bevel Pinion

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Clean thread (1) of joint hub to remove adhesive residues.

Clean hub teeth (2), then coat with grease.

Grease: refer to OPERATING FLUIDS .

Fig 10: Identifying Hub Teeth And Thread

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Place flange nut (1) with gasket in insert collar of flange nut.

Install retaining clip (2).

Fig 11: Identifying Flange Nut And Retaining Clip

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Fig 12: Sliding Output Shaft

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