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

Necessary preliminary work:

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: Securing Output Shaft

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Installing the output shaft:

Check gaiter and replace if necessary.
Replace output shaft circlip (1).
Replace 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 Circlip And Contact Surface
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 Radial Shaft Seal Lips And Protective Ring

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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.

Fig 4: Identifying Assembly Protection Ring Lug

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Pull out assembly protection ring at lug (1) until one of the two predetermined breaking points gives.

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.

Fig 5: Identifying Spur Gearing Of Bearing And Output Shaft Installed Position
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
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 .