Replacing the radial shaft seal for the output shaft on the rear axle differential, left or right

Special tools required: 

• 33 5 200 
• 33 5 206 
• 33 5 120 
• 2 360 787 
• 2 240 465 
• 0 496 862 
• 33 5 124 
• 33 5 122 
• 00 5 010 
• 33 1 308 
• 33 4 320 
• 00 5 500 
• 33 5 130 
• 33 5 140 
• 2 360 944 
• 2 240 464 
• 2 406 774 
• 33 5 125 

Necessary preliminary work: 

• Remove VIBRATION ABSORBER  at screw connection of rear of rear axle differential.
• If necessary, remove rear TENSION STRUTS .
• Remove PROPELLER SHAFT FROM REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL .
  • Disconnect propeller shaft at rear axle differential.
  • Release center mount.
  • Tie up propeller shaft to underbody.

Attention: 

Bending the propeller shaft by an excessive angle can cause premature damage to the joint/propeller shaft! 

Place special tool 33 5 200  onto the universal jack.

Support rear axle differential with the special tool 33 5 200. 

Lash rear axle differential with tensioning strap 33 5 206  to the special tool 33 5 200. 

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Press left or right output shaft out of the rear axle differential with an abrupt movement using the set of special tools 33 5 120  and the appropriate special tool 2 360 787, 2 240 465, 0 496 862 or 33 5 124. 

The thrust piece of the screw 33 5 122  must be in contact with the rear axle differential.

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Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 33 17 1AZ .

Installation note: 

Adhere to the assembly sequence at the end of this procedure in order to prevent distortion of the rear axle differential during installation and thereby avoid potential complaints about noise.

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Release nut (1) and push screw towards rear to the limit position. Tightening torque 33 17 2AZ .

Installation note: 

Replace nut.

Adhere to the assembly sequence at the end of this procedure in order to prevent distortion of the rear axle differential during installation and thereby avoid potential complaints about noise.

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Lower rear axle final drive with special tool 33 5 200. 

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Press up (tip) rear axle differential on the side opposite the output shaft to be removed.

Feed out the left or right output shaft downwards and tie up.

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Pictured in removed rate:

Pull out the radial shaft seal with the special tools 00 5 010  and 33 1 308. 

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pictured in removed rate:

Find the right special tool 33 4 320 (with 00 5 500), 33 5 130 or 335 140! 

Depending on rear axle differential, the special tools of this or the next graphic are to be used.

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Coat housing sheet metal flange and sealing lips of new radial shaft seal with approved FINAL DRIVE OIL .

Drive new radial shaft seal to limit position with special tools 00 5 500  and 33 4 320. 

Coat housing sheet metal flange and sealing lips of new radial shaft seal with approved FINAL DRIVE OIL .

Drive new shaft sealing ring with the following special tools 33 5 130  or 33 5 140  to the limit position.

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Installation note: 

Check gearing and replace components if damaged.

Check dust plate (1) for damage, replace if necessary. Replace circlip (2).

Coat highlighted contact surface (3) of output shaft with approved FINAL DRIVE OIL .

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Installation note: 

Insert left or right output shaft into rear axle final drive unit.

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

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Installation note: 

Drive left or right output shaft into the rear axle differential using suitable special tool 2 360 944, 2 240 464  , 2 406 774  or 33 5 125  and a rubber mallet.

The output shaft must audibly snap in place on the rear axle differential.

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Installation note: 

Assembly sequence: 

1. Position rear axle differential with universal jack and special tool 33 5 200  on the rear axle support.
2. Insert screws (1) (do not tighten).
3. Insert bolt from rear and replace nut (2) (do not tighten down).
4. Release tensioning strap, release special tool 33 5 200  and put it away.
5. Tighten screws (1).

   Tightening torque 33 17 1AZ .

6. Tighten nut (2).

   Tightening torque 33 17 2AZ .

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After installation: 

• Check OIL LEVEL , correct if necessary.