31 51 010 Replacing Radial Seal For Drive Flange Of Front Axle Differential

Special tools required: 

• 23 0 020
• 31 5 130
• 33 1 150

Necessary preliminary work: 

• Remove REINFORCEMENT PLATE .
• Remove front propeller shaft  . See 26 20 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT PROPELLER SHAFT (N52K, M57T2, N54) UP TO 04/2010 or 26 20 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT PROPELLER SHAFT AS OF 04/2010 .

Mark position of nut with respect to shaft with punch marks (arrow).

Lever out lockplate (1) with a suitable tool.

Fig 1: Lockplate And Punch Marks

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure drive flange with special tool 23 0 020 against turning and release nut (1).

Fig 2: Securing Drive Flange

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull drive flange off drive shaft with special tool 33 1 150 .

Fig 3: Pulling Drive Flange

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lever shaft seal (1) out of front axle differential with a suitable screwdriver (2).

Fig 4: Removing Shaft Seal Of Front Axle Differential

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note: 

Drive in shaft seal with special tool 31 5 130 up to limit position.

Coat sealing lips of new shaft seal (1) with front axle differential oil.

Fig 5: Special Tool 31 5 130

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Clean drive flange and attach.

Tighten down nut until punch marks on nut and shaft are aligned.

Install new lockplate (1).

Fig 6: Lockplate And Punch Marks

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation: 

• Check FRONT AXLE GEARBOX OIL LEVEL , correct if necessary.