Drive Axle Shafts & Seal (Front, All Wheel Drive Vehicles): Removal
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 120 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW M3, 2006 BMW 330Ci, 2006 BMW 325Ci, 2005 BMW M3, and 2005 BMW 330xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Remove engine underguard at front, middle and rear. Remove right heat shield from front axle support.
- Raise and properly support front of vehicle and remove front wheel.
- Remove ABS pulse sensor and detach ride level sensor on control arm. See WHEEL PULSE (SPEED) SENSOR -- FRONT (2WD) .
- Detach brake hose from mounting. Do not detach from caliper. Remove brake caliper housing with linings and tie back.
- Unfasten stabilizer link from stabilizer. See STABILIZER BAR .
- Remove collar nut on axle shaft. See Fig 1.
- Using special tool (33 2 111/116/117) press axle shaft out of drive flange. See Fig 2.
- Detach control arm at front and rear from front axle support. See CONTROL ARM .
- Tilt swivel bearing to one side.
- Press axle shaft with special tool (31 1 170) out of front axle differential and remove. See Fig 3.
- Using a screwdriver (2), pry radial seal (1) out of front axle differential housing (3) or bearing pedestal. See Fig 4.