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Home >> BMW >> 2018 >> M4 2D Convertible, Automatic DCT Trans >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 98 (Propeller Shaft - Repair - E46) >> Center Support Bearing Assembly >> 26 12 011 Replacing grooved ball bearing in center mount of propeller shaft >> Special tools required:

Special tools required:

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Necessary preliminary tasks: 

NOTE: The propeller shaft is balanced. The front and rear propeller shafts must be reassembled in the same position.

Mark front propeller shaft (1) and rear propeller shaft (2) in one plane.

Fig 1: Marking Front Propeller Shaft & Rear Propeller Shaft In One Plane
G03123988Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull propeller shaft apart.

Fig 2: Pulling Propeller Shaft
G03123989Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove snap ring (1).

Fig 3: Removing Snap Ring
G03123990Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Install special tool 00 7 500 between center bearing (1) and universal joint (2).

Fig 4: Installing Special Tool 00 7 500 Between Center Bearing & Universal Joint
G03123991Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Using a hydraulic press, force center mount (1) off propeller shaft (2).

Fig 5: Forcing Center Mount Off Propeller Shaft Using Hydraulic Press
G03123992Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Using special tool 23 1 160, press deep-groove ball bearing out of center mount (1).

Fig 6: Pressing Deep-Groove Ball Bearing Out Of Center Mount Using Special Tool 23 1 160
G03123993Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Coat rubber-coated bearing seat of center mount (2) with Circolight.

Circolight, refer to BMW Parts Service.

Using special tool 33 3 202 / 33 3 203, press new deep-groove ball bearing (1) into center mount (2).

Fig 7: Pressing New Deep-Groove Ball Bearing Into Center Mount Using Special Tool 33 3 202 / 33 3 203
G03123994Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Force center mount (1) onto propeller shaft. Collar (2) must point to universal joint (3). Drive center mount firmly home with special tool 23 1 160.

Fig 8: Driving Center Mount Using Special Tool 23 1 160
G03123995Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Install new snap ring (1) with plate to mount.

Fig 9: Installing Snap Ring With Plate To Mount
G03123996Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Screw threaded ring (1) off propeller shaft. If necessary, use special tool 26 1 040 as an aid.

Fig 10: Screwing Threaded Ring Off Propeller Shaft Using Special Tool 26 1 040
G03123997Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, insert new clamping ring (1) in threaded ring (2).

Fig 11: Inserting Clamping Ring In Threaded Ring
G03123998Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Force threaded ring (1) onto shaft (2).

Grease longitudinal splines of shaft (2) uniformly.

Observe markings and force rear propeller shaft (3) onto shaft (2) (markings must be flush).

Screw down threaded ring (1) with propeller shaft (3) until hand tight.

Fig 12: Identifying Markings For Forcing Propeller Shaft
G03123999Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.