Removing and installing/replacing left or right output shaft

Special tools required: 

• 33 5 126
• 33 5 120
• 33 5 122
• 33 5 127

The RADIAL SHAFT SEAL FOR THE OUTPUT SHAFT  should be replaced every time the output shaft is removed and installed.

Observe SAFETY INFORMATIONS for raising the vehicle

Necessary preliminary work: 

• Remove REAR WHEEL .
• Remove EXHAUST SYSTEM .

Removal: 

Activate parking brake

Unfasten collar nut (1).

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• RELEASE THE ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK  on the wheel carrier.
• Tension the COIL SPRING .
• Loosen FRONT BOTTOM WISHBONE ON WHEEL CARRIER .
• Loosen LOWER REAR WISHBONE ON REAR AXLE SUPPORT .
• Loosen SHOCK ABSORBER  on camber arm.
• Loosen CAMBER ARM ON WHEEL CARRIER .

Loosen Bowden cable (1) for parking brake from holder (2).

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• Press OUTPUT SHAFT  out of drive flange.

Special tool 33 5 126 must be inserted in the circular slot (1) of the output shaft!

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Use special tool 33 5 120 with shaped element 33 5 126 to jolt the left output shaft out of the rear axle differential.

The thrust piece of the bolt 33 5 122 positioned against the rear axle final drive unit (see arrow in illustration).

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Remove output shaft.

Installation: 

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

Coat contact surface (2) of output shaft with approved differential oil: BMW rear differential fluid MSP/A  , BMW part number 83 22 2 365 988

Before the output shaft is installed, always replace the circlip (1) in the rear axle differential.

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• Replace RADIAL SHAFT SEAL FOR THE OUTPUT SHAFT .

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Insert the output shaft in the rear axle differential, till the gearing of the output shaft meshes in the rear axle differential.

Pull off assembly protection (2) towards the bottom.

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Special tool 33 5 127 must be fitted in all-round slot on output shaft.

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Drive output shaft with special tool 33 5 127 and a rubber mallet into rear axle differential.

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• Draw OUTPUT SHAFT  into drive flange.

Secure Bowden cable (1) for parking brake on holder (2).

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• Secure REAR BOTTOM WISHBONE ON WHEEL CARRIER .
• FIX THE BOTTOM WISHBONE BEHIND THE REAR AXLE SUPPORT .
• Secure CAMBER CONTROL ARM ON WHEEL CARRIER .
• Securing the SHOCK ABSORBER  on the camber control arm
• Relieve tension on COIL SPRING .
• FIX THE ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK  on the wheel carrier.

Activate parking brake

Part  : Replace collar nut.

Tighten collar nut (1).

Tightening torque 33 41 1AZ .

Secure collar nut (1) by positive peening at flat areas of output shaft.

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Required follow-up work: 

• Check rear axle differential OIL LEVEL , correct if necessary.
• Install EXHAUST SYSTEM .
• Install REAR WHEEL .
• Carry out wheel alignment procedure. Refer to CARRY OUT KINEMATICS DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM WHEEL ALIGNMENT WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or KINEMATICS DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM WHEEL ALIGNMENT WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOADING THE VEHICLE .