Completely remove and install the propeller shaft made of steel (inserted at the rear)

Special tools required: 

• 00 9 120
• 00 9 130
• 33 5 070
• 2 348 293

Replacement of the sunk nut on the rear axle differential is mandatory! 

The sunk nut already has a screw locking.

In order to avoid hardening during installation, the recessed nut must be screwed in an operation  within 5 min.

After the propeller shaft has been screwed into the rear axle differential (recessed nut), a minimum hardening time of two hours is  necessary.

The hardening time may be extended at lower temperatures!

Failure to comply with these instructions may cause serious damage!

Necessary preliminary work: 

• Remove rear UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
• Remove complete EXHAUST SYSTEM .
• Remove heat shields.

Removal: 

1. The flexible disc connection (1) on the front at the propeller shaft must  be marked in one plane with the flexible disc (2) and the three-bolt flange (3) before loosening.
2. During installation the three-bolt flange (3) must be forced back together again with the flexible disc (2) in the same position.

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Loosen screws.

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Slacken screws (1)

Using a suitable tool (2), secure propeller shaft at center universal joint against twisting.

Remove screws of center mount fully only after opening insert nut.

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Failure to comply with this instruction may result in serious damage to the rear axle final drive.

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Turning the recessed nut in counter-clockwise direction will automatically tighten the recessed nut further and significantly damage the bi-hexagonal flange nut.

If the insert collar of the flange nut was damaged, the propeller shaft can no longer  be secured using a new sunk nut and the rear axle differential must be replaced.

Loosen recessed nut clockwise with special tools  33 5 070 and 2 348 293.

Remove retaining clip (1) and gasket (2).

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Remove insert nut (1).

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Installation: 

Check centering. 

Replace damaged centering mount. 

Grease centering mount. Approved grease: refer to PROPELLER SHAFT - OPERATING FLUIDS .

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Before installing propeller shaft:

Clean insert collar (1) on flange nut and gearing on bevel pinion (2) of all residues and degrease!

Top up insert collar (1) with grease.

Approved grease: refer to PROPELLER SHAFT - OPERATING FLUIDS .

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Clean thread (1) of joint hub to remove adhesive residues.

Clean hub teeth (2), then coat with grease.

Approved grease: refer to PROPELLER SHAFT - OPERATING FLUIDS .

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Parts  : Replace gasket, sunk nut (1) and retaining clip (2).

Place insert nut (1) with seal in insert collar of flange nut.

Install retaining clamp (2).

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Installation sequence: 

1. Attach propeller shaft to transmission.
2. Attach propeller shaft to rear axle differential.
3. Attach center mount.

Screw-fastening sequence: 

1. Recessed nut.
2. Flexible disc to transmission.
3. Center mount.

• During installation the three-bolt flange (3) must be forced back together again with the flexible disc (2) on the marked plane.

Parts  : Replace ZNS screws and self-locking nuts.

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Mount new screws and nuts.

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Push on propeller shaft (1) up to the limit position on the recessed nut.

Screw recessed nut (2) min. 2 threads manually onto propeller shaft (1) and tighten.

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Using a suitable tool (1), secure propeller shaft at center universal joint against twisting.

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Failure to comply with this instruction may result in serious damage to the rear axle final drive.

Screw in recessed nut counter-clockwise  using special tools 33 5 070 and 2 348 293 (see direction of arrow in the illustration).

The sunk nut must be screwed into place within 5 minutes. 

Tightening torque 26 11 3AZ .

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A  - incorrectly screwed -→ thread start of propeller shaft must not be visible!

B  - correctly screwed →

Distance between recessed nut and propeller shaft: 0 to max. 4 mm 

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Brace mounting bolts of flexible disc on nut and tighten by screw.

Tightening torque 26 11 1AZ .

Secure angle of rotation special tool 00 9 120 with magnets 00 9 130 to vehicle underbody and screw down further according to angle of rotation.

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Tighten screws (1).

Tightening torque 26 11 5AZ .

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Required follow-up work: 

• Install heat shields.
• Completely install the EXHAUST SYSTEM .
• Install the rear UNDERBODY PROTECTION .