31 51 010 Replacing radial seal for drive flange of front differential

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2017 BMW X3, 2016 BMW X3, 2015 BMW X3, 2014 BMW X3, and 2013 BMW X3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

23 0 020
31 5 130
33 1 150

Necessary preliminary work:

Remove REINFORCEMENT PLATE .
Remove FRONT PROPELLER SHAFT .

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

Lever out retainer (1) with a suitable tool.

Fig 1: Locating Retainer

G09849136

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Do not place special tool on threaded holes of drive flange.

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

Fig 2: Securing Drive Flange

G09849137

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Mount special tool only with longer screws (M10x30) on drive flange.

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

Fig 3: Pulling Drive Flange Drive Shaft

G09849138

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 4: Removing Radial Shaft Seal

G09849139

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Drive in radial shaft seal with special tool 31 5 130 as far as it will go.

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

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tool 31 5 130

G09849140

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Do not tighten nut beyond punch marks. Otherwise the clamping sleeve will be damaged.

Clean drive flange and attach.

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

Install new retainer (1).

Fig 6: Locating Retainer

G09849136

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Check FRONT AXLE GEARBOX OIL LEVEL , correct if necessary.