Removing the radial shaft seal of the drive flange

WARNING: Hot surfaces .
Risk of burning!

Perform all work only on components that have cooled down.

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Damage to rear differential .
Failure to comply with the oil specifications can result in serious damage to the rear differential .

After completion of repair work, check the oil level in the rear differential.
Use only the approved final drive oil.

Preliminary work

Refer to REMOVING THE UNDERBODY PLANKING OF THE TRANSMISSION ON THE SIDE .
Refer to REMOVING TANK COVER ON LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING CENTER STIFFENING PLATE .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR DIFFUSER .
Refer to IF INSTALLED: REMOVING THE REAR AXLE COVER .
Refer to REMOVING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING THE HEAT SHIELD AT THE REAR .
Refer to RELEASING THE PROP SHAFT FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL .

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Failure to comply with the specification .
Component damage .

All specifications must be observed and complied with.

Release retaining ring (2).
Remove recessed nut (1) with the seal.

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Mark the position of twelve-edge flange nut (1) for bevel drive pinion (2).

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Heat twelve-edge flange nut (1) using a hot air blower.
Do not heat more than required to open twelve-edge flange nut (1)! Do not use open flames for heating!
Release twelve-edge flange nut (1) in the arrow direction using special tools 0 495 552 (33 5 050) and 0 495 554 (33 5 070) . Grip the bevel drive pinion using a 500 Nm torque wrench and suitable special tool 0 495 553 (33 5 060), 0 495 595 (33 5 090) or 2 456 244 .
To prevent damage to the interior function elements, it is mandatory to set the torque wrench to the highest scale value (500 Nm) because the twelve-edge flange nut (1) has a very high release torque.
Cut a small hole in a cloth (1).
Slide cloth (1) over bevel drive pinion (2).

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Use thread file (1) to remove the adhesive residue.
The right thread pitch must be ensured!

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Set thread file (1) on the thread of bevel drive pinion (2).
Clean the thread by turning a rear wheel and remove the adhesive residue thoroughly.

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Remove cloth (1) from bevel drive pinion (2).

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Pull out radial shaft seal (1) using special tool 0 490 466 (00 5 010) .

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