Replacing the radial shaft seal of the drive flange

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2025 BMW M4, 2024 BMW M4, 2023 BMW M4, 2022 BMW M4, and 2021 BMW M4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Vehicle may slip off the vehicle hoist if the vehicle hoist is handled incorrectly. Danger! Immobilization period-threatening injuries!

Observe safety instructions on raising the vehicle using a vehicle hoist.
For additional information see: 00... RAISE THE VEHICLE USING A VEHICLE LIFT .

Preliminary work

Refer to REMOVING THE CONNECTING SUPPORT FROM THE TUNNEL .
Refer to REMOVING EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING THE TANK COVER .
Refer to REMOVING THE LEFT THRUST FIELD .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR HEAT SHIELD .
Refer to RELEASING THE PROP SHAFT FROM THE REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL .
Refer to PREPARING THE SPECIAL TOOL .
Refer to REMOVING ADAPTER .

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Failure to comply with the regulations for installation or removal can lead to component damage. All work must be performed with vehicle care and in compliance with the regulations.

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!
Loosen the twelve-edge flange nut (1) using the special tools 0 495 552 (33 5 050) and 0 495 554 (335 070) in the arrow direction. Provide counter support to the bevel drive pinion using a 500-Nm torque wrench and a suitable special tool 0 495 553 (33 5060), 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.

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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 the radial shaft seal (1) with the special tool 0 490 466 (00 5 010).

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NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Different variants may be installed depending on the vehicle equipment.

Version A:
Coat the sealing lip of the new radial shaft seal (1) and the sealing surface on the transmission housing with rear differential fluid.

Drive in the radial shaft seal (1) with the special tool 0496 596 (33 0 150).

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Version B:
Coat the sealing lip of the new radial shaft seal (1) and the sealing surface on the transmission housing with rear differential fluid.

Drive in the radial shaft seal (1) with the special tool 0495 593 (33 5 080).

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Check the dust plate for damage and, if necessary, replace it.
Clean thread (1) of twelve-edge flange nut (2) with thread file (3).
The right thread pitch must be ensured!
Clean twelve-edge flange nut (2) thoroughly to remove grease residue and adhesive residue.

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Top up recessed collar (1) of the twelve-edge flange nut with grease.
Apply a thin layer of grease to the surface (2) of the twelve-edge flange nut.

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CONSUMABLE SPECIFICATION

Lubricating grease Optitemp HT 1 LF 50 g, Tube 83230417754
Coat the 5 rear threads (1) of the twelve-edge flange nut (2) with adhesive.

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ADHESIVE SPECIFICATION

Adhesive anaerobic Drei Bond 1385 50 g, Bottle 83190417376
Tighten the twelve-edge flange nut (1) until the mark aligns with the bevel drive pinion (2).
The twelve-edge flange nut (1) must not be tightened beyond the mark!

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replace the recessed nut (1), gasket and mounting clip (2).
Parts: Recessed nut, seal and mounting clip
Insert the recessed nut (1) with the seal into the recessed collar of the twelve-edge flange nut.
Install the mounting clip (2).

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Follow-up work

Refer to INSTALLING ADAPTER .
Refer to ADDING REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID .
Refer to SECURING THE PROPELLER SHAFT ON THE REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL .
Refer to INSTALLING THE REAR HEAT SHIELD .
Refer to INSTALLING THE LEFT THRUST FIELD .
Refer to INSTALLING TANK COVER .
Refer to INSTALLING EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Refer to INSTALLING THE CONNECTING SUPPORTS ON THE TUNNEL .