Installing the output shaft

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NOTE: Description is for left component only. Procedure on the right side is identical.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
It is essential to replace the circlip of the output shaft.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Extreme force being required during installation is an indication that the component is damaged or deformed. Check component and replace if necessary.

Check the gearing of the output shaft for damage and replace damaged parts if necessary.
Check the bellows for damage and replace damaged parts if necessary.
If reusing the output shaft:

Replace the circlip (1).

Parts: Circlip
Coat the contact surfaces (2) using approved rear differential fluid.

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NOTE: The figure shows the procedure for the front axle differential. The procedure for the bearing bracket is identical.

Fold open the assembly protection ring (1).

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Turn swivel bearing (1) outwards.
Feed the output shaft (2) with the joint at the transmission end in the arrow direction into the front axle differential or the bearing bracket.
Do not allow the output shaft (2) to engage into the front axle differential or the bearing block!

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Pull on the tab of the installation protection ring (1) until one of the two predetermined breaking points breaks.
Pull out and dispose of the installation protection ring (1).
Push the output shaft (2) in a jerky manner into the front axle differential up to the stop or the bearing bracket.
The output shaft (2) must snap in noticeably and audibly.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Follow-up work

Refer to SECURING THE WISHBONE AT THE SWIVEL BEARING .
Refer to TOPPING UP/CHECKING FRONT AXLE DIFFERENTIAL OIL .
Refer to INSTALLING THE STIFFENING PLATE .
Refer to INSTALLING THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT UNDERSHIELD .
Refer to INSTALLING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Refer to INSTALLING THE FRONT SPOILER .
Refer to FASTENING FRONT BRAKE CALIPER .
Refer to FASTENING THE OUTPUT SHAFT ON THE WHEEL BEARING .
Refer to INSTALLING THE COVER OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY .
Refer to ATTACHING THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL .