26 12 011 Replacing grooved ball bearing in center mount of propeller shaft

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 16 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW 325Ci, 2005 BMW 325xi, 2005 BMW 325i, 2005 BMW 325Ci, and 2004 BMW 325xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Tools Required:

NOTE: For special tools, refer to PROPELLER SHAFT - SPECIAL TOOLS - 325i, 325Ci, 325xi (M54/E46) .

00 7 500
23 1 160
26 1 040
33 3 202
33 3 203

Necessary Preliminary Tasks:

Remove propeller shaft, refer to 26 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING PROPELLER SHAFT (CARDAN UNIVERSAL JOINT) COMPLETELY .

NOTE: The propeller shaft is balanced. The front and rear propeller shafts must be reassembled in the same position.

Mark front propeller shaft (1) and rear propeller shaft (2) in one plane.

Fig 1: Marking Front Propeller Shaft And Rear Propeller Shaft In One Plane

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Pull propeller shaft apart.

Fig 2: Pulling Propeller Shaft Apart

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Remove snap ring (1).

Fig 3: Removing Snap Ring

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Install special tool 00 7 500 between center bearing (1) and universal joint (2).

Fig 4: Installing Special Tool 00 7 500

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Using a hydraulic press, force center mount (1) off propeller shaft (2).

Fig 5: Using Hydraulic Press, Force Center Mount Off Propeller Shaft

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Using special tool 23 1 160, press deep-groove ball bearing out of center mount (1).

Fig 6: Using Special Tool 23 1 160

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Coat rubber-coated bearing seat of center mount (2) with Circolight.

Using special tool 33 3 202/33 3 203, press new deep-groove ball bearing (1) into center mount (2).

Fig 7: Using Special Tool 33 3 202/33 3 203

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Force center mount (1) onto propeller shaft. Collar (2) must point to universal joint (3). Drive center mount firmly home with special tool 23 1 160.

Fig 8: Forcing Center Mount Onto Propeller Shaft

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Install new snap ring (1) with plate to mount.

Fig 9: Installing Snap Ring With Plate To Mount

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Screw threaded ring (1) off propeller shaft. If necessary, use special tool 26 1 040 as an aid.

Fig 10: Screwing Threaded Ring Off Propeller Shaft

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If necessary, insert new clamping ring (1) in threaded ring (2).

Fig 11: Inserting Clamping Ring

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Force threaded ring (1) onto shaft (2).

Grease longitudinal splines of shaft (2) uniformly.

Observe markings and force rear propeller shaft (3) onto shaft (2) (markings must be flush).

Screw down threaded ring (1) with propeller shaft (3) until hand-tight.

Fig 12: Identifying Screw Ring

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