33 11 080 Replacing left drive flange on rear differential

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X3, 2009 BMW X3, 2008 BMW X3, and 2007 BMW X3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Risk of burning on the exhaust system!

IMPORTANT: When replacing the drive flange, you must also replace the shaft seal! See 33 11 140 Replacing shaft seal for left drive flange .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove output shaft from rear differential and tie back, see 33 21 001 Removing and installing / replacing left output shaft .

Drive out drive flange.

Installation:

Insert drive flange and rotate until spline on flange meshes with teeth on differential bevel gear.

Press drive flange in further until circlip locates with an audible click.

IMPORTANT: High installation forces indicate that the spline teeth on the drive flange/differential bevel gear are damaged/deformed!
Check spline teeth, replaced damaged parts.

Fig 1: Drive Flange

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Install retaining ring (1).

Installation:

Clean shaft seal race on drive flange thoroughly.

Coat drive flange at contact face of shaft seal with approved rear differential oil.

Fig 2: Retaining Ring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Replace shaft seal, see 33 11 140 Replacing shaft seal for left drive flange .

After installation:

Correct gearbox oil level/change differential oil, see 00 11 ... Checking/topping up oil level in rear differential .