31 60 535 Replacing two gaiters on output shaft(s) (output shaft(s) removed)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 18 other vehicles, including the 2015 BMW Alpina B7L xDrive, 2015 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive, 2015 BMW 750i xDrive, 2015 BMW 750Li xDrive, and 2015 BMW 740Li xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Grip output shaft (1) in vice with aluminium clamping jaws.

NOTE:

2 = Joint, wheel side

3 = Joint, transmission side

Fig 1: Fitting Output Shaft In Vice With Aluminium Clamping Jaws

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Replacing gaiter of joint on wheel side:

Release LOW PROFILE CLIP (1) and clip (2).

Pull back rubber gaiter (3).

Installation note:

Feed gaiter (3) into groove of joint.

Fig 2: Pulling Back Rubber Gaiter

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Press off joint (1) via contact pressure of circlip on shaft (2).

Installation note:

Replace circlip.

Push on joint until circlip can be heard to snap into place.

Fig 3: Identifying Circlip Joint And Shaft

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Lift out circlip (1).

Installation note:

Install retaining ring (1).

Fig 4: Identifying Circlip

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Pull off gaiter (1) over shaft (2).

Carefully clean all components with a cloth.

NOTE: Re-grease constant velocity joint with the grease from the repair kit.

Fig 5: Pulling Off Gaiter From Shaft

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Replacing gaiter of joint on gearbox side:

Release band clamps (1, 2).

Pull back rubber gaiter (3).

Detach joint housing (4).

Installation note:

Feed gaiter (3) into groove of joint housing (4).

Align band clamp (1) so that hook fastener is as at flat end of joint housing (4).

Fig 6: Disconnecting Joint Housing

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Remove circlip (1).

Installation note:

Install retaining ring (1).

Detach tripod element (2) from shaft (3).

Pull off gaiter over shaft (3).

Carefully clean all components with a cloth.

Fig 7: Identifying Circlip, Tripod Element And Shaft

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Installation note:

Flat side (2) of tripod element (1) must point to circlip.

NOTE: Re-grease constant velocity joint (tripod element) with the grease from the repair kit.

Fig 8: Identifying Tripod Element With Flat Side

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