Replacing gaiter of transmission-side joint

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5 M, 2012 BMW X5 M, 2011 BMW X5 M, and 2010 BMW X5 M. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 1: Detaching Joint Housing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove circlip (1).

Installation note:

Replace circlip (1).

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

Pull off gaiter over shaft (3).

Carefully clean all components with a cloth.

Fig 2: Identifying Circlip, Tripod Element And Shaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 3: Identifying Flat Side Of Tripod Element

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.