31 51 010 Replacing radial seal for drive flange of front axle differential

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW X6 and 2010 BMW X6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

23 0 020
31 5 130
33 1 150

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove REINFORCEMENT PLATE .
Remove front propeller shaft.

Mark position of nut with respect to shaft with punch marks (arrow).

Lever out lockplate (1) with a suitable tool.

Fig 1: Locating Lockplate

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Do not place special tool on threaded holes of drive flange.

Secure drive flange with special tool 23 0 020 against turning and release nut (1).

Fig 2: Securing Drive Flange With Special Tool (23 0 020)

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Mount special tool only with longer screws (M10x30) on drive flange.

Fig 3: Pulling Drive Flange Off Drive Shaft With Special Tool (33 1 150)

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Pull drive flange off drive shaft with special tool 33 1 150 .

Lever shaft seal (1) out of front axle differential with a suitable screwdriver (2).

Fig 4: Removing Shaft Seal From Front Axle Differential With Suitable Screwdriver

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Installation note:

Drive in shaft seal with special tool 31 5 130 up to limit position.

Coat sealing lips of new shaft seal (1) with front axle differential oil.

Fig 5: Driving Shaft Seal With Special Tool (31 5 130)

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Do not tighten nut beyond the punch marks or else the clamping sleeve will be damaged.

Clean drive flange and attach.

Tighten down nut until punch marks on nut and shaft are aligned.

Install new lockplate (1).

Fig 6: Locating Lockplate

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After installation:

Check FRONT AXLE GEARBOX OIL LEVEL , correct if necessary.