31 60 003 Removing and installing/replacing left output shaft

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:

31 4 170

Remove FRONT WHEEL .

IMPORTANT: Expand anti-twist lock sufficiently to avoid damaging thread when releasing collar nut.

Release collar nut (1), press brake pedal to floor for this purpose.

Fig 1: Identifying Collar Nut

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Remove LEFT MICROFILTER HOUSING COVER

IMPORTANT: Use special tool to avoid preliminary damage to ball joint in upper control arm.

Press plugs out of spring strut dome.

Secure swivel bearing (1) with special tool 31 4 170 in installation position.

Fig 2: Securing Swivel Bearing On Left And Right With Special Tool (31 4 170)

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Remove REINFORCEMENT PLATE .

Remove steering gear cover at top and bottom. See TOP LEFT COVER , TOP RIGHT COVER , and BOTTOM LEFT OR RIGHT COVER .

Remove LOWER CONTROL ARM FRONT SPRING STRUT HOLDER AND FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .

Press OUTPUT SHAFT OUT OF DRIVE FLANGE .

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Tape off output shaft and secure against falling off.
When removing output shaft, make sure that tripod does not fall into gaiter.

Turn steering wheel to right.

Press swivel bearing slightly to one side and remove output shaft from wheel bearing.

Use two tire levers on both sides to push the drive shaft out of the front axle differential. Remove drive shaft from between suspension strut mounting and control arm

Fig 3: Identifying Mounting Levers

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Installing output shaft:

Replace SHAFT SEAL in front differential.

Check FRONT AXLE GEARBOX OIL LEVEL , correct if necessary.

IMPORTANT: High installation forces indicate that the output shaft spline teeth are damaged or deformed!

Check splines and replaced parts if damaged.

Install retaining ring (1).

Coat highlighted contact surface (2) of output shaft with APPROVED FRONT AXLE OIL .

Fig 4: Identifying Retaining Ring And Highlighted Contact Surface

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IMPORTANT: When installing output shaft, make sure that tripod does not fall into gaiter.

Press swivel bearing slightly to one side and insert output shaft into front differential.

Pull out assembly protection ring at lug (1) until one of the two predetermined breaking points gives.

Slide output shaft to the limit position into front axle differential. Output shaft must snap audibly into place.

Fig 5: Identifying Lug

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Press swivel bearing slightly to one side and insert output shaft into wheel bearing.

Move steering to straight-ahead position.

Fig 6: Identifying Mounting Levers

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Draw output shaft into drive flange.

Install LOWER CONTROL ARM .

Remove steering gear cover at top and bottom. See TOP LEFT COVER , TOP RIGHT COVER , and BOTTOM LEFT OR RIGHT COVER .

Install REINFORCEMENT PLATE .

Remove special tool 31 4 170 for swivel bearing (1).

Use plugs from spring strut dome.

Install LEFT MICROFILTER HOUSING COVER .

Fig 7: Removing Special Tool (31 4 170) For Swivel Bearing

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Replace collar nut (1), oil collar nut/wheel bearing contact surface only and tighten down.

No oil permitted on thread of shaft journal or collar nut.

Tightening torque 31 21 2AZ .

Secure collar nut by positive peening on flat areas of output shaft.

Install FRONT WHEEL .

Fig 8: Locating Collar Nut

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After installation:

Perform chassis alignment check. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD .

Replacement only:

With BMW Diagnosis and Information System under:
- Control unit functions
  Perform function check of transfer box (calibration)