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 21 other vehicles, including the 2017 BMW 550i GT xDrive, 2017 BMW 535i GT xDrive, 2017 BMW 535i GT, 2016 BMW 550i GT xDrive, and 2016 BMW 535i GT 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: Clamping Output Shaft In Vice

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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 Joint And Shaft

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Lift out circlip (1).

Installation note:

Install circlip (1).

Fig 4: Identifying Retaining Ring

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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 Over 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: Replacing Gaiter Of Joint On Gearbox Side

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Remove circlip (1).

Installation note:

Install circlip (1).

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

Pull off gaiter over shaft (3).

Carefully clean all components with a cloth.

Fig 7: Identifying Tripod Element, Shaft, And Circlip

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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 Flat Side Of Tripod Element

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