33 11 021 Replacing radial shaft seal for drive flange on rear axle final drive

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 50 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW M5, 2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, 2016 BMW 550i xDrive, 2016 BMW 550i, and 2016 BMW 535i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

23 0 020
11 8 310
00 5 010
2 298 610
00 5 500
33 3 480
33 3 490

IMPORTANT: Use only approved gearbox oils. Refer to OPERATING FLUIDS .
Failure to comply with this instruction will result in serious damage to the rear axle final drive!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Remove heat shields.
Partially remove PROPELLER SHAFT .
- Disconnect propeller shaft at rear axle differential.
- Release center mount.
- Tie up propeller shaft to underbody.
  IMPORTANT: Bending the propeller shaft by an excessive angle can cause premature damage to the joint/propeller shaft!

Lift out lockplate (1).

Installation note:

Renew lockplate (1).

Mark position of collar nut (2) on drive shaft with center punch.

Fig 1: Identifying Collar Nut And Lockplate

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Counter support drive flange with special tool 23 0 020 .

Unscrew collar nut.

Fig 2: Supporting Drive Flange

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Release flange with special tool 11 8 310.

Fig 3: Removing Drive Flange

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Pull out radial shaft seal with special tool 00 5 010.

Fig 4: Pulling Out Radial Shaft Seal

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Coat sealing lips of new radial shaft seal and sealing surface of bevel pinion with final drive oil.

Drive in radial shaft seal with special tool 2 298 610 .

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tool (2 298 610)

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Clean drive flange and connect.

If necessary, carefully strike drive flange with plastic hammer until collar nut can be fitted in position.

Tighten down collar nut (2) to point where marker points are aligned.

IMPORTANT: Do not tighten collar nut beyond the marker points under any conditions, as this would damage the clamping sleeve and the rear axle differential would have to be renewed.

Knock in new lockplate (1) with special tool 00 5 500 and 33 3 480 or 33 3 490.

Fig 6: Identifying Collar Nut And Lockplate

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After installation:

Check FINAL DRIVE OIL LEVEL , correct if necessary.