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

Special tools required: 

• 23 0 020
• 31 5 130
• 33 1 150

Necessary preliminary work: 

• Remove STIFFENING PLATE .
• Remove FRONT PROPELLER SHAFT .
• Vehicles with N63 only:

  REMOVE FRONT AXLE DIFFERENTIAL .

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

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

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

Fig 3: Pulling Drive Flange

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

Fig 4: Removing Shaft Seal

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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: Installing Shaft Seal Using Special Tool (31 5 130)

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Clean drive flange and attach.

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

Fig 6: Locating Lockplate

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Install new lockplate (1).

After installation: 

• Check FRONT AXLE GEARBOX OIL LEVEL , correct if necessary.