Replacing radial shaft seal for drive flange of rear axle differential (AWD)

Special tools required: 

• 23 0 020
• 11 8 720
• 00 5 010
• 2 408 149
• 2 413 037

Attention! 

Risk of damage! 

Failure to comply with the oil specifications will result in severe damage to the hang-on clutch  !

• Only use the approved oil (see applicable BMW Electronic Parts Catalog) for the hang-on clutch
• The oil to be filled must have min. room temperature (higher than 18°)
• Maintain the exact OIL CAPACITY

Attention! 

Risk of damage! 

Failure to comply with the oil filling/emptying will result in severe damage to the hang-on clutch! 

• To ensure correct oil filling of the hang-on clutch, the oil circuit of the hang-on clutch must be completely emptied before filling (remove the hang-on clutch and swivel the transmission down).
• To ensure correct oil filling of the hang-on clutch, the transmission must always be swiveled down, even when the oil is being filled.
• The oil filler plug on the reservoir cap is not a fill level control plug!

Preliminary work needed: 

• Completely remove EXHAUST SYSTEM .
• Remove the heat shield
• Remove and tie back the PROP SHAFT on the rear axle differential

Removal: 

Counter support the three-hole flange (1) using special tool 23 0 020.

Release the nut using special tool 11 8 720.

Remove the three-bolt flange (1).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull out radial shaft seal (1) using special tool 00 5 010.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Replace radial shaft seal at front.

Parts  : Radial shaft seal

Coat the housing flange and the sealing lips of the radial shaft seal lightly with oil.

Strike the radial shaft seal using special tool 2 408 149 and 2 413 037.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace the three-bolt flange (1).

Parts  : Three-hole flange

Position the three-bolt flange (1).

Replace nut.

Parts  : Nut

Counter support the three-hole flange (1) using special tool 23 0 020.

Tighten the nut using special tool 11 8 720.

Tightening torque 33 10 4AZ .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Required follow-up work: 

• Install the HANG-ON CLUTCH , empty it completely, install it and refill it with oil.
• Install the heat shield
• Fit the PROP SHAFT on the rear axle differential
• Completely install the EXHAUST SYSTEM .
• Carry out the hang-on clutch oil bleeding procedure

  Service function -> Drivetrain > Longitudinal torque distribution -> Bleeding

  Waiting period of 60 seconds

  Carry out the service function "bleeding procedure" again