BMW 7 Series: Replacing Complete Propeller Shaft Center Bearing

Necessary preliminary work

• Remove PROPELLER SHAFT.

NOTE: The propeller shaft is balanced.

The front and rear propeller shafts must be reassembled in the same position.

Detach gaiter (1) from groove (2).

Mark front propeller shaft (3) and rear propeller shaft (4) in one plane.

Installation note: Make sure gaiter (1) is securely fitted in groove (2).

Fig. 38: Marking Front Propeller Shaft And Rear Propeller Shaft In One Plane

Pull apart propeller shaft.

Fig. 39: Pulling Propeller Shaft Apart

Installation note: If necessary, insert new clamping ring (1) into front propeller shaft (2).

Fig. 40: Identifying Front Propeller Shaft With Clamping Ring

Release gaiter (1) with screwdriver from groove (2) and pull off over longitudinal splines.

Installation note: Apply a coating of grease to longitudinal splines on shaft.

Push gaiter (1) during installation into groove (2) and make sure it is firmly fitted.

Observe markings and force front propeller shaft onto longitudinal splines (markings must be flush).

Fig. 41: Identifying Gaiter And Groove

Install special tool 00 7 500 between center mount (1) and universal joint (2).

Fig. 42: Installing Special Tool (00 7 500) Between Centre Mount And Universal Joint

Using a hydraulic press, force center mount (1) off propeller shaft (2).

Fig. 43: Forcing Centre Mount Off Propeller Shaft Using Hydraulic Press

Force new center mount (1) onto propeller shaft. Collar (2) must point in direction of travel towards front propeller shaft. Drive center mount to limit position with special tool 33 1 020.

Fig. 44: Forcing Centre Mount Onto Propeller Shaft Collar Using Special Tool (33 1 020)

REPLACING GROOVED BALL BEARING IN PROPELLER SHAFT CENTER BEARING

Necessary preliminary work

• Replace PROPELLER SHAFT CENTRE BEARING

Press grooved ball bearing using special tool 23 1 160 out of center mount (1).

NOTE: Illustration shows E46.

Fig. 45: Pressing Grooved Ball Bearing Using Special Tool (23 1 160)

Coat rubber-coated bearing seat of center mount (2) with Circolight.

Circolight, refer to BMW Parts Department.

Use special tools 33 3 202/33 3 203 to press grooved ball bearing (1) into center mount (2).

NOTE: Illustration shows E46.

Fig. 46: Pressing Deep Groove Ball Bearing Into Centre Mount Using Special Tools (33 3 202/33 3 203)

Propeller Shaft - Tightening Torques

PROPELLER SHAFT COMPLETE

TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATION - PROPELLER SHAFT

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