BMW X3 Service & Repair Manual: Removing and installing universal joint propeller shaft (inserted) completely

Special tools required:

• 00 9 120
• 00 9 130
• 33 0 080
• 33 5 070

IMPORTANT: On four-wheel drive vehicles with defective, non-engaging drive, it is imperative that the following information is taken account of.

IMPORTANT: Replacement of the sunk nut on the rear axle final drive is absolutely required! The sunk nut already has a screw locking.

After the propeller shaft has been screwed into the rear axle final drive (sunk nut), a hardening time of at least 2 hours is absolutely necessary.

The hardening time may be extended at lower temperatures! Failure to comply with these instructions may cause serious damage!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

• Remove complete exhaust system.
• Remove heat shields.

IMPORTANT:

Adhere without fail to the installation and bolt-tightening sequence.

installation sequence:

1. Join propeller shaft to transmission
2. Join propeller shaft to rear axle final drive
3. Join center mount

Screw-fastening sequence:

1. Insert nut
2. Flexible disc to transmission
3. Center mount

IMPORTANT:

To avoid buzzing sound after refitting the propeller shaft:

1. The flexible disc connection (1) on the front at the propeller shaft must be marked in one plane with the flexible disc (2) and the three-bolt flange (3) before removal.
2. During installation the three-bolt flange (3) must be forced back together again with the flexible disc (2) in the same position.
3. Replace ZNS bolts and self-locking nuts.

Release screws.

Installation note:

• Replace ZNS bolts and self-locking nuts.

Installation note: Check centring mount.

If necessary, replace damaged CENTRING.

Grease centring mount.

Installation note: Tighten down screws/bolts to specified torque.

Secure angle of rotation special tool 00 9 120 with magnets 00 9 130 to vehicle underbody and screw down further according to angle of rotation.

Release screws (1).

Remove reinforcement plate (2).

Slacken screws (1) .

Using a suitable tool (2), secure propeller shaft at center universal joint against twisting.

Remove screws of center mount fully only after opening insert nut.

IMPORTANT: The bi-hexagonal flange nut must not be used for bracing.

Failure to comply with this instruction may result in serious damage to the rear axle final drive.

IMPORTANT: The sunk nut must be opened against direction of travel in clockwise direction.

If an attempt is made to open the sunk nut in direction of travel in clockwise direction, the sunk nut is automatically screwed in further and the insert collar of the 12-edge flange nut is severely damaged.

If the insert collar of the flange nut was damaged, the propeller shaft can no longer be secured using a new sunk nut and the rear axle differential must be replaced.

Release insert nut against direction of travel in clockwise direction with special tool 33 0 080 and 33 5 070 .

Remove retaining clip (1) and gasket (2).

Installation note: Retaining clip and gasket must be replaced.

Remove insert nut (1).

Installation note: Insert nut must be replaced.

The sunk nut is equipped with a screw locking.

Prior to the first journey, a minimum hardening time of 2 hours must be complied with.

Failure to comply with these instructions may cause serious damage! Before installing propeller shaft: Clean insert collar (1) on flange nut and gearing on bevel pinion (2).

Fill insert collar (1) with grease.

Clean thread (1) of joint hub to remove adhesive residues.

Clean hub teeth (2), then coat with grease.

IMPORTANT: Thread of joint hub must not be fouled with grease.

Place flange nut (1) with gasket in insert collar of flange nut.

Install retaining clip (2).

IMPORTANT:

Adhere without fail to the installation and bolt-tightening sequence.

Installation sequence:

1. Join propeller shaft to transmission.
2. Join propeller shaft to rear axle final drive.
3. Join center mount.

Screw-fastening sequence:

1. Insert nut.
2. Flexible disc to transmission.
3. Center mount.

IMPORTANT: The bi-hexagonal flange nut (2) must not be used for bracing.

Failure to comply with this instruction may result in serious damage to the rear axle final drive.

Insert nut must be screwed into place within 5 min .

Slide output shaft (1) to the limit position onto insert nut and secure.

Secure output shaft at center universal joint against turning with a mounting lever.