Removal and installation the wheel drive shaft (BMW 3 Series E21)

Removal

Raise the rear of the vehicle and remove the Allen key bolts securing the wheel drive to the differential output shaft flange and to the wheel hub.

Note: When removing the wheel drive, do not disconnect the shock absorber, which is a downward travel limiter. Remember that the maximum angle of the drive joints is 18°.

Remove the wheel drive.

Replacing the protective covers of the wheel drive shaft joints

Remove the cover and take out the retaining ring.

Remove the protective cover clamp and press the shaft out of the joint.

Remove the hinge protective cover.

The installation of a new protective cover is carried out in the reverse order of removal, taking into account the following:

• when pressing the shaft into the joint, it is necessary to apply a force within the range of 100-500 kgf;
• install the ring with the convex part towards the hinge;
• fill the joint with a consistent lubricant such as Shell Retinax AM in the amount of 80 g;
• thoroughly wash and dry the supporting surface of the protective cover and apply a special glue to it;
• to make it easier to tighten the clamp, drill two holes with a diameter of 2 mm and insert round-nose pliers into them.

Installation

Installing the wheel drive shaft is done in the reverse order of removal. After installing the wheel drive shaft, lower the rear of the vehicle.