Replacing the corrugated axle shaft cover (BMW 3 Series E30)

Removal

Remove the axle shaft.



Press down the sealing cap.



Use pliers to cut off the tightening straps of the corrugated cover.

Remove the retaining ring.

Squeeze the cap of the corrugated cover.

Press the axle shaft out of the constant velocity joint. The ball hub should rest against the thrust plate.

Check the joint for dirt and damage. Replace the joint if necessary. If possible, do not disassemble the joint.

The dirty joint needs to be cleaned, but this requires disassembling it.

From the front side, mark the relative positions of the ball hub, separator and joint pin.

Pull off the outer corrugated cover (from the wheel side) from the axle shaft.

Pull off the inner corrugated cover (from the gearbox side) from a profile shaft.

Installation

When replacing the seals, use a complete repair kit. On cars with high mileage, it is also recommended to replace all rubber seals.



Put on new rubber cuffs. At the same time, cover the sharp spots on the axle shafts with appropriate bushings or stick them with adhesive tape so as not to damage the corrugated covers when pulling them onto the splined part of the joint. After this, cover the splines with Loctite 270 locking agent.

Caution: The locking compound must not fall onto the working surfaces of the hinge.

Assemble the joint and press it onto the axle shaft with the cap.

Insert the retaining ring.

Fill the joint and bellows with 80 g of grease.

Note: Grease is included with the bellows repair kit.

Clean and degrease surfaces in contact with the corrugated cover.

Cover the corrugated cover with Bostik 475 glue along the large circumference, stretch the cover and secure with new tension straps.

Cover the lid with Curil K sealant and put the lid on.

Install the 2nd cover.

Install the axle shaft.