Replacing the drive shaft protective cover (BMW 3 Series E46)

Removal

1. Remove the drive shaft and clean it.



2. Use side cutters to cut the clamp that secures the inner hinge boot.



3. Using a punch, remove the locking cap from the hinge ring.

4. Remove the boot from the hinge ring and move it onto the drive shaft.

5. Wipe the grease off the joint with a rag.



6. Use pliers to spread the retaining ring and remove it.





7. Press the drive shaft out of the inner constant velocity joint "2" using the appropriate tool "1". The joint collar should rest on the support plate "3".

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

9. Clean the joint, which requires disassembling it. In this case, mark the position of the joint hub, separator and joint relative to each other on the end face.

When assembling the hinge, observe special cleanliness.

10. Remove the inner cover (checkpoint side) through the drive shaft.

11. If necessary, cut the boot clamps on the outer hinge and remove the boot through the drive shaft. Make sure that no dirt gets into the hinge.

Installation

When replacing covers, use the repair kit. For cars with high mileage, it is also recommended to replace the second protective cover.

12. Thoroughly clean the joint in the assembled state.



13. Put on the new boots. At the same time, cover the sharp edges of the drive shaft with a suitable bushing or tape so as not to damage the boots when putting them on.



14. Fill the joint with new special grease.

The grease is included in the "Protective Cover" repair kit.

15. Place the inner joint on the drive shaft.



16. Install with clamping device "1" in a vice.

17. Press the joint until it stops using the appropriate pipe "2".

18. Remove the clamping device.

19. Install the new retaining ring using pliers, ensuring that it is correctly positioned in the groove.

20. Fill the outer and inner hinges and protective boots with 80 g of special grease. Make sure that no dirt gets into the hinges.

21. Apply a thin layer of Curil T sealant or "Stucarit Dicht-Gel 309/4" sealing surfaces of the locking cover. Install the cover.

22. Apply a thin layer of Curil T sealant or "Stucarit Dicht-Gel 309/4" sealing surfaces of the cover lid. Install the lid.



23. Fasten the cover to the lid using a clamp and pliers, such as HAZET 1847-1. Make sure that the lock of the large clamp lies between the two holes of the hinge.



24. Put on the outer hinge cover and secure it to the large diameter.

25. Pull the covers over the thickening on the drive shafts and secure with clamps.

26. Reinstall the drive shafts.