Crankshaft End Bearing — Replacement (BMW 3 Series E46)

1. On models with a manual transmission, there is a ball bearing in the crankshaft tailpiece, on which the free end of the gearbox input shaft rests (Fig. 16.1).



2. To replace the bearing, perform the following operations.

3. Remove the flywheel as described in the previous paragraph.

4. Fill the space behind the bearing and inside the bearing bore with general purpose grease.

5. Insert a rod or bolt of suitable diameter into the bearing hole.

6. Hit the free end of the rod (bolt) several times with a hammer (Fig. 16.6). When you hit the hammer, the grease under the bearing transfers pressure to the inside of the bearing and pushes it out of the shaft bore. Continue these actions until the bearing comes out completely.



7. Clean the bearing bore in the shaft end.

8. Press the new bearing into the bore until it stops. Hit only the outer ring of the bearing.

9. Install the flywheel as described in the previous paragraph.

[Information obtained from this online resource «BMWMan.ru»]