Cardan joints — inspection and replacement (BMW 3 Series E46)

Note: On some models, a rubber coupling is installed between the driveshaft and the gearbox instead of a universal joint (see paragraph 7).

Examination

1. Wear of the universal joints causes vibration in the transmission, noise when accelerating the car, and metallic clicks. It is not necessary to remove the driveshaft to check the joints. It is only necessary to remove the exhaust system and heat shields (see chapter 4A).

2. If the propeller shaft is not removed from the vehicle, try rotating it from side to side while holding the gearbox or final drive flange. The presence of play between the propeller shaft and the gearbox or final drive flanges indicates wear of the cardan joints.

3. If the drive shaft is removed, you can check the joints as follows. Hold the shaft with one hand and turn the shaft flange with the other hand. The presence of play indicates wear of the joint.

Replacement

4. At the time of writing this Manual, there was no information on the availability of spare parts for the propeller shaft. Therefore, if the cardan joints are worn out, the propeller shaft assembly must be replaced. For more information, please contact your BMW dealer.

5. If you need to replace the driveshaft, we recommend that you first consult with a specialist. Perhaps the driveshaft can be repaired, or you can purchase a reconditioned driveshaft.

[The original article is located on: BMWMAN.RU]