Rubber coupling of the cardan shaft — inspection and replacement (BMW 3 Series E46)

Note: The rubber coupling is not installed on all models. On some models, the propeller shaft is rigidly attached to the gearbox flange (see paragraph 9).

Examination

1. Securely apply the parking brake, raise the front of the vehicle and support it on jack stands (see "Raising and supporting the vehicle on jack stands").

2. Carefully inspect the rubber coupling that connects the driveshaft to the gearbox, paying attention to possible damage, cracks or signs of general wear. Replace the coupling if necessary.

Replacement

Note: You will need new driveshaft coupling mounting nuts during installation.

3. Perform the operations described in paragraphs 1, 2, 4 and 5 of paragraph 6.

4. Slide the front of the propeller shaft back, remove it from the gearbox flange pin and lower the shaft down.

5. Loosen the nuts securing the coupling to the cardan shaft and remove it (Fig. 7.5). If necessary, also remove the damper. If the damper is damaged or worn, replace it.



6. Align the marks made before removal and install the damper (if it exists) to the cardan shaft.

7. Install the new coupling. Note that the arrows on the coupling's tank surface point toward the gearbox and propeller shaft flanges (Fig. 7.7). Screw on the new mounting nuts and tighten them to the specified torque.





8. Apply a small amount of grease containing molybdenum disulfide (bMW recommends Molykote Longterm 2 grease) onto the gearbox flange pin and onto the propeller shaft bushing. Install the propeller shaft in place.

9. Align the marks made before removal and connect the propeller shaft to the gearbox flange. Insert the bolts, screw on new nuts and tighten them to the required torque. Keep in mind that the bolts/nuts can only be turned from the flange side, not the rubber coupling, so as not to damage it.

10. Securely tighten the cardan shaft intermediate support bushing nut.

11. Install the exhaust system components (see chapter 4A).

The original text is available on the website: BMWMan