Drive Axles Description; Rear Drive Axle, Removing And Installing - BMW 1999-2005 M3 Service Manual

Rear Axle Final Drive
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Drive Axles
The drive axles use constant-velocity
(CV) joints on both ends. Two different
styles of CV joints have been supplied
with E46 vehicles. Refer to the
accompanying illustration:
Ball cage CV joint. Traditional
design CV joint with thick metal
housing (approx. 40 mm/1.6 in.
thick). Balls slide in non-parallel
grooves.
Slip sleeve CV joint. Thin bolt-on
flange (approx. 15 mm/0.6 in.
thick). CV joint has splined shaft
that slides into end of axle.
For replacement parts, only CV joints
boots or complete axles are offered by
BMW. To replace a CV joint boot, the
drive axle must be removed from the
car. The rear axle shafts are different in
length. The shorter of the two shafts is
located on the left side, the longer
shaft on the right.
Rear drive axle, removing and
installing
With an assistant applying brakes,
break free staked collar nut (arrow) at
center of rear wheel hub. Do not
remove completely.
Note:
The drive flange collar nut is tightened
to a torque of over 250 Nm (184 ft-lb).
Make sure the car is firmly on the
ground.
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2/25/2009 10:32 PM