Genuine BMW X5 Differential

BMW X5 Differential Parts Questions & Answers

• Front Differential
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  Q: What is the configuration and function of the front axle differential, right side bearing pedestal, and related components in the BMW X5's drivetrain?

  A: The front axle differential and the right side bearing pedestal are bolted to each side of a modified oil pan. Power is transmitted to the front differential from the transfer case via a driveshaft, and out to front drive hubs through two drive axles. The right drive axle inner constant velocity (CV) joint shaft extends through the oil pan into the front differential.
• Front Differential
  31-50-1-428-689
  Q: How to service the front differential and related components in a BMW X5 carried out?

  A: Front differential fluid service is essential, as is the replacement of the O-ring seal between the engine oil pan and the front differential. Additionally, the O-ring seal between the engine oil pan and the right side bearing pedestal should be replaced. To remove and install the front differential, start by disconnecting the negative (-) battery cable. Working in the engine compartment plenum chamber, remove the ventilation microfilter, plenum cover, seal, and plenum bulkhead. Remove the air intake hood above the radiator, the upper engine cover, and for the 6-cylinder engine, the air filter housing. Raise the engine hood into the assembly position. After raising the vehicle, remove the splash shield and front end reinforcement. Set up an engine support brace across the engine bay and slightly raise the engine. Underneath the engine, remove the right and left engine mount upper nuts. Afterward, handle the left front wheel, ABS wheel speed sensor, brake caliper, tie rod end, tension strut, control arm, and fasteners securing the left front strut. Use a prying tool to disengage the left front drive axle inner CV joint shaft from the front differential output flange, noting that the drive axle and steering knuckle should be treated as a single unit. Disconnect the steering spindle universal joint from the steering rack. The front subframe should be supported, unbolted, and lowered carefully. Remove the left engine mount and differential vent hose, then lower the differential. Replace the sealing and assembly rings between the oil pan and differential, then install the differential. Remember to top off the differential fluid and use a scan tool for steering angle sensor adjustment.For the right axle bearing pedestal, raise the vehicle, remove the splash shield, front end reinforcement, right front wheel, ABS wheel speed sensor, brake caliper, tie rod end, tension strut, control arm, and fasteners. Disengage the right front drive axle inner CV joint shaft from the right axle bearing pedestal flange, again treating the drive axle and steering knuckle as one unit. Remove the bearing pedestal mounting bolts at the side of the oil pan and lift off the pedestal. During reinstallation, replace the sealing O-ring, coating it with assembly fluid.For the differential input flange seal, raise the vehicle and remove the front driveshaft. Pry out the input flange retaining nut lock plate. Mark the relationship of the input flange retaining nut to the shaft. Hold the input flange and remove the nut. Extract the input flange using a hub puller and prepare for dripping oil. Remove the input seal dust shields, the seal, and coat the new seal's edges with transmission fluid before driving it into the housing. Replace the dust shields, clean the input flange, and install it. When tightening the nut, ensure punch marks align and use a new input flange retaining nut locking plate. Avoid over-torquing. Finally, check the front differential oil level and top off if needed.