BMW 26107614384 Axle Drive Shaft

Raise the vehicle and support it safely using a professional automotive lift or jack stands designed for the purpose, as a floor jack is not adequate support. Remove the exhaust system and exhaust heat shields, marking the mounting flanges and driveshaft sections with paint to preserve the original orientation. At the driveshaft front flex-disc, counter hold the bolt heads and remove the nuts at the transfer case output flange, discarding the old fasteners. To avoid damaging the flex-disc rubber, hold the bolts stationary while loosening the nuts. Hang the driveshaft front section from the body using stiff wire. At the center support bearing, loosen the fasteners but do not remove them, using a pry bar or equivalent tool to brace the driveshaft at the center universal joint. At the rear differential, release the insert nut clockwise using BMW special tools 33 5 040 and 33 5 070, ensuring not to use the flange nut to counter hold the driveshaft to prevent damage to the rear differential. Hang the driveshaft rear section from the body using stiff wire, then remove the driveshaft center support bearing mounting nuts and pull down on the center of the driveshaft to facilitate removal.