BMW X3 (F25) Service & Repair Manual: Center console assembly

• Replacing center mount gaiter
• Replacing complete propeller shaft center bearing
• Replacing grooved ball bearing in propeller shaft center bearing

Replacing center mount gaiter

Necessary preliminary tasks:

• Remove PROPELLER SHAFT.

NOTE: The propeller shaft is balanced.

The front and rear propeller shafts must be reassembled in the same position.

Detach gaiter (1) from groove (2).

Mark front propeller shaft (3) and rear propeller shaft (4) in one plane.

Pull apart propeller shaft.

Installation note: If necessary, insert new clamping ring (1) into front propeller shaft (2).

Release gaiter (1) with screwdriver from groove (2) and pull off over longitudinal splines.

Installation note: Apply an even coating of grease to longitudinal splines on shaft.

Observe markings and force front propeller shaft onto longitudinal splines (markings must be flush).

Push gaiter (1) during installation into groove (2) and make sure it is firmly fitted.

Replacing complete propeller shaft center bearing

Special tools required:

• 00 7 500
• 33 1 020

Necessary preliminary tasks:

• Remove PROPELLER SHAFT.

NOTE: The propeller shaft is balanced.

The front and rear propeller shafts must be reassembled in the same position.

Detach gaiter (1) from groove (2).

Mark front propeller shaft (3) and rear propeller shaft (4) in one plane.

Installation note: Make sure gaiter (1) is securely fitted in groove (2).

Pull apart propeller shaft.

Installation note: If necessary, insert new clamping ring (1) into front propeller shaft (2).

Release gaiter (1) with screwdriver from groove (2) and pull off over longitudinal splines.

Installation note: Apply a coating of grease to longitudinal splines on shaft.

Push gaiter (1) during installation into groove (2) and make sure it is firmly fitted.

Observe markings and force front propeller shaft onto longitudinal splines (markings must be flush).

Install special tool 00 7 500 between center mount (1) and universal joint (2).

Using a hydraulic press, force center mount (1) off propeller shaft (2).

Force new center bearing (1) onto propeller shaft. Collar (2) must point in direction of travel towards front propeller shaft. Drive center mount to limit position with special tool 33 1 020.

Replacing grooved ball bearing in propeller shaft center bearing

Special tools required:

• 23 1 160
• 33 3 202
• 33 3 203

Necessary preliminary tasks:

• Replace PROPELLER SHAFT CENTER BEARING

Press grooved ball bearing using special tool 23 1 160 out of center mount (1).

NOTE: Illustration shows E46.

Coat rubber-coated bearing seat of center mount (2) with Circolight.

Use special tools 33 3 202/33 3 203 to press grooved ball bearing (1) into center mount (2).

NOTE: Illustration shows E46.