Axle seal

# Axle seal, replace

Remove the six 8mm Allen head bolts and 3 supports (blue arrow) securing each axles to the differential. |
Pull axle away from differential and tie it to the body with string or wire. Do not let axle hang from car. |
Pry the axle flange evenly from the differential. |
Use a seal remover or large screw driver to pull out the seal |
Check condition of snap ring for axle. Replace if any distortion is present. |
The seal carrier has a large rubber O ring sealing it into the differential housing. It is often easier to remove the entire seal carrier to replace the axle seal, but this requires replacing the O ring at the same time.
CAUTION: If using this technique, do one side at a time as removing the seal housing's on both sides simultaneously will allow the differential gears to drop out of alignment.
To remove the seal carrier, remove the six 13mm bolts securing it to the differential. |
Remove seal carrier from differential by pulling out evenly. Don't allow the carrier to tilt or it will jam. Take care not to damage shim between seal carrier and differential housing. When carrier is removed, gear cluster will drop slightly, this is normal and acceptable. When carrier is installed, bearing cup will align gears correctly. Ensure shim is installed and do not remove both seal carriers at the same time. |
Knock axle seal (green arrow) out from behind. Take care not to damage bearing race (blue arrow). |
Inspect flange shaft. If shaft has a groove where old seal was running, install new seal slightly higher than original. If no groove is present, install seal so that top of seal is flush with lip in carrier. Install seal by selecting a socket or similar of a slightly smaller outside diameter than the seal. Lubricate the seal with gear oil and place seal in carrier, place socket on seal and gently tap into place with a hammer. Ensure seal sits evenly in carrier. |
Replace O ring on seal carrier |
Ensure that the shim is placed between seal carrier and differential housing, install carrier so that tab is at the top to ensure correct bearing oiling. |
Replace dust shield on axle flange if damaged. |
Install flange with firm pressure while rotating until snap ring is heard to engage.

### Part Numbers:

Axle seal | : | 33 13 1 214 100 | 44 x 67 x 10mm
O ring | : | 33 11 1 204 872 | 90 x 3mm
Seal dust cover | : | 33 13 1 208 006 | 60 x 84 x 5mm
Snap ring, All | : | 33 13 1 207 280 |

### Torques:

Seal carrier to differential housing | : | 24 Nm (17 ft lbs.)
CV bolts to flange | : | 58 Nm (42 ft lbs.)
Drive shaft to differential pinion flange | : | 72 Nm (52 ft lbs.)

E30 M3 Repair Manual V2.7. Copyright ©1999-2001 Koala Motorsport & Brett Anderson