BMW DIY #7 E-46 AWD FRONT AXLE SWAP
Posted in: car parts | March 17th, 2010
In this BMW DIY video I show you how to replace the front axles on your BMW E46 all-wheel drive. if your E46 makes clicking noises at slower speeds while turning or if it vibrates while accelerating at speed. Well, it might just be time to replace your front axles.
Stop by www.FCPGROTON.com and pick-up a set of axles and with this video, save some money or the repair.
As always, send a message for any questions you may have. I strive to maintain a %100 success rate for helping enthusiasts solve their BMW problems.
Duration : 0:9:55
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
good job!
good job!
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Really awesome …
Really awesome video! I wish i saw this last year when i tried to replace my CV joint on my X5. It would have helped me a lot.
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
You are the man! …
You are the man! Thanks a bunch. I will rate/subscribe.. Makes me wanna go out and do this myself, except with no garage and alot of cold, its not fun. Is it worth to do the axle seals? Or is this not a common issue around lets say, 150k on an E46? I remember back when I did my 92′Maxima axles, it was highly recommended to do the seals which were a serious PITA to get in. I tried all types of freezing, greasing, and knocking methods lol..
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Thanks so much for …
Thanks so much for the comment!!
Good Luck!
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Zach!! You rule. …
Zach!! You rule. Thanks for this video!! Going to replace both my CVs with the help of your video.
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
i would but im so …
i would but im so poor i cant even afford a regular set
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Thanks for the kind …
Thanks for the kind words Gary!
I always get my parts from FCPGroton. com, the best prices AND lifetime warranties on the parts! I can’t beat that with a stick. As for the TQ specs, they are available online, I will try and post them asap.
Good luck, I am here if you need further help!
-Zach
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
I can send you my …
I can send you my address
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Dude, Thanks so …
Dude, Thanks so much for making this video. My front right boot just went…grease everywhere. Two questions: where can I find torque specs for nuts and should I get part from dealer or aftermarket? Also, you should have a donate button being that your helping so many people…. Thanks, Gary
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
you should really …
you should really get a set of gearwrenches
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Interesting, and it …
Interesting, and it is the same length as the one you’ve removed? I think that with a rotation to get the gears set and a tap with a hammer to seat the clip ring, you should be good to go!
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Zach…thanks… …
Zach…thanks…that helped to a point. Right now the axle is in as far as it can go…but it seems like it isn’t in quite straight…part of the axle is flush against the radial seal/differential housing…but if I twist the axle by hand, part of it is about 1/8″ short!
I re-used the old clip and have tried reinserting a couple times and it fits the same way.
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Holding the axle …
Holding the axle perfectly straight in relation to the transmission. Use a rubber mallet and whack the end of the axle (nut on) into the transmission. It will click into place for you!
Zach
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Great video! I’m …
Great video! I’m at the point of putting the new axle in the differential…how did you get it to “click” into place past the clip?
Thanks!
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Some nice multi ton …
Some nice multi ton (3+) is what I use If I remember correctly. I have videos coming for the control arm bushings and a multitude of other repairs made easy. Cheers, Zach
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Hey Zach,
Still …
Hey Zach,
Still waiting on my brake parts, but I have the 325xi wagon which had the control arm bushing, and axle problem… The shop fixed that one… I love my car but that was a big repair… Great Videos. Any advice on Jack Stands?
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
A small fluid leak …
A small fluid leak might not cause the problem entirely. I am also replacing the control arm bushings and checking the tie rods on my car as we speak. The new axles were night and day for me. 90% of my vibration went away. then I had the wheel rebalanced and … PERFECT!
Let me know the condition of the rims/wheels and the control arm bushings, pretty sure this is your problem !
Thanks, Zach.
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
hey zack, i just …
hey zack, i just install my new fcp axles this weekend. well im still getting this slight vibration on the floor broad and on the steering wheel while accelerating. i went back under my car and did notice some differential fluid coming out between the axle and the differential on both side. when in stalled i made sure the clip ring clicked and went into place. i dont know if this is happening to any of you’s but if any can help and give me some suggestions, it would be nice. thanks.
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
It’s not hard at …
It’s not hard at all, taking the first DIY step and calling FCP for the part is the hardest thing! Getting the part and putting it in is the easy thing!
You will feel the splines of the shaft in the gear box. Slightly push the axle into the gear box and then rotate one way or another, you will feel when the splines are in or out!!! Good luck!
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Your welcome!
Your welcome!
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
hat is great DIY!!! …
hat is great DIY!!!! I just ordered a new driver side CV for my E46, I was going to bring it to a shop for the install b/c I was worried about trying to press the shaft out of the center of the hub, But you just gave me faith, Thanks I’ve done the control arms on my E46 so I think I may be able to handle this, How hard was it to line the shaft back up in the gear box? btw mines a 2005 Thanks again!
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
thanks a lot!
thanks a lot!
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
thanks for the help
thanks for the help
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
YEP thats broken,
…
YEP thats broken,
I am going to Re-do the passengers side axle for a speed test (for laughs for me) and It will show the Drivers side axel. But its the same process as the pass. side. Yours is broken, but in a good way, if that makes sense. email if you need any help!
Zach
March 17th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
i put a video on my …
i put a video on my profile