How to Replace Front Passenger CV Axle 01-05 BMW 325Xi
Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Bmw 325xi
Replace the front passenger CV axle on a 2001-2005 BMW 325Xi.
Tools you will need
- Ratchet
- Socket extensions
- 17mm socket
- 18mm wrench
- 36mm 12-point socket
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Pickle fork
- Center punch
- Copper anti-seize
- Torque wrench
- 1/2 inch breaker bar
- 1/2 inch impact gun
- Air chisel
Parts and supplies
- Front passenger CV axle
Steps
- Remove the wheel
Loosen the 17mm lug bolts, then raise and support the car and pull the wheel.
- Remove the old axle
Tap flat the peened-over rim locking the 36mm axle nut, remove it, loosen the 18mm lower ball joint nut and tap the knuckle to free the joint (or use a pickle fork if replacing it too), remove the nut and ball joint from the knuckle, then tap the axle out of the hub and inner joint with a hammer and center punch.
- Install the new axle
Seat its inner end in the differential, tapping it with a hammer and pry bar along the joint's grooves to fully seat it, coat the outer splines with anti-seize, insert the outer end into the hub, thread the axle nut on by hand, refit the lower ball joint and torque its nut to about 48 ft-lb, then brace the hub with a pry bar and two wheel bolts while torquing the axle nut to about 213 ft-lb and peening its rim back into the axle's grooves with a chisel.
- Reinstall the wheel
Set it on the hub, thread the lug bolts by hand, lower the car with minimal weight on the wheel, then torque the lug bolts to about 95 ft-lb in a star pattern.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.