X5 won't drive with front drive shaft on.

[aythatblackguy]

So my 2004 x5 3.0 wouldn't move the other morning when i was about to go to school. I put it in reverse and it was like the brakes were on so i something told me to remove the front shaft so i did and it moved. So I've been driving few days with it removed and no problems. What could cause the front wheels to lock like that thanks for your help.

[David.X5]

You have xDrive? That's all you did when it wasn't moving? Did you disconnect the xDrive actuator? Splines on the front driveshaft ok?

Has to be the transfer case or front diff., but seems really odd to me.

[jdstrickland]

Something broken inside the diff would cause that.

I'm a bit confused though. The car is AWD, and without the front diff in play, the t-case should send all of the drive to the front -- which you have disconnected -- so the car should not go at all. It's possible I do not understand how the diff works, so my confusion is mine alone.

But, if the front diff was broken and the drive shaft was trying to turn it, it could jam up the works and prevent the car from moving. Your next test would be to put the front on jack stands and turn the tires at the same time. Have a helper turn one while you turn the other, the input of the diff should turn. You can also turn the input shaft of the diff and the tires should go around.

[David.X5]

I think the xDrive variant will move with the front driveshaft disconnected. You can achieve the same thing by disconnecting the electrical connector to the xDrive actuator.

But not the pre-facelift version, those don't move with a broken or missing front driveshaft.

But even with the front driveshaft removed, the axles will be turning the front differential, so it can't be totally seized. Which leads me back to "this is weird"...

[David.X5]

I didn't say it, but this is the sort of problem where a code reader helps. Preferably something that reads the BMW-specific codes like INPA. You should have some codes that would help diagnose this...

[aythatblackguy]

So it could possibly be the diff. around how much do those run and is there a way to test it.

[Joshdub]

Would be interesting if it's your front diff since the car drives without the driveshaft. Makes me think something might be up with the transfer case?

Shameless plug, I have an extended front driveshaft in the classifieds if it turns out you need one.

[bcredliner]

Were there any symptoms prior to that morning?

[aythatblackguy]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Were there any symptoms prior to that morning?

none at all