Bearing block passenger side bearing came out!

[cn90]

Yes, there is a bearing inside that "carrier box".
If you have more than 150K, then get a new carrier box, about $70 at dealer.
The bearing is basically a "Support bearing" from an engineering standpoint.

[80stech]

I didn't know there was a tube which is why I put a question mark? I thought there was a maybe a seal on the oil pan on the diff side. Just trying to be helpful as no one else was helping. No, I am not a Diy'er or Porsche mechanic.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by upallnight

There are NO BEARING inside that housing, only the oil seal and an o-ring at the other end of the housing. Did you take out the entire axle? Could be the retaining clip at the spline of the axle that you are seeing.

I just replaced the oil seal and o-ring on my X this past summer. If anyone is contemplating doing this repair, get the OE seal, not some cheap aftermarket seal.



The plastic orange thing is just a retainer that prevents the spring on the other side of the seal from popping out when you go to replace the seal. The orange thing is only available on the OE seal.

I stand Corrected, there is a bearing in that housing.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by cn90

Yes, there is a bearing inside that "carrier box".
If you have more than 150K, then get a new carrier box, about $70 at dealer.
The bearing is basically a "Support bearing" from an engineering standpoint.

From Realoem.com

Supporting bracket 1 31507503115 $67.16 +core
GROOVED BALL BEARING
may not be replaced

If the bearing is making noise just replace it.

[fourtyres]

Thanks guys-beg to differ-the new part pictured advertises that it comes with the bearing. I know it's there because when the axle came out-it came with it along with the seal-no other place it could have come from-when I get a second I'll get a picture of the actual. appreciate the reply.

[cn90]

OK,

In other FWD vehicles like Toyota Camry, Honda Accord etc., the support bearing sits on the Passenger Side Axle itself. This is to help support such a long axle length.

In the E53 X5 and E83 X3, this is called "Supporting Bracket". It is basically a combo of a BEARING (yes there is a bearing inside) + Seal. The seal is there to protect the bearing from debris etc. In other words, the Bearing sits on the "Supporting Bracket" and not the Axle. But it does not matter b/c the Axle has a bearing in the middle to support its entire length.

If you ever see fluid leak from the Front Diff, then it is closer to the Front Diff itself. The fluid leak will not make it along the path toward the "Supporting Bracket".

Just get a new unit from dealer for $65 and move on...

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[cn90]

Random photo from the web to show you the bearing inside...


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[80stech]

So I wonder what lubricates that bearing? Does it rely on some diff oil to be put into the housing? I imagine the seal on the diff side of the oil pan seals the diff oil from the tube? The o-rings seal the housings to the pan?

[cn90]

The bearing has grease inside. No different than the bearing in Toyota Camry or Honda Accord...

[80stech]

So the bearing is sealed on the inboard side and packed with grease from the outer seal side? It still would be nice to see a picture of the gnarly piece the op was talking about.