E53 4.8iS - Replacing passenger side axle / differential seal question...

[NickSimcheck]

Hello fellow X'ers, I just picked up a remarkably clean 4.8iS with 55K on the clock.

Previous owner had the passenger side drive axle replaced due to a torn boot, well the dealer that did it (back in Florida) must have tugged too hard and pulled the "support bearing" out of the "supporting bracket" to the point where it doesn't fit snugly anymore.

#14:

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.8is Final drive (front axle), parts, 4-wheel


I've tapped the bearing back in, but it will walk itself out after 500 miles and start to slowly leak.


I was looking to replace the bearing, but I noticed on on Real OEM that it doesn't give a part number for just the bearing, but for the whole unit and it says "may not be replaced"...

Do they mean cannot replace the bearing without replacing the whole support bracket, or cannot replace the support bracket period? Like they're machined, balanced, matched, or something goofy along those lines for that particular differential?



Any experience you guys have would be much appreciated!

[Morfzak]

Just curious as to how you went with this supporting bracket.
My 03 is leaking oil from what appears to be the O ring behind the support bracket and the sump. I was considering replacing the whole thing if I'm in there and also was surprised that the bearing was not replaceable.

[admranger]

For about $100 for the part, I might just suck it up and replace it at this point. Seems like the path of least resistance and will for sure fix your issue.