Front Axle O Rings

[Morfzak]

So I've just had my 03 3.0 X at my local indy BM specialist to have my rear diff seals replaced, which he suggested I do when I had my X in to have my front control arms replaced and some oil leaks seen to. Now he's told me that I need my front axle O Rings replaced as they are leaking and maybe my front main seal. Has anyone had any issues with these seals? Try as I might I cant find any threads on this O ring. I can't keep paying to have the work done on my X as none of my other cars get personal professional treatment.
My indy says its about 10 hours work for him at $150 per hour plus parts for each issue O rings / main seal.
I dont have any dripping oil and nowhere near the oil consumption as some of the guys in this forum.

I guess I just what to know are there any special BMW specific tools / pullers needed to complete this task.

Cheers

[srmmmm]

I'd probably give the go ahead on the differential seals (assuming that's what he means by front axle O-rings), but wouldn't let him fool with the front main. You can buy a lot of spare quarts of engine oil for the price of that front main seal repair.

My guy suggested replacing my oil pan gasket and rear main seal for $1850 to address "seepage". At my current oil consumption rate, I can go for another 285,493 miles before I break even!

2002 X5 3.0 242,000 miles
2004 325i 107,000 miles

[Morfzak]

I agree.
He says it's the O Rings where the axle passes through the crank case, as its sump oil not diff oil leaking.
If I'm to replace them I'll do the whole shebang. The diff seals and I guess I'll look at the transfer case seals and chain.
When I do it I'll photograph the whole procedure an post as I go.

[X5SND]

Hmmm....since it's engine oil and not gear oil leaking, your axle seals are likely NOT the culprit. While it is true the front axle does run through the pan, it actually runs through a conduit that is separate from the sump...the axle is not bathed inside the sump and thus would NOT drip motor oil. If you're experiencing oil dripping in the left side of the engine in the vicinity of the diff/front axles, it's likely the oil filter housing gasket that's making a mess as it's rather close, and has the potential to coat much of that side in oil if left long enough.

Im not discrediting your "specialist" but I'd look at getting another opinion.

You can see the conduit that runs the width of the pan on the attached pic...

[Morfzak]

Thanks for the awesome pic,
I have just recently paid $900 to have the oil filer housing gasket replace along with the rocker cover gasket.
I think I'm done with letting other work on my X.
I'll check it out and see what's what.
Again thanks for the pic.

[Morfzak]

Since my last post I have replaced the left CV boot, the main reason for the mess on the left side. (Thanks BMW specialist NOT). and my front drive shaft with one from Cobra Transmissions with the extra inch and each time I've had the alloy plate of I've been mopping up a little oil. I am now convinced that my indy my have been right about the O ring. I have engine oil leaking from between the supporting bracket and the sump. Not a lot, but enough.
I am about to replace the right CV boot as a preventative measure and want to get this at the same time.
Anyone been in there to give me a heads up of what issues I may find?

[Sundevil]

Any update on this? I am having the same issue/leak. The bottom of my oil pan on the passenger side is coated in a thin layer of oil and I get about two drops worth on the floor every night. I have replaced oil filter housing gasket and the valve cover gasket.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by Sundevil

Any update on this? I am having the same issue/leak. The bottom of my oil pan on the passenger side is coated in a thin layer of oil and I get about two drops worth on the floor every night. I have replaced oil filter housing gasket and the valve cover gasket.

You may want to read this thread.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-oil-leak.html

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by Morfzak

Since my last post I have replaced the left CV boot, the main reason for the mess on the left side. (Thanks BMW specialist NOT). and my front drive shaft with one from Cobra Transmissions with the extra inch and each time I've had the alloy plate of I've been mopping up a little oil. I am now convinced that my indy my have been right about the O ring. I have engine oil leaking from between the supporting bracket and the sump. Not a lot, but enough.
I am about to replace the right CV boot as a preventative measure and want to get this at the same time.
Anyone been in there to give me a heads up of what issues I may find?

It is NOT engine oil that is leaking between the sump and support bracket. It is differential fluid.

See my reference to another post.

[mig25]

I replaced my front differential seals and O ring. Only because, my differential was shot.
I had to replace it. I bought my X5 like that. (knowing the transfer case) was bad, in which ended up being the front diff and not the transfer case.
Some shop replaced the driver axles, replaced the differential seals, in the process of removing the old seal, they put a dent on the seal housing. PO drove it with oil leaking hence destroying the front differential.
It was a lot of work, not difficult just time consuming, I had to remove the undercarriage, loose the steering rack and pinion...
It is all done now. Nice and dry.
If you have this job done, pay close attention afterward for leakage, in case the "so called Certified" mechanics from the steelership screw up something...