BMW x5 2003 axle problem

[uptfusion]

I just made my first attempt at installing a axle on my BMW x5 2003 4.4 passenger side went for a test drive within 10mins of driving I stop at a stop light the car won't move seems like no power to the wheels it seems like the axle jump out about a 1inch or so from the diff any idea why that would happen? It seem like it was all the way in when I installed it

[upallnight]

Did you compare the new axle with the old axle? Perhaps you should have brought an axle with the extended spline

[uptfusion]

Only difference I saw on the axle was the older 1 had a bearing on it the new 1 didn't

[uptfusion]

Here is a pic of the old axle http://s27.postimg.org/krhbhp2cj/image.jpg

[Green Dragon]

I think you pulled the differential bearing out when you pulled the old passenger side axle out. Normally it stays in the support bracket of the axle. Somehow you pulled the whole assembly with the bearing. I think I can see the axle seal on the shaft as well.

You might be losing diff fluid if you didn't replace the seal, and potentially your front diff is not happy if not broken. Keep us posted.

[Green Dragon]

Originally Posted by trader4

Doh! I think you might be right.

Here;s a diagram that shows it:


RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 3.0i Final drive (front axle), parts, 4-wheel

The bearing is the part with no number, next to item 7, the seal?

I guess the good news is that whole widget #14, which includes the bearing is only shown as $67. That's remarkable. And hopefully it's replaceable without disassemblying the whole car......

I guess a related question is why the differential bearing would pull out like that when you pull the axle and if there is some way to avoid it from happening?

I thought c-clips hold the bearing assembly in, however, doesn't seem to be any. I know the rear diff has c-clips holding the bearing. None the less, that bearing is critical.