Flex Disc - Driveshaft Replacement
 

I'm tired of opening new threads, but you guys know how these cars work, once you fix one thing, you find another thing that needs fixing.

anyway, when i removed the engine splash shield to replace the oil pan gasket. i found a piece of rubber with part # "7503159" on it. for months now, when i accelerate up a HILL i hear this grinding noise. so i'm guessing the issue is the flex disc.

I wanna know if this is a DIY and if anyone have experience replacing the flex disc. i have found the following steps on pelican. but i want some tips on what to expect:

pelican steps to replacing flex disc

BTW, i have a 2003 4.4i two axil air suspension

I'd do all 3 items:

1- Flex Disc (SGF brand)
2- CSB (BMW only)
3- Regrease the REAR CV Joint (all you need is the gasket and some heavy-duty grease)

Sorry, I don't have the DIY for your 4.4i, but I did all 3 items on my 1998 528i and posted all the tricks here:

DIY: 1998 528i (160K miles) Giubo, CSB, Rear CV Joint Re-grease
https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=914069

Follow cn90 DIY. That's all that you have to do.

Make sure to load up those splines with a high-quality, water resistant grease (I use a marine rated lube) before reassembly. Water works its way into that joint from the A/C condensate drain resulting in rust which is actually what wears out the splines.


2002 X5 3.0 348,500 miles (Front drive shaft and TC replaced at 136,000)
2014 428i 41,000 miles


2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles


1970 Firebird Under restoration

Well after reading cn90's excellent writeup, when the time comes to do this (CSB, Flex disc, rear CV repack/rebuild), I'm most definitely paying someone - I dont have the time or energy to unbolt the entire exhaust and spend a weekend on the floor staring up at the car LOL

No worry, the E53 X5 has more room and no need to remove the exhaust.

The E39 5-series is a pain b/c of the exhaust.

So yes, you can do the X5 without issues.

i have a couple of question, is the DIY write up on pelican below for the 4.4i? and how long do you think it will take to complete the repair?

Front Flex Disc

Rear Flex Disc

Great to know - thanks! I may just take it on then -

^Yep, no need to drop the exhaust. I just pray your centering sleeve is not frozen on the transfer case as mine was. Was a 3 week ordeal to do the front and rear driveshaft refreshes... :(


From what I've read though, mine was an isolated case (of course) and everyone else's driveshafts just slide right off the shaft.

^The Pelican DIY's go over the flex discs and CSB, has anyone done the rear CV rebuild as well at the same time? It looks like there is a bushing in the rear CV, not sure if that part ever fails, but should be able to just repack joint on the CV with fresh grease, similar to when I rebuild my from CV axles -



Pic and link to new rear CV ($238 so its pricey)


https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...32-26117526822


If just doing the front/rear flex discs and the CSB plus some grease and a gasket for the rear CV/driveshaft, should be much less pricey - CSB alone is about $120 for OE