Bearing block passenger side bearing came out!
 

Pulling the right front axle shaft to replace-the bearing inside the bearing block came out and had this gnarly spring attached somewhere-can't find a diagram for re-assembly of the bearing and seal or where the spring goes. I can pull the bearing block if need be but would rather not....2002 X-5 3.0. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated...

This forum has saved me over 10k in repair costs-love it and my X-5

I think a picture would help.

Are you talking about the giant spring clip that holds the bearing into the hub?


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It's a spring-thought it was a o-ring-not giant by any means. maybe 1/8"diameter? I tappped the bearing back into the axle support/bracket and greased it up-the seal was still good but haven't inserted it as I'm not sure I'm missing something. This is all about the passenger side axle shaft. Not trying to be confusing but maybe I am....

I think we need a photo. Sounds like part of a grease fitting but not sure where you are describing.


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photo
 

its the axle carrier/bracket/support that supports the passenger side front axle on its way to the transfer box. this is a photo of a new one with the bearing inside.

whatever you are describing (still need picture) might have come from the engine then since that is open to the oil pan? I am thinking that housing is serviced as a unit which is why you can't find a picture of the bearing.

pictured above with the bearing in it-behind the seal, what I need to know is if the bearing is pressed in or if I can tap it into place ,grease it and reinstall the seal...

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.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...7016_x800.jpg?

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.

More misinform info from "A PORSCHE diyer". The axle runs through a tube in the oil pan so it is not exposed to any engine parts. Think about it, you have oil in the oil pan and gear lube in the differential. BMW engineer designs a tube in the oil pan to prevent the two fluid from mixing.

He can't find a part number for a bearing because there is no bearing in the housing. Only replaceable parts are the seal and o-ring.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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


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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?

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

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.

Differential oil (AKA Gear Oil) is used to lubricate the bearing in the housing. The o-ring on the other side of the housing is to prevent differential oil in the tube from leaking out. The seal on the bearing side is also to keep the oil from leaking out. Like I stated in a previous post I replaced the seal and o-ring this past summer on the X. Reason for the replacement I noticed that I was getting differential oil on the right side of the subframe when doing my annual inspection of the X.

Just want to confirm that the O-rings x2 seal the diff oil from coming out and there is NO need to add RTV gasket material btw this supporting bracket and the engine block?

I know this thread was dormant for a while, but I want to replace this bearing.
Reason being i powdercoated the Axle Shaft Bracket so it probably melted and destroyed the grease inside the bearing. I'm gonna pull it out and see what's the bearing specs :)

Let us know what you figure out. These brackets are no longer available from BMW so having the bearing fail seems like a show stopping failure now, if it truly can’t be replaced.

I had my e70 support bracket off today and the bearing looks like you could find a replacement by knowing the exact OD and ID. You may only find a sealed version I see no reason that won’t work.


–awr–

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The Genuine BMW part looks like it is still available from FCP Euro, and several other sellers...even Amazon.

Part # 31507503115

I have my E53 3.0 front drivetrain apart right now replacing the front subframe, oil pan gasket and the right axle. I was not planning on replacing the bracket w/bearing at this point, though might consider it.

Good catch, I just looked at RealOEM and saw “discontinued “… I guess FCP et al are working off stock?

Not sure how often those bearings fail, but it could be good insurance to just replace it “as long as you are in there”. I now wish I would have when I swapped the motor. I didn’t realize it had a bearing in it at that time.

https://a.co/d/bLHHNJP

Found the bearing

Came out easy with a blind bearing puller

FAG 6007.C3


https://i.ibb.co/FqB4KVwx/20250915-140317.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/HfqFRqVp/20250915-140532.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/xQfPgN1/20250915-140940.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/ycps82nj/20250915-141009.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/JjpcW9NX/20250915-141025.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/tM6PC3n5/20250915-141053.jpg

Thanks for sharing....That FAG 6007.C3 bearing is $10 - $15 while the complete carrier or "bracket" is close to $200...

Nice work, I wonder why BMW would list it as non-replaceable? Seems pretty straightforward, actually.

Agreed, replacement way easier than center support bearing for example.

Nice job.

Thanks for letting us know