2004 x5 3.0 Driveshaft problems
 

So I replaced the rear propeller drive shaft and center bearing with a Cardone rebuilt from rock auto couple years back. It went bad in about 15,000 miles. I installed another and it went bad in about 10,000. I assumed that the CV joint at differential was pregreased.
When I took the first one apart after it went bad it was dry and the bearings had worn holes in the assembly. I haven't taken the most recently failed one apart yet but I think it will be the same. I'm thinking I was supposed to grease it prior to install. I find that assembly with the 6 bolts super confusing and hard to hold together while starting the bolts and I didn't want to separate it and chance dropping the bearings and what not to add grease. I dont have a lift so I'm just an old dude painfully rolling and crawling around on the floor for the install. Getting ready for 3rd attempt with another $450.00 shaft. Does anyone have any thoughts? Really down in the dumps at the prospect of doing it again.

- Yes, you need to add grease for the REAR CV Joint of the DS. I use Castrol HD Grease.

- Do not forget to "preload" the CSB 3-4 mm or so. Do this after all the other bolts are tightened, i.e., this is the LAST step.

Got it. Could you explain the preload concept more? I know it's that carrier bearing. Do I push the shaft in one direction or another?