interesting info here. our x5 is right at 120k miles.

I got the same clink sound when I do R/D shifts. I haven't looked under the car yet. How hard is it to replace the front drive spline? Do I need to take the transfer case down? Is there a DIY for this job?
I will contact RACEMALIBU572 to get a rebuild front drive spline but I just want to make sure this is something I can do myself.

Same here. Just posted another thread asking if $450 a good price for both sides axles. The parts is only $50+ EACH SIDE!!!! If there's something we can DIY, I'll definitely do it myself first.

Yea you can do it yourself and yea you gotta drop the transfer case if you don't know what your doing I recommend that you get someone that do this is a pic of mine when I got it back racemalibu572 is the man


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Do I have to open the TC up or just drop it to replace the front drive spline? This front drive spline seem to be a common problem. Is the chain in the TC a common problem as well? I would like to fix this in one day and I want to make sure I have the parts before starting the job. Should I order the chain as well?

No you don't have to open the TC all you have to do is drop it as far as the chain goes if you feel a hard slip or like a jump when you engage drive and about to move off then you need to change the chain if that don't apply then replace your drive shaft


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Thanks Triple X5. No hard slip, just clink sound when first in R or moving in D right after. I will contact RACEMALIBU572, I guess that's the answer.

Good luck with that, man! And remember to keep us updated! :popcorn:

racemalibu572, that looks very well done. :thumbup:

Mine might be living on borrowed time (105K)... will have to take a look at it. Is there a periodic interval for lubing the male/female splines?

It takes about 20 minutes to pull the front shaft and inspect it. If you see any wear on the splines, time to upgrade before your stranded. You should be able to see where the splines make contact and do not to see what the good splines look like. Also make sure the seal is in good shape, they have a tendancy to come apart and allow water and road debris to get in there.