How to Change a BMW F10 Front CV Axle Shaft 528i xDrive

[@tomjraumd]

Thanks for making this video, it was very helpful for me since I’ve never changed out a CV axle on any vehicle. Just completed this job on a F10 535i xdrive today. I found that I was able to remove the bolts fastening the lower wishbone at the subframe and the attachment at the strut, leaving the ball joint intact and was able to pull out the CV axle. Just two bolts, both with sufficient clearance to get impact wrench on them. Can leave the tie rod, tension strut, A arm alone. Also, not sure if I was lucky but I didn’t lose any gear oil with this job so I skipped refilling the differential.

[@MahmoodSuhail]

Very realistic struggle 😢 unlike the edited videos that show the sweet only. Great job man

[@57Joe]

Thanks for the video Gregg. I just changed the right front axle on my 2011 535i this weekend and your video was very helpful in helping to remove some of the learning curve. I'll add a couple things I learned for anyone else who watches this video as well. As you correctly show in the video the spacing is now wide enough between the strut to get the CV out, so you need to remove the pinch bolt to disconnect the upright from the upper control arm, then disconnect the strut from the lower control arm. This will allow you to move the axle into the strut at the narrow shaft portion up from the bottom. Then to install, you need to pull out both the axle and the strut together so the splines of the axle can insert into the differential. It takes A LOT of of force to manhandle the strut out far enough to allow the axle to slide in. Then reassemble. Also, to keep the caliper safe and out of the way during front end work, I take a piece of scrap Romex household electrical wire, wrap it around a spring coil, then wrap it through the caliper up and out of the way. That way the caliper never needs to come apart and I'm not putting stress or tension on my brake hoses. Great job again and thanks for the informative video.

[@usaautollc8115]

How to disconnect bmw f10 xdrive

[@chrisbowpiloto]

Thanks for this Greg. I worked as a mechanic for a while and changed many axles, but never a BMW one. I figured that they would do some different things because, well they are BMW and that is what they do! It looks very similar to the others that I have done, but I did have to smirk at your comment that "it shouldn't be this hard".

[@dson95]

This is perfect! I have a 2016 528i XDrive and my set up is just like this (unlike most other F10s). I need to replace the lower control arms. I have to remove the hub/axle just like you did to get it out. Thanks!

[@mlgrezlik4909]

Yooda man Gregg, thanks so much! Did mine this week and couldn't have done it without your video. Nice editing too... I love the fast forward (with sound effects!) over the basic stuff. So much better than just omitting it.

[@stevenphillips6849]

One of the best DIY videos I've seen for the F10...so grateful you posted this. I'm about to replace my upper control arm and from your video it looks like I'm going to need to pull the axle out of the hub to get enough clearance to pull it up and out.

[@ThadmanKane]

Auto repair in Crocs. Lower ball joint, lower strut wishbone, left side skid plate and axle nut is all that's required for this 25 minute job.

[@charlesgharamti9836]

When you say the lower strut wishbone- do you mean remove just the lower strut bolt, or completely remove the tension arm? Does the upper ball joint pinch bolt need to be removed? Any details on how to pop out the axle from the diff, and what type/how much fluid to refill with? What about the axle seal and new clip- is a special tool required to place it ?

[@dannydkasel8296]

tip: axle nut -> torque when wheel off -> 90 degrese when wheel on and car lowered (standard procedure at Audi/VW/Skoda/Bentley)

[@billjackson4786]

FWIW it's a lot easier to do this than you make it, I did my F10 right side this morning 1: pull the center hub out of your wheel and undo the big bolt that holds the axle in before you jack the car 2: take off the stiffener and all of the underside trim pieces like you did 3: unbolt the tie rod end 4: Unbolt the strut wishbone from the lower control arm 5: unbolt the lower control arm from the subframe Go under the car and use a long bar and a hammer to push out the inner driver from the transmission. Once the axle is loose pull the lower control arm away and put a jack stand under it to keep it out of the way. push the axle out of the wishbone in the bottom of the strut and then push the strut out of the way, pull the axle out. The only "hard" part is holding the stuff out of the way while putting the new axle in. having a helper would help but it can definitely be done by yourself.

[@twistedrx7]

Easier to remove the coilover to provide more access to slide in and out

[@Dc-bi4ov]

Ur explanation is super confusing. Reread

[@waqarabid248]

it was a lot easier to open control arms from subframe. Did not need to open uper control arm bolt.remove tie rod.

[@christiancode3565]

Can you list all the required tools in the description? Thank you

[@jeffwatson22]

I don't think the brake caliper needed to be disassembled like that. Pretty sure the two bolts that hold the carrier can just be removed (where he used the impact tool), not the two that are inside the little rubber plugs.

[@nghiamedia]

this was on the driver (left hand) side. great video. thanks.

[@miaonufrak]

please tell me how you keep your rotors so shiny. rusty rotors drive me nuts

[@198888joshua]

Hi can you please tell what kind of socket did you use to remove de strut The last part you removed wich gave little problem to remove it.

[@WillsHellaHeat]

am I the only one who only takes the lower control arm off from the shock and sub frame and move the it over and leave everything else in place ? 2 nuts and bolts and splash shield and axle bolt are only thing I had to remove to swap the axle

[@guyanacoolie7520]

Great video I use this video to change my outer boot, I was able to change the boot with the axle still installed I just move the spindle away anyways nice video.

[@noahdesigns1072]

Do you just remove the old boot cover and squeeze on the new?

[@jiismo]

@@noahdesigns1072 you have to remove the cv joint from the axle. there is a snap ring inside that holds it. you smack the center portion with a drift to pop it off.

[@ededic2008]

Can you point me to the forum where they discuss this particular GKN axle and the boot being short? Just wanted to gain more info before I start ordering parts and replacing both front axles on my 2011 F10. Also I wish you would have shown a little more detail on the diff fluid. (which fluid to use and how you managed to get the fluid into the diff). Thanks

[@gbalstad]

NICE WORK! Thanks!

[@dulichion]

Great video man, Im right in this middle of this same shitty job. Over engineered junk. ugh 2016 bmw 528i xdrive

[@GreggBalser]

You only have to remove the lower bolts and arm and shock bolt to get it out.

[@Jonhenrysneip]

Thank you for the video. The plastpanels whith 400 bolts you have shown, must it rally be removed too snap out the shaft? If, why. Thanks.

[@GreggBalser]

Kruttjon henry Aspnes because you cannot get to the inner edge of the shaft to knock it out and you will lose some differential fluid and need to catch it when it runs out.

[@Jonhenrysneip]

@@GreggBalser 😊

[@mahenk3213]

Thank You, well done, very helpful indeed

[@eriksnead6391]

I’m in the middle of a timing chain replacement. Upon removing the axles, it was pretty hard getting the spindle bolt out of the pass side, but getting the driver side off resulted in impacting the head of the bolt off. So now I’m stuck! Can you recommend a fix? Also, do you know the name of this bolt? I’m having a hard time finding its replacement

[@GreggBalser]

Its probably BMW part number 31206795249 www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-collar-bolt-with-compression-spring-m16x15x728-8-31206795249?ads_cmpid=1586640911&ads_adid=59893888775&ads_matchtype=&ads_network=g&ads_creative=298302526031&ads_targetid=pla-327620319311&ttv=2&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzZL-BRDnARIsAPCJs70PEUQX9nEHczHLarFyFBNiL2nCQamr9hydH8COf_emT_55I8VXV6AaAtZFEALw_wcB

[@BMelchner]

I wonder if you could have removed the wheel bearing and slid it out that way.

[@joeyc2802]

Hi Greg, thanks for the video. If I just want to rebuild the outer joint / boot, do I need to take out the whole shaft? Thanks again!

[@GreggBalser]

Joey Calandrino as far as I know you do need to take the whole shaft out to change the boot. Unless you have a boot stretcher then you might be able to cut the old one off and get the new one on. Just cleaning the old dirty grease out might be a pain. Probably better to take it out.

[@joeyc2802]

I ended up taking the whole shaft out. Only the outer boots were torn but I redid the inners as well. Thanks so much for the video!

[@E46Nova]

@@joeyc2802 I am in the process of changing out the boots on my 535I. Can you tell me what process you used in order to get the new boots on the axle? Thanks a lot!

[@chrystleking9765]

Greg when putting the new cv shaft in, do you have to pound it into place like we had to do to get the old one out?

[@GreggBalser]

Chrystle King you have to slam it into the differential to get the snap ring to lock into place. You can't just push on it, it needs some force.

[@GreggBalser]

Chrystle King see how I did it at 14:48 in the video

[@daren212]

Gregg Balser, I have to replace the passenger axle on my fiancee's car, inner CVJ and boot is trashed, got the axle, bolts, seals, etc. I also bought another inner CV boot kit, do you know if GKN has addressed the too short issue? How will I know if it is still too short?

[@GreggBalser]

Daren Blunt I don't know if it is fixed. You can tell by looking at the inner boot. If it looks like the outer boot it is wrong. If it tapers down and has a few inches that is a smaller diameter it should be fine

[@stevensvoboda1560]

I was just wondering what oil do you use in the differential? And where did you purchase the CV joint?

[@GreggBalser]

The joint was purchased from Bavauto and they no longer exist. The fluid i used was ROWE (Rova). Can't remember the weight. This was a few years ago.

[@pk8186]

Gregg, very good video. Thanks for posting. Just a quick question, what tool did you use at 12.47?

[@GreggBalser]

It's a Snap-on air hammer. Specifically a PH3050. The video is sped up a little bit. The vibration makes light work of things like ball joints.

[@198888joshua]

Hi to put the axle inner side you just need to pull out and an to put in , just push in?? Or you still need to tight something?

[@GreggBalser]

You need to force it in. There is a ring that needs to snap into place. You can sometimes compress the whole axle and thread in the old bolt, make sure the splines are matched up and tap it with a hammer.

[@198888joshua]

@@GreggBalser thank you

[@198888joshua]

Hi , I just replace the axle from the passenger side , but when it came out fluid also came out , I just want to add fluid , I wanna know if I can add fluid lifting only the driver side or I have to put the car on level??

[@GreggBalser]

Level car and fill through plug on drivers side. If you tilt car and overfill it could cause seals to leak

[@198888joshua]

@@GreggBalser thank you I have to do it again , i filled lifting only the driver side

[@GreggBalser]

@@198888joshua level it and just pull plug and let excess drain out.

[@198888joshua]

@@GreggBalser I that’s I am gonna do , but the needs to be cold right, I just came back from work , if I do right know a lot oil would come out because is hot ,

[@198888joshua]

@@GreggBalser I cheked underneath and there is no leak , but anyway I am still Gina do it.

[@E46Nova]

I'm currently doing this to my 535i. Im fighting with the upper control arm. The bolt actually came off easy. Its removing the wishbone free from the spindle is what is giving me a hard time. Looks like you used some sort of roto hammer. Anything else I can do to get it free?

[@italiandomain1341]

Did you get it all done correctly ? Lol

[@MoebibiMalouki]

Did the cv joint axle from the e60 5 series change in the f10? or are they interchangable?

[@GreggBalser]

100% different.

[@efraintolayo8685]

Anyone know what’s the name of the pinch bolt that holds the spindle to the upper control arm?

[@GreggBalser]

#2 in this diagram

[@GreggBalser]

www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=XH53-USA-01-2013-F10-BMW-528iX&diagId=31_0872

[@GreggBalser]

31106789333 Torx screw M10X59-10.9 ZNS

[@raidenprotecterofearthreal7909]

I just had the axles done on my 2014 f10 and when I fully turn the wheel in either direction the car starts pretty much jerking. Is it due to the inner boots being short like you stated?

[@GreggBalser]

Probably not. I'm pretty sure the axle issue has been fixed a few years ago. That sounds like it could possibly be the transfer case being defective. They sometimes act like a 4x4 pickup truck in 4 wheel drive on dry pavement turning.

[@raidenprotecterofearthreal7909]

@@GreggBalser Yeah thats kind of how it is. But only at idle speed and when the steering wheel is fully locked. Its weird because it wasn’t doing this with the older axles.

[@GreggBalser]

@@raidenprotecterofearthreal7909 Strange. I wonder if the axle bolts weren't torqued properly or even replaced. Can't remember the exact torque but it's 2 different torque steps and then 90 degrees.

[@raidenprotecterofearthreal7909]

@@GreggBalser I’ll be sure to keep that in mind when I bring it back to the guy. One thing I noticed when the steering wheel is turned all the way is that you can hear the axles. I wouldn’t say I could hear them clicking but maybe just hear them spinning. Regardless, it’s either something wasn’t done right or I just happened to get faulty axles which I doubt.

[@avasiloiu]

@@raidenprotecterofearthreal7909 have you find out what was the problem?i have smthe dame issue after replacing the front -right cv axle.

[@vnc1vsqz]

What did you use to get it out of differential

[@GreggBalser]

mario vasquez I used a long screw driver and a hammer from underneath to pop it out.

[@WRJose81]

Is it recommended to replace cv shaft on both sides?

[@GreggBalser]

Not unless you have a problem.

[@jameskelly9510]

Do you need a scan tool for anything?

[@GreggBalser]

No

[@jazzobrim97gzz28]

How long did this take in total

[@GreggBalser]

Probably like 4 hours. Looking back it would be easier to just undo the bushing side of the lower control arm and probably not ever touch the upper wishbone.

[@Troymatti]

ATTENTION ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ THIS JOB REQUIRED ALOT OF CUSSING I MEAN ALOT BTW YOU DON'T HAVE TO DICONNECT UPPER CONTROL ARM . YOU MADE MY LIFE X20 HARDER BY REMOVING THAT 14 MM TORX

[@iosifmocanu7852]

on the right is the same thing to change it?

[@GreggBalser]

IOSIF MOCANU similar. Not exactly the same

[@iosifmocanu7852]

Thank you... would you mind to upload a new video with right side if you got the chance please?

[@GreggBalser]

IOSIF MOCANU never took a video of other side.

[@57Joe]

Read my comment above, it might help you. It's basically the same as shown here in the video. However, the right side is more difficult because the portion of the axle that installs into the differential is longer, so you have further to pull the strut away to maneuver the axle into the diff. You have to just muscle it, there's really no other way. It's a bitch and you'll fight with it for a bit, but then you'll figure it out.

[@mmg23max]

What model # is your quickjack?

[@GreggBalser]

5000 SLX

[@GreggBalser]

Also bought the extensions after because it was technically too short for the F10.

[@mmg23max]

Gregg Balser okay,thank you. I have a 535 f10 also and planning to get one.

[@elijahrumatchik3530]

Was this the left side cv axel?

[@GreggBalser]

Elijah Rumatchik yes it was.

[@elijahrumatchik3530]

Gregg Balser what symptoms did you experience when driving with the bad axel?

[@GreggBalser]

Elijah Rumatchik It was not my car and I never drove it. The owner noticed that the wheel was a little dirtier and then found the grease. He drove it for a few weeks before we fixed it and said the car had a shake / vibration at speed from that corner and that it eventually started clicking while turning.

[@sebastiangrado5825]

Same happened to my 535i. mine was a bit more severe though, had to get it towed to the dealer. Pretty nasty stuff!

[@BDBBailey]

Great video. I need this done to my F10 550i. How much you charge? Lol!

[@GreggBalser]

B Bailey6954 lol. Once was enough. Not a project I plan to do again unless I have to on my F30.

[@bmwsincekid]

I Bought From Spidan GKN it says 567mm but i measured it Its exactly 606mm They measured it incorrectly from one end to the other end its exactly 606mm All tho its hasn’t been installed yet :))£

[@becomematrix]

Loosen the balljoint

[@BradaBear61]

Those origenal drive shaft cover clamps are a pain in the ass i had to order a special tool 169 euro's only bmw couldt deliver it no after market products availeble it Gets more rediculeus the clamps come only with a drive shaft cover as a set 55 euro's for that what a rip off!!!

[@jiismo]

you can get after market clamps that use the fold over style. just order separately from the foreign car parts store. I just toss the oem style from the kit and use those. Still need a special tool but it is $40usd

[@scottcrawford4148]

BMW designers are ass clowns. I removed the axles on my 328i xdrive by removing only the lower control arm.

[@3657matthew]

Thats what he said lol