How to replace 1997-2003 BMW 5-Series E39 Rear Wheel Bearings

Here's how to replace the rear wheel bearings on an e39 5-series BMW. I used a 1997 540i/6 in this video - the axles in six cylinder equipped e39s may be smaller.

[@oneginee]

A rare AAA+ quality video. efficient information delivery no unnecessary repetition no mistake or unclear statement no BS

[@roughjeepliving5394]

Tip put blanket between ratchet and door to protect the paint

[@petiteCaprice]

Just did my two rear wheel bearings on my 540i. I first started with the one on the passenger side. I unbolted the shaft, pushed it over but it wasn’t giving me enough space for the 4 bolts holding the wheel bearing. I spent honestly an hour just trying my best getting the 4 bolts off. Eventually and painfully I succeeded but I swore I’d never do this job again. A month later I eventually did my rear wheel bearing but driver side this time. And to my huge surprise I had all the space to push aside the axle and easily access those 4 bolts holding the wheel bearing. I had to drop the exhaust some way to do so, but easily done. I looked over to the passenger side to understand why it didn’t succeed on that side and lost so much time and effort. So if I can help and to what I realized, to give room to move over properly the axle passenger side, there’s like a fixing metallic sheet that holds the rubber for the exhaust. Remove it. There’s like 2 bolts if I remember correctly. I haven’t tried but I’m pretty certain once that thing removed you can make room to access those 4 rear wheel bearing bolts passenger side. Greetings from Switzerland

[@luckyhack78]

y remove the 6 Torx screw at the differential , lift up the "swing part" N°14 on the link below ; www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=DG71-EUR-04-1998-E39-BMW-525tds&diagId=33_0524 Y take ou the drive shaft , so y have full acces to the 4 screws ,

[@bigdeal87]

Sali muess das oh gli ah mim e39 mache. Hesch d ahtribswäue guet use und ihne becho ohni speziau wärchzüg? Danke lg us sursee

[@thoreengevik8598]

Thanks for showing us how to take of the wheels first ;)

[@HakeemKaree]

If the axle is lined up in the splines you should be able to lower the car or jack up that side of the suspension and it should push out alil more.

[@TheFanatic340]

Awesome video man.

[@birdwhisperxxtreme2371]

Same concept for the 1998 bmw 540i?

[@Cyrix2k]

Should be identical.

[@jasonputtock4428]

okay. Here is my problem. Should their not be a Reluctor ring on that new hub.? Ie the ABS ring. It should be based around the bearings. If so I did not see it. Yet I did see in your photos your ABS sensor. I have a clear issue with my Traction control system and its firing constantly. My last resort right now is that my ABS rings are naffed.

[@Cyrix2k]

That's a good question. It's been years since I've done this and my ABS works fine. I just checked my old axles which I kept as spares and I don't see an obvious reluctor ring - I assume it's magnetic and built into the axle. The hub does not appear to have any provision for the ring. Also, check your ABS wiring. Mine is now falling apart and will need to be replaced. The insulation has become very brittle with age.

[@jasonputtock4428]

@@Cyrix2k i replaced all 4 abs sensors. hence now my Traction control system is spamming whilst im driving. It's why I am asking you about the abs rings. From what I have read, they are on the axel ontop of the bearings. They should be black in colour and most likely metal and maybe magnetic. The sensors it self are Hall Affect circuits. Is their a black circular ring with ridges on them.? If so this might be the ring were are talking about.

[@jasonputtock4428]

@@Cyrix2k watch time line 3 min and 06 secs. Here you can clearly see those black rings.

[@Cyrix2k]

@@jasonputtock4428 You mean near the splined portion of the hub? I just looked at the actual hub assembly and that's just a shadow. There's nothing there except machined metal which is one piece with the hub. The other black ring is simply the bearing seal. I'm as mystified as you - I took a small steel screw and went around both the hub assembly and the axle and didn't sense anything magnetic or see anything that looks like a hub ring. I still think the ring is part of the axle near the CV joint.

[@jasonputtock4428]

@@Cyrix2k this is confusing. how is the abs ring working then.

[@larryjohnson8168]

good video

[@Robert.K]

Did you manage to loosen the bearing bolts using hand tools or did you use an impact wrench?

[@Cyrix2k]

I used hand tools. From what I recall, it was relatively easy.

[@Robert.K]

@@Cyrix2k Thanks. Great news. I got scared when I saw your broken ¼ extension. I'm doing this job on my E61 and the procedure should be the same. I'll use a ½" extension when I get the half shaft out.

[@jack504]

Did you have to drain the oil from the dif before removing the axle?

[@Cyrix2k]

No. As long as the axles are unbolted from the axle stubs in the diff, you don't need to drain the oil.

[@kwnortherner]

What kind of wheels and rims do you have on your E39?

[@Hexhound]

Nick Brisson 18x9 ASA AR1s in this video

[@kwnortherner]

I'm looking to replace my 1997 528i how can you figure out if those will fit or not? thanks

[@Cyrix2k]

Nick Brisson You will need to check the offsets & hub diameter. The 528i & 540i are the same in that regard though so these particular wheels will fit.

[@kwnortherner]

Thanks Cyrix2k.

[@maximilianlindner]

4:02 "Ich zieh' des..." :D :D

[@larryjohnson8168]

how did you move the axel over from the differential?

[@Cyrix2k]

+Peronimous Pratt I unbolted it. The CV joints will collapse inwards allowing enough room to move the axle around.

[@larryjohnson8168]

I got it done

[@stevenlouie1014]

My axle stub didn't go thru it's stuck between the hub and bearing any recommendations?

[@Cyrix2k]

Unbolt the axle from the diff and try to maneuver it out. If it's on the driver's side, you'll need to drop the exhaust some too.

[@stevenlouie1014]

I'm not trying too get it out I'm trying too get it through so I can bolt on the middle piece

[@stevenlouie1014]

Any recommendations on how too get it through?

[@Cyrix2k]

Oh. It's been a while since I've done this. Clean the splines really well. I wire brushed mine & used anti-seize. Once you get a couple threads through, use the axle nut to pull it through the rest of the way. I flipped the axle nut so that it would bite earlier, then once the axle came through, spun it off and put it on the correct way.

[@stevenlouie1014]

We ended up putting some WD-40 on it and smacking it thru the back from the axle lol thanks bro

[@JikaInFamous]

looks less pita than the e46

[@carlosnahui4685]

Hablas demasiado y no enseñas nada , tu vídeo no sirve