Drivetrain - Front End Grinding Noise On Turns

SI B 31 02 09
Front Axle

June 2009
Technical Service

SUBJECT
E46 All-wheel Drive - Replacement of Front Outer CV Joint

MODEL
E46 All-wheel drive (325xi, 330xi) vehicles

SITUATION
The customer complains of clicking or grinding noises coming from the front axle area when making a turn. The front outer Constant Velocity Joint boot is split open, and the joint is already damaged.

INFORMATION
In the case of an outer front CV Joint failure, it is not necessary to replace the complete output shaft assembly. The outer front CV Joint is available now from your local Parts Distribution Center as a separate replaceable component (P/N 31 60 7 597 894).

In conjunction with the CV Joint, the Repair Bellows Kit needs to be ordered when replacing the outer joint: P/N 31 60 7 507 402 (rubber boot material).

For the CV Joint replacement procedure, refer to RA 31 60 535.

IMPORTANT

In the case of outer front CV Joint failure, do not replace the complete output shaft, but only the affected joint and bellow.

Note:
In the case of inner front CV joint failure, the complete output shaft assembly has to be replaced (P/N 31 60 7 505 199 output shaft left; P/N 31 60 7 505 200 output shaft right).

This policy applies to both warranty and "customer pay" situations.





PARTS INFORMATION

WARRANTY INFORMATION
For information only





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