Drivetrain - Front Axle Clicking Noise On Turns

SI B 31 01 08
Front Axle

September 2009
Technical Service

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 31 01 08 dated November 2008.

[NEW] designates changes to this revision

SUBJECT
E53 (X5) - Replacement of Front Outer CV Joint

MODEL
E53 (X5 3.0i), (X5 4.4i), (X5 4.6i), (X5 4.8i) produced from 04/2000

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 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 7 586 433).

In conjunction with the CV joint, the Repair Bellows Kit must be ordered when replacing the outer joint:

^ For vehicles produced from 04/00 up to 03/06 - P/N 31 60 7 507 402 (rubber boot material).

^ For vehicles produced from 03/06 - P/N 31 60 7 565 316 (thermoplastic 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:
On the X5 4.8i vehicles produced up to 04/00, in the case of the outer front CV joint failure, the complete output shaft assembly has to be replaced (P/N 31 60 7 503 537 - output shaft left; P/N 31 60 7 503 538 - output shaft right).

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








PARTS INFORMATION





WARRANTY INFORMATION