How to Replace BMW Driveshaft Center Support

This remove and Install guide is a simple step by step instruction with pictures that will show you the correct replacement of a driveshaft center support on a rear BMW driveshaft. The following pictures are of a 325IX 2004, however most 3 series and X3 have the same setup with some have locking nut at the slip yoke and some have just a boot instead.

Start by marking the two halves of the driveshaft with good solid marks that will not smear.

marking the two halfs of the bmw drive shaft

For driveshaft with a boot in the middle, just pull the boot to loosen it up on one side.
Driveshafts with locking nut in the middle, you will need to loosen it using a large wrench.

Loosen the slip yoke nut using a crescent wrench.

opening the bmw driveshaft locking nut using a crescent wrench

Pull no more than 3”.

Add additional marks on the spline in straight line with the other marks, this will help you during assembly.

marking positions of the bmw two piece shafts before separation

Separate the two halves of the shafts.

driveshaft is separated showing the slip yoke

Remove the locking nut and add more marks on the spline closer to the tip.

pulling the locking nut and showing the marking on the driveshaft spline

Remove the snap ring in front of the center support. It is a good idea to put an directional mark on top of the support bracket pointing toward the second shaft tube so you will install the support correctly.

pulling the snap ring located in front of the driveshaft center support

Install a puller behind the support.

Remove the support using the puller.

pulling the bmw driveshaft support bearing using the puller

support is removed from the shaft with all other removed parts

Use a 2.5” OD/2.25” ID Pipe as a tool to drive the new driveshaft support in.

installation pipe is on top of the driveshaft bearing

To install the support, you can use a press, be careful not to damage the seal.
You can also use a hammer on the pipe to push the bracket in.

driveshaft is mounted on a press ready to press shaft support

You can also use a Hammer to drive the bearing in.

using a hammer to drive the center support into place

Make sure the bearing is pushed all the way against the wall of the shaft. Install the snap ring into the groove in front of the bearing. Install the slip yoke nut.

installing the snap ring and locking nut on the driveshaft

Line up the two driveshaft pieces using the marks and push the two pieces together.

position marks are lined up on the driveshaft

Screw the nut back but do not tighten much, since you will need to install the shaft first and then tighten the nut after (only 8 ft lbs). Make sure the marks are lined up perfectly or vibration will occur.

Tools needed for the job.

Paint marker
Large wrench
Snap ring pliers
Puller
Pipe

Note: Automotive work is dangerous and should only be done by a qualified technician. This information is only meant as a refresher and a guide for an automotive technician to do the job correctly. Please exercise caution.