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How to Remove and Replace the Half Shaft

Model: BMW Serie 3 E46 - Years: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Part: Axle shaft

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Video tutorial

This video shows how to remove and replace the half shaft of the transmission on a BMW 3 Series. The video also includes changing the differential oil. The vehicle is already lifted with a jack, and the front wheel has been removed.

The broken boot of the joint to be replaced is visible. It is recommended to remove the caliper and hang it, leaving it suspended near the rotor.

To remove the rotor, use a hammer. The author explains that to extract the strut, even an air gun was not needed; he used heat and a ratchet.

To slide out the half shaft, he used a small bar as a lever. Meanwhile, the differential fluid is collected in a basin for replacement.

The seal of the fluid reservoir can be removed with a small flathead screwdriver. In the following images, the new half shaft has already been installed, so everything is reassembled as before.


Updated on 8 February 2026 by ScegliAuto


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