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How to Replace Front CV Axle Assemblies 2000-2006 BMW X5

Description

This video shows you how to install a new front CV Axle in your 2000-2006 BMW X5. A CV axle has flexible joints. Often, these joints wear out, or seize from contaminants due to the protective boot tearing open. A worn joint is prone to breakage, or other hazards. If your vehicle needs a new CV axle, install a quality TRQ axle that is engineered to your vehicle’s specifications.

Install Instructions

1. Introduction and Wheel Removal
  • Begin by removing the driver's side front wheel
  • Use a 19 mm socket to loosen and take off the lug bolts
  • Hold the wheel before removing the last lug bolt to prevent it from falling, then remove the wheel completely to access the CV axle
2. Remove Underbody Panel
  • Remove the panel underneath the vehicle by unscrewing fasteners at the front with an 8 mm socket
  • Remove any push pins on the sides and additional screws at the back using the same socket
  • Once all fasteners are removed, slide the panel down and out
3. Detach Ball Joint from Control Arm
  • Remove the nut from the ball joint using a 22 mm socket
  • Use a front end puller tool to separate the ball joint from the control arm by popping it off carefully
4. Remove Axle Nut
  • Locate the axle nut which is peened over
  • Use a punch to bend back the peened areas
  • Loosen the axle nut using a 36 mm socket
  • Tap the nut gently with a punch to loosen the axle from the hub
  • Confirm the axle can move freely
5. Remove Outer Tie Rod Nut and Detach Tie Rod
  • Remove the outer tie rod nut using a 22 mm socket
  • Use a front end puller to separate the outer tie rod end from the knuckle
  • Ensure it is fully detached
6. Remove Rearward Lower Control Arm Bolt and Nut
  • Use an 18 mm wrench and 16 mm socket to remove the bolt and nut securing the rear lower control arm
  • Once removed, lower the arm down and out of the way
7. Remove Front Lower Control Arm Nut and Bolt
  • Remove the nut and bolt from the front lower control arm using an 18 mm socket
  • Separate and move this control arm to access the axle area
8. Remove Protective Shield
  • Support the shield with a pulljack
  • Remove the bolts and associated nuts (16 mm socket and wrench) holding the shield in place
  • Some vehicles may have nuts on top which require additional removal
  • Once bolts and nuts are removed, lower and take off the shield
9. Remove Old CV Axle
  • Gently tap the CV shaft with a punch to unseat it from the differential
  • Be prepared for some fluid drainage; place a drain bucket underneath
  • Once loose, pull the axle out completely
10. Install New CV Axle
  • Align the new CV axle carefully and slide it into place
  • If resistance is met, use a rubber mallet to gently tap it fully into the differential
  • Ensure it wiggles in place to confirm proper seating
11. Align CV Axle with Wheel Hub
  • Slide the axle splines into the wheel hub, turning the rotor slightly as needed to line up the splines until fully seated
12. Check and Top Off Differential Fluid
  • Using a hex (H14) socket, remove the differential fill plug
  • Check fluid level to ensure it reaches the fill hole base
  • Top off fluid if necessary; otherwise, reinstall the plug tightly with the vehicle on a level surface
13. Reinstall Protective Shield
  • Reposition the shield and support it with a pulljack
  • Align all bolts and nuts, reinstalling any bolts removed earlier
  • Tighten hardware securely and lower the pulljack once done
14. Reinstall Rearward Control Arm
  • Line up the rearward lower control arm and install the bolt and nut
  • Snug but do not fully tighten; final torque will be done after all parts are reassembled
15. Reattach Sway Bar Link and Outer Tie Rod
  • Insert the sway bar link into position and tighten the nut fully
  • Then, reinsert the tie rod into the knuckle, start the nut, pry up slightly on the tie rod, and snug the nut
16. Reconnect Ball Joint and Front Lower Control Arm
  • Align ball joint stud with the control arm and start the nut
  • Use a pole jack to apply pressure and fully tighten the nut
  • Reinstall and position the front lower control arm accordingly
17. Tighten Axle Nut and Secure
  • Start a couple lug bolts to prevent rotor turning
  • Torque the axle nut to 310 ft-lbs
  • Remove lug bolts after securing axle nut
  • Peen over the axle nut slots using a punch to lock it in place
18. Torque Control Arm and Nut to Specification
  • Raise control arm close to ride height with a jack for accurate torque
  • Torque the lower control arm bolt to 74 ft-lbs
  • Then torque associated nuts to 59 ft-lbs ensuring proper suspension alignment
19. Reinstall Wheel and Lug Bolts
  • Reinstall the wheel and start lug bolts
  • Tighten snugly first
  • Then torque lug bolts to 111 ft-lbs in a cross pattern to evenly secure the wheel
20. Final Notes and Alignment Advice
  • Upon completing the installation, have a professional alignment performed to ensure correct suspension geometry and safe handling
  • The video concludes with brand acknowledgments and reminder for quality parts

Tools

General Tools
  • Floor Jack
  • Hammer
  • Jack Stands
  • Pole Jack
  • Punch
  • Rubber Mallet
  • Wheel Chocks
Hex Wrenches
  • 14mm Hex Socket
Ratchets & Related
  • Ratchet
  • Socket Extensions
Sockets - Metric
  • 8mm Socket
  • 16mm Socket
  • 18mm Socket
  • 19mm Socket
  • 22mm Socket
  • 36mm 12-point socket
Specialty Tools
  • Tie Rod Puller
Wrenches - Metric
  • 16mm Wrench
  • 18mm Wrench

Supplies

Materials, Fluids, and Supplies
  • Gloves
  • Safety Glasses