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SI B31 03 14
Front Axle

August 2014
Technical Service

SUBJECT

Clicking Noise from Front Axle
MODEL

F15 (X5)
SITUATION

A high-pitched metallic clicking noise is heard from the front axle when taking off from a stop or during a load
reversal (reverse to drive).
CAUSE

The preset axial play in the input flange to pinion bearings of the front differential may create a metal-on-metal
“crack” noise when load reversing.
CORRECTION

Remove the input flange from the front differential (refer to Repair Instruction RA 31 51 010).
Do not replace any parts when performing the repair (the input flange seal stays installed).

When the differential was initially
assembled, the input flange was
installed dry. This is the cause of the
clicking/cracking noise.
Part of the Repair Instruction indicates
applying a thin film of grease (Bulk
P/N 83 23 0 417 754) to the flat side of
the flange (1). Applying this grease
allows the flange and pinion bearing to
shift without causing any
clicking/cracking noises.

Reinstall the flange as described in the Repair Instruction.
PARTS INFORMATION

Part Number

Description

Quantity

83 23 0 417 754

Grease Optitemp HT 1
LF (50g)

See below

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty.
Defect Code:

31 50 00 39 00

Labor Operation:

Labor Allowance:

Description:

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31 51 010

Refer to KSD

Remove and install input flange (to
apply grease)

Labor operation code 31 51 010 is a Main labor operation.
If you are using a Main labor code for another repair, then use the Plus code labor operation 31 51 510 or the
Associated labor operation 31 51 511 when the front propeller shaft is already removed to perform another repair.
Refer to KSD2 for the corresponding flat rate unit (FRU) allowance. Enter the Chassis Number, which consists of
the last 7 digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Click on the “Search” button, and then enter the
applicable flat rate labor operation in the FR code field.
And
Sublet – Bulk Materials

Sublet Code 4

$1.00

Sublet reimbursement up to the amount
listed for used quantity of grease (Bulk
P/N 83 23 0 417 754). Please do not use
this part number for claim submission.

[ Copyright ©2014 BMW of North America, Inc. ]

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