Installing center bearing

C

cookbw

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I'm trying to get the driveshaft center bearing to go all the way on without damaging it. It was really hard to get off the driveshaft, so it makes sense that the new one would be hard to put on. I just don't know what kind of tool I should use to force the new one on. I'm sure lots of folks out there have figured this out, but I didnt see any mention of it in previous threads. Any ideas?
 
I have never done this job on an e9, but the 105 Series Alfas that I also fool around with have a very similar driveshaft setup. On those cars, it just takes a heavy duty press + proper setup to R&R the centershaft bearing. Gear pullers, vices, hammers generally don't provide enough force to overcome the press fit.

How did you get your old bearing off? How are you trying to get the new one back on? You could do worse than to carry the whole assembly to your friendly neighborhood automotive machine shop and just ask them to finish it. Yes, often they will just carry it out back, and whack on it with a large hammer - but, if they destroy the bearing in the process, it's their liability.
 
Just did this along with replacing the entire driveshaft on my 88 M6, but the procedures should also apply to the CS driveshaft components.

Tools needed: secured bench vice, hammer (preferably rubber lined dead blow hammer), short steel or aluminum pipe (should be same diameter as ball bearing and about a foot).

Clamp the U-joint on the vice with the shaft sticking perfectly straight up, dabble some water on the spline shaft and the center bearing device, align center bearing and drive home with hammer and pipe tool. Make sure center bearing is bottomed out and properly seated. Don't forget the install the outer dustcap and locking circlip.

Read more about my center bearing installation on my M6 here: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1309083
 
that makes sense. i suppose i can probably find such a pipe at a hardware store. i don't have the dust protection and locking clip on hand...i'm hoping a local bmw shop would just have that in stock, but we'll see. i really dont want to wait another two weeks to drive...it's sunny this weekend!
 
Pipe should be the diameter of the inner of the ball bearing race, not the outer diameter of the bearing or you will damage the bearing.
 
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