Front driveshaft guibo mod (fatter flex disc edition)

[AndrewBird]

It's purely to increase the amount of spline on the driveshaft. In stock configuration, a large section of the shaft is not even used. A thicker guibo pushes the shaft into the TC farther engaging more spline for a stronger connection.

[tk32]

I have found multiple part numbers for an X5 centering flange. They seem to appear visually identical, including the part suggested in this thread:

E53 X5 M54 3.0i: 26117507533
E70 X5 N52N 3.0si: 26207567717
This Thread (not specified): 26201227191

Does it matter? All the same price too (lowest I could find is $67) Only difference is availability of shipment from vendors

[jeenyus]

I have found multiple part numbers for an X5 centering flange. They seem to appear visually identical, including the part suggested in this thread: E53 X5 M54 3.0i: 26117507533 E70 X5 N52N 3.0si: 26207567717 This Thread (not specified): 26201227191 Does it matter? All the same price too (lowest I could find is $67) Only difference is availability of shipment from vendors

To add to this, the centering flange that supercedes the older one can be used. I had to trim the centering pin in mine to get it to fit, but nothing more than like 4mm. I'm the picture you can see how I trimmed the new flange. It really wasn't much.

[D.Martijn]

I figured I might as well post pictures of my iX with this mod. (been almost 2 years now)

I removed a bit more material at the flange, so I can push the hole axle even further back when fitting the centering flange and guibo. I didn't need to shorten the X5 centering pin.

[jeenyus]

I figured I might as well post pictures of my iX with this mod. (been almost 2 years now) I removed a bit more material at the flange, so I can push the hole axle even further back when fitting the centering flange and guibo. I didn't need to shorten the X5 centering pin.

These are great pictures! Did you end up not using the torx bolt that goes where you trimmed on the lower housing? Or did just leave it out completely? Did you remove the lower housing to trim or do it on the car? The centering flange I used was PN 26117507533. I think the older ones were slightly different and didn't require trimming, but this PN specifically wouldn't have fit without the trimming.

[D.Martijn]

These are great pictures! Did you end up not using the torx bolt that goes where you trimmed on the lower housing? Or did just leave it out completely? Did you remove the lower housing to trim or do it on the car? The centering flange I used was PN 26117507533. I think the older ones were slightly different and didn't require trimming, but this PN specifically wouldn't have fit without the trimming.

Thanks! I decided to don't use the torx bolt as there is very little thread left anyway.. I don't see any harm IMHO.
I did remove the brace so I could use an end mill on the manual mill at work to remove the material. I actually went a little bit too deep and the aluminium teared in one spot. I used some epoxy to cover the small crack on the inside (transmission side) so there is less chance that unwanted dirt/water can get to the flywheel/clutch.

I didn't know about the new part no's. I should have a look which one I got. I do remember getting a used centering flange from Ebay.

[The Dark Side of Will]

You put the plastic cover back on the splines, right?

[D.Martijn]

You put the plastic cover back on the splines, right?

I did!

[jeenyus]

I did!

I feel like you for an extra mm of contact on your spline than I got... :( LoL

[nando]

It should be about 1/4". That's 33% more spline area. The stock engagement is only 3/4", it's clearly not enough - especially when the lubrication dries out..

is that molykote stuff still available? I still have my original tube. As long as it doesn't go bad, it should be enough for my entire lifetime, lol.

[jeenyus]

It should be about 1/4". That's 33% more spline area. The stock engagement is only 3/4", it's clearly not enough - especially when the lubrication dries out.. is that molykote stuff still available? I still have my original tube. As long as it doesn't go bad, it should be enough for my entire lifetime, lol.

It's still around. Not cheap. You can get an 8lb bucket of the stuff for 1k... 5oz for 13 dollars. I think even that much might last a while.

[E30andy]

Question about grinding down the flange.....I dont have air tools but I have a dremel. Can the job be done with a dremel and grinding wheel?
Thanks!!

[jeenyus]

Question about grinding down the flange.....I dont have air tools but I have a dremel. Can the job be done with a dremel and grinding wheel? Thanks!!

It will take a while if you do it that way, but it's possible. It's only aluminum so the real issue is your grinding wheel getting clogged.

[E30andy]

Looking to purchase the parts for this upgrade.
There are several brands of flex disc available including OEM BMW ($140), Meyle ($47), and Corteco ($41).
Are the non-OEM brands safe to go with?

[D.Martijn]

Looking to purchase the parts for this upgrade.
There are several brands of flex disc available including OEM BMW ($140), Meyle ($47), and Corteco ($41).
Are the non-OEM brands safe to go with?

I think I went with Febi, so far so good..