[Mikez306]

2009 335xi

I replaced the drivers side rear wheel bearing, and clearly something has gone wrong.
When putting the car from P to D there is a loud clunking noise, followed by what sounds like the axle shaft turning (even though my foot is on the brake). The car will not drive forward (revs as though it's in neutral).....what is probably most concerning is the car will roll forward or backwards, with the car in P and engine off! Can someone please help me out with this? I am new to these cars and have no idea where to start.

Oh and no lights on the dash etc...

Thanks in advance for your help.

Mike

[Antetokounmpo]

sounds like somehow your halfshaft isn't interfacing to the hub, an assembly error likely. you haven't tried taking it apart and finding the issue..?

[White330]

Sounds like the axle isn't connected to the hub if its spinning by itself. Pull off you wheel and check all your connections

[Mikez306]

Well I would like to but not really sure I know a safe way to lift it.

[White330]

Just throw it onto some jack stands. How did you replace the wheel bearing?

[Mikez306]

What is even more bizarre is that I didn't remove the half shaft from the diff to do the job, I pulled the axle shaft out of the hub by removing the entire knuckle from the suspension. Then I took the entire Hub assembly to the dealer to have them press off the old wheel bearing and press on the new one.

[White330]

Originally Posted by Mikez306

What is even more bizarre is that I didn't remove the half shaft from the diff to do the job, I pulled the axle shaft out of the hub by removing the entire knuckle from the suspension.

Its spinning because its probably still connected to the diff but not connected to the hub

[Mikez306]

Originally Posted by White330

Its spinning because its probably still connected to the diff but not connected to the hub

Great point. I am wondering if perhaps the u joint in the knuckle (on the control arm side) has broken?

[White330]

Originally Posted by Mikez306

Great point. I am wondering if perhaps the u joint in the knuckle (on the control arm side) has broken?

Either that or the splines may have stripped. How did you remove the axle? Did you hammer it out?

[Mikez306]

Originally Posted by White330

Either that or the splines may have stripped. How did you remove the axle? Did you hammer it out?

Yeah I hammered it out. I think either way I will replace the hub and axle assembly.....hopefully I can save the wheel bearing.

[White330]

Originally Posted by Mikez306

Yeah I hammered it out. I think either way I will replace the hub and axle assembly.....hopefully I can save the wheel bearing.

First you should pull your wheel off and check all the connections its possible that the axle came out of the hub

[Mikez306]

I pulled the center cap off the wheel and I can see the axle still fully seated in the hub. So I am assuming the problem is further back in the assembly. I think I will get someone in it, to put the car in drive to ensure the axle isn't spinning inside the hub.

[Mikez306]

I can hear the axle turning behind the knuckle. I have yet to take it apart to dig deep, I will post some pics when I do.
My last question is why would this issue prevent the tranny from going into P. The lever physically goes into P but neither the front of rear diffs lock?

[White330]

Originally Posted by Mikez306

I can hear the axle turning behind the knuckle. I have yet to take it apart to dig deep, I will post some pics when I do.
My last question is why would this issue prevent the tranny from going into P. The lever physically goes into P but neither the front of rear diffs lock?

I'm not too sure about that, hopefully the transmission didn't get damaged when removing the axle.

[Mikez306]

Originally Posted by White330

I'm not too sure about that, hopefully the transmission didn't get damaged when removing the axle.

I suppose anything is possible however I didn't remove the axle from the differential when changing out the bearing....I can hear metallic grinding right behind the hub with the car in D.......but like I said I won't know the extent of the damage till I take it apart.

[White330]

I was thinking that it may have become damaged when removed the axle from the hub. Did you have to hit it pretty hard or did it come out easy?

[Mikez306]

Originally Posted by White330

I was thinking that it may have become damaged when removed the axle from the hub. Did you have to hit it pretty hard or did it come out easy?

Probably one of the most difficult axle shafts to remove or insert that I have ever done....In other words I had to hit it pretty hard.

I am wondering (admittedly I don’t know much about these cars) if the computer is somehow locking it into neutral? Since it broke behind the hub the speed sensor is not detecting the wheel movement versus the other wheels?

Just a though....I appreciate all the replies!