Driveshaft CV dust cap

[Arith2]

Today I went to install my new driveshaft(finally) and realized why my old one failed. It didn't have a dust cap. I never removed one so I don't think it was ever there. It's just one of those thong you don't notice it until you needed it.

Basically I need the proper part # because all I can find is a 330i cap and I have no idea if it's interchangeable. Realoem doesn't provide a part # and it greyed out. If anyone has the # I'd really appreciate it if I could get it.

[bigjae46]

The rebuild you purchased has a dust cap which IMO is far superior. But OE...it just has a cork gasket and no end cap.


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[kokgo20]

The M3 doesn’t have a dust cap
the 330 doesn’t fit the M3

[Icecream]

I just went through this myself. The “dust cap” ended up just being a thin washer that didn’t seem to do much of anything. I put it on to be complete but that’s all you get. It’s not the same as what’s pictured.

[Arith2]

The rebuild you purchased has a dust cap which IMO is far superior. But OE...it just has a cork gasket and no end cap.


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Crisis averted. I'll use yours. Realoem actually shows one in the diagram which is why I worried.

Thank you everyone because now I can finish up everything without worrying. It's been one those months.

[ASAed330]

The rebuild you purchased has a dust cap which IMO is far superior. But OE...it just has a cork gasket and no end cap.


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Which rebuild company includes a dust cap? I think I need to rebuild mines soon.

[bigjae46]

Which rebuild company includes a dust cap? I think I need to rebuild mines soon.

I use a company that rebuilds driveshafts for a living. On the E46 M3 rebuilds, they include a dust cap on the end that fits.

I got my 5 speed driveshaft from them and I took off the dust cap from the CV thinking OE does not have a dust cap. You can use the dust cap.

It is different from the non-M dust cap which does not fit. Or they somehow modify it.


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[jbfrancis3]

Real OEM does not show a dust cap. The picture may have a dust cap but you'll note the reference number is grayed out and there is no corresponding part #.

I don't understand why a dust cap is being added into the equation by the rebuilder. The CV joint is sealed when mated against the input flange using a gasket, which often needs replacing once the two are separated.

[bigjae46]

Real OEM does not show a dust cap. The picture may have a dust cap but you'll note the reference number is grayed out and there is no corresponding part #.

I don't understand why a dust cap is being added into the equation by the rebuilder. The CV joint is sealed when mated against the input flange using a gasket, which often needs replacing once the two are separated.

Because it’s easier.


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[Arith2]

There was no dust cap, just studs and a plastic protector. I knocked out the studs and did my best to not get grease everywhere. My old one was nearly dry. Time to put some miles on it.

[Cubieman]

How often should one re-grease the driveshaft CV?

[bigjae46]

How often should one re-grease the driveshaft CV?

Hard to say. Probably 150k-200k
-ish. Or if you remove the driveshaft.

The grease in my axles was runny when I replaced the boots a couple of years back. Probably best to degrease before that point.

I’ve played around with sending my driveshaft and axle CV’s to get REM polished. Might do it next year.

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[ac427]

I use a company that rebuilds driveshafts for a living. On the E46 M3 rebuilds, they include a dust cap on the end that fits.

I got my 5 speed driveshaft from them and I took off the dust cap from the CV thinking OE does not have a dust cap. You can use the dust cap.

It is different from the non-M dust cap which does not fit. Or they somehow modify it.


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Does the company you use replace the part in the outer CV or fit a new output CV joint?

[bigjae46]

Does the company you use replace the part in the outer CV or fit a new output CV joint?

It’s a new aftermarket CV joint.


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[ac427]

It’s a new aftermarket CV joint.


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It's good to hear that a new outer CV joint is available. Do you know who makes it?