2001 540i m62tu crankshaft bolt

[dpcooney1]

Hey guys, question for anyone with experience regarding the removal of the the crankshaft bolt that holds on the pulley flange (needs to be removed for lower timing case removal).
Now, I know some of you will say that there are existing threads about this topic, but none have answers to my question.
After snapping off the rental tool for TDC alignment, I found out I am supposed to use a tool that bolts to the pulley flange (which is not mentioned in procedures from Pelican, etc.).
My question is: How does holding the flange help? This defies all logic. If the flange is just slid over the shaft, and the bolt is threaded directly into the shaft, then stabilizing the flange should be an exercise in futility! Is there something I'm not seeing? Is the back of the flange pinned to holes in the shaft?
I just don't want to fabricate or buy another tool for this job before I understand how this works and I won't be wasting my time or money.

[edjack]

The crankshaft flange is one with the crankshaft; it's forged that way.

The bolt takes about 400 ft-lbs to loosen. Best to get the special tool, or build one.

You need to get the Bentley E39 service manual.

[dpcooney1]

Thanks for the reply. I do have the manual. I guess your answer leads to another question: How can the flange be "one with the crankshaft"? The flange slides off the end of the crankshaft when the bolt is removed, correct?

[waters17]

I made a picture to help illustrate the process. *edit* I just realized the picture is of a pre-vanos motor, but it's the same process.
crankholding.jpg
1. Remove item 1.
2. Install the holding tool using item 7.
3. Find a way to keep the tool from moving. You will probably need to remove the brake duct so you can use the chassis for leverage. (put a 2x4 between the tool and the chassis though.
4. Remove the crank bolt.

[dpcooney1]

edjack, thanks for the info. You got me looking deeper into my manual. I had to look in sections that I had not referred to, but I did find the answer I was looking for. The flange is KEYED to the crankshaft, which makes total sense, but was never mentioned in DIY step by step instructions and other bimmer forums I had read.

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks waters17. I understood how to take it off, I just couldn't comprehend how it actually was held in place. Even this illustration does not show that the pulley flange is KEYED to the crankshaft, but now I know.

[waters17]

I got all excited to make a picture and must have missed that part. Good luck!