Differential output Seal and Snap Ring

[m3f_NolliM3]

Does the snap ring goes inside the differential housing before installing the output shaft so that it locks in place? I am trying to envisioning so that I have a clear understanding as the Bentley says. The diagram (in Bentley) doesn't shed a great light.

[m3f_Braymond141]

It's inside the differential and not necessary to replace if you do not feel up to the task. There are no issues with the output flanges falling out, even after multiple output flange removals.


Google had your answer in pretty good detail; http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...56&postcount=9

[m3f_NolliM3]

It's inside the differential and not necessary to replace if you do not feel up to the task. There are no issues with the output flanges falling out, even after multiple output flange removals.



Google had your answer in pretty good detail; http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...56&postcount=9

Thanks Braymond...I had watched a video, but they didn't show how they install the snap ring.

[m3f_NolliM3]

The O-ring (33111214144)...really wished that was sold with the seal and snap ring...it appears that was what's causing the leak (Pax side)...now I'll have to order the o-ring from the local dealer who will have to order from the distributor as that would not be in stock.

[m3f_NolliM3]

Then, some torx bolts on the driver side are so stuck they stripped...at least two and those suckers are expensive...$13.21 a pop...wow! What are the methods you guys used get them out? I am not sure a vice-grip would do the job.

[m3f_jayjaya29]

Angle grinder...cut the heads off then use vice grips to get the remaining part of the bolt out once the half shaft is removed.

[m3f_pbonsalb]

You can hammer a torx socket on. Don’t do the initial loosen with an impact. Do by hand first then use a tool to spin off. Also make sure you use the right size torx. You might have stripped because you were one size off. If you can’t hammer the torx on, then cut the head off with a grinder or Drexel. Once you have the axles out there will be enough strip left to vise grip out and chances are it will come out.

[m3f_Braymond141]

You probably used the wrong size torx socket. The bolt heads need to be clean and the torx socket needs to be tight and fully seated on the head. The right size takes a little effort to fully seat. The wrong size up goes on too easily.

[m3f_pbonsalb]

As for replacement cost, shop around. Beware M3 bolts are a little longer than non M3 bolts do get the right length. One person used hex socket head bolts as a replacement. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that other than that the socket head actually strips more easily than the torx head.

[m3f_NolliM3]

You can hammer a torx socket on. Don’t do the initial loosen with an impact. Do by hand first then use a tool to spin off. Also make sure you use the right size torx. You might have stripped because you were one size off. If you can’t hammer the torx on, then cut the head off with a grinder or Drexel. Once you have the axles out there will be enough strip left to vise grip out and chances are it will come out.

You probably used the wrong size torx socket. The bolt heads need to be clean and the torx socket needs to be tight and fully seated on the head. The right size takes a little effort to fully seat. The wrong size up goes on too easily.

Well, I had used the correct size and used a 3/8drive breaker bar with a 11/2 extension attached to avoid the axle boot and may have had a lean...meaning the socket wasn't flat on the torx bolt which mess up the bolt head. Then, when I go to take the bolt off, the socket would fit; so, I thought I might have picked up the wrong socket. I then picked the next socket size only to realize it's the 14mn. It may turn out that it's only one that really bad...I'll see later.

[m3f_NolliM3]

As for replacement cost, shop around. Beware M3 bolts are a little longer than non M3 bolts do get the right length. One person used hex socket head bolts as a replacement. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that other than that the socket head actually strips more easily than the torx head.

I was searching last night on ECS with part number 33111214144 and it turn up not found. So, I looked through their drivetrain section and saw only hex bolts. I am surprised the torx head is much stronger...I'll get that replacement if it turns out only one or two is really bad.

[m3f_pbonsalb]

For small head bolts the torx head with proper size torx socket and proper flush even seating of socket on bolt seems less strip able than Allen head bolts. I have Allen head on my driveshafts. They are cheaper to replace and easier to find, though. They would work fine if you can get the right grade— probably 10.9 or 12.9.

[m3f_NolliM3]

For small head bolts the torx head with proper size torx socket and proper flush even seating of socket on bolt seems less strip able than Allen head bolts. I have Allen head on my driveshafts. They are cheaper to replace and easier to find, though. They would work fine if you can get the right grade— probably 10.9 or 12.9.

Since those two toxr bolt will take an act of congress to remove, I decided to apply a government response by kicking the can down the road. The drive side wasn't leaking...only the passenger side that didn't present any problems removing. I had also hoped that remove the output flange would allow complete removal of the upper bolt of the lower rear control arm as I am replacing with adjustable ones. Here are pics of the two frozen torx bolt and my attempt at the upper bolt on the rear lower control arm.