Diff input flange nut torque

[SteelGreyM]

Hi all. Friend took apart his m3 diff and needs to put it back together. There is a large (32mm?) nut on the input (pinion).

Anyone know how to torque this nut down at home. I think you’re supposed to mark it before you take it off but he didn’t know that. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you!

[old///MFanatic]

Correct there is no set torque spec. You mark it prior as it will vary because torquing the nut is part of the preload done when the diff is assembled.

[sapote]

This thread has the information he needs:

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/e46-2001-2006/115583-how-much-play-can-the-pinion-have

[Arith2]

Basically, I followed the Racing Diffs video as a reference just to make sure everything looked right but not really to the detail. I don't like some of the things they did. I did have to beat one of the output flanges in though. One thing I relied on was my own knowledge of rebuilding diffs and even then I had a panic moment. Your friend needs one of these. The AutoZone pic has an S54 😀


For turning torque, not static torque.