Pinion seal replacement + diff fluid question

[///Marecki]

Excellent thread - wealth of knowledge. Thank you all.

[JunesM3]

New to this forum.. at least posting in here but is there any specific way to install the driveshaft back on the car after you replace the pinion seal? Pre-loading it or something?

[Cubieman]

New to this forum.. at least posting in here but is there any specific way to install the driveshaft back on the car after you replace the pinion seal? Pre-loading it or something?

You may be thinking of preload on the center support bearing, basically just push and hold it foward while tightening the bolts.
I generally mark the postion of it (CSB) before removal.

[chris719]

Just in case anyone is curious, I have been using Motul Gear Competition 75W-140 (alien blue stuff) for a year without any issues in my Z4M. I mean, the diff already had issues from previous owners, but I have noticed no noise in tight turns or any worsening of my pinion bearing whine.

[JunesM3]

You may be thinking of preload on the center support bearing, basically just push and hold it foward while tightening the bolts.
I generally mark the postion of it (CSB) before removal.

I see, knew there was something there. Haven’t seen it addressed in any videos. Thank you!

[bigjae46]

New to this forum.. at least posting in here but is there any specific way to install the driveshaft back on the car after you replace the pinion seal? Pre-loading it or something?

Not backwards....lol.

I have never had to push the CSB forward, it always sits forward on the studs. Not sure if I am just really lucky.

Have an extra CV joint gasket handy...or two. They are easy to mess up. Also a good time to pack the CV with a little more grease.