Differential Pinion nut install

[Rich022]

Just installed a new differential pinion seal. I would recommend the Corteco seal vs BMW as the Corteco uses a spring to maintain tension around the pinion shaft. Here's my question-- on install, does that hexagon like washer go on before the nut is installed (ie behind the nut) or after the nut is installed? Just finished the job, hope i did it correctly!

[nahvkolaj]

After. A new washer will turn into a lock washer as you press/hammer it into place.

[Rich022]

Thanks- I installed correctly. Not difficult, but like most BMW jobs, very time consuming. Here is pic with new pinion washer also w blue loctite on pinion nut.

[Tbonem3]

How did you determine proper drag torque? Or did you mark the previous nut's location?

[TexaZ3]

How did you determine proper drag torque? Or did you mark the previous nut's location?

There is really no accurate way of doing it except taking diff apart and replacing the crush sleeve. So marking the nut is the next best thing and widely acceptable practice for this type job.

[Tbonem3]

Well, I think you can "feel" it - that's why it's called drag. Sort of like feeler gauges or any other bearing where the balls or needles' race is pinched. I'm aware of marking the nut's position, that's why I mentioned it, but perhaps the poster did something else that would be useful to know.

[old///MFanatic]

Thanks- I installed correctly. Not difficult, but like most BMW jobs, very time consuming. Here is pic with new pinion washer also w blue loctite on pinion nut.

You don’t need blue loctite iirc. The washer is a lock plate. And it doesn’t appear you set it. You bend the plate with a punch to the indentations. Which shown in your photo would be at positions 11:30 o’clock and 5:30 o’clock if I’m not mistaken. Maybe I’m mistaken as I’m on my phone screen.

[OldRanger]

I've done this job a couple times and have a recommendation in addition to marking as mentioned previously.

Take note (or a photo) of the visible threads before removing the nut. You can also measure with a depth gauge. This way you don't make a mistake by a full turn.

[Rich022]

I did not punch the washer which now would make sense on how this lock washer works. I locktite most everything and set the depth of the nut as before relative to its initial distance from the shaft w a micrometer (and also counted turns).
thanks for the help.

[WoGGo]

You don’t need blue loctite iirc. The washer is a lock plate. And it doesn’t appear you set it. You bend the plate with a punch to the indentations. Which shown in your photo would be at positions 11:30 o’clock and 5:30 o’clock if I’m not mistaken. Maybe I’m mistaken as I’m on my phone screen.

I just did this job the other day and you are indeed correct.

Rich022 has installed the lock ring/plate back to front, which is why the punch indentations are not visible.

[bigjae46]

Just installed a new differential pinion seal. I would recommend the Corteco seal vs BMW as the Corteco uses a spring to maintain tension around the pinion shaft. Here's my question-- on install, does that hexagon like washer go on before the nut is installed (ie behind the nut) or after the nut is installed? Just finished the job, hope i did it correctly!

The OE seal has the spring. Standard for any radial seal.