Do I need a diff rebuild?

[sapote]

Spiders and clutch stack only turn (and make noise) when car is turning; they don't move when car is moving straight.

[Lee_Enfield]

Could also be the spider gears in the diff housing. Or the clutch discs spinning against the steels. At 224k miles it's probably worth a full rebuild. I just rebuilt the diff in my buddy's car...huge difference. It was pretty much an open diff.

I use Timken bearings and races with OE seals.

Did you have to adjust the shims with the timken bearings? Did you replace the clutch pack as well?

Its also 224000 km, thats about 139000 Miles.

[eacmen]

To check health of diff clutches:

Park car in neutral.

Chock one rear wheel front and back.

Disengage E brake, wheel chocks ensure car doesnt roll away.

Jack up opposite side where wheels are chocked.

Remove wheel center cap to expose axle nut.

With 32mm (?) socket on a torque wrench measure breakaway torque.


According to @bigjae healthy torque for healthy diff is between 40-50 lb-ft IIRC. But I would have to double check those numbers.

[bigjae46]

Ona fresh rebuilt V2 - it was at 116 ft/lbs on the bench. Then fell to 88 ft/lbs after an initial break in drive.

Before I could spin the wheel by hand.


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[eacmen]

Ona fresh rebuilt V2 - it was at 116 ft/lbs on the bench. Then fell to 88 ft/lbs after an initial break in drive.

Before I could spin the wheel by hand.


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Thanks for the correction. Another useful thread op should read:

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/e46-2001-2006/161822-racingdiffs-tolerance-issue-and-contact/page2

[Lee_Enfield]

Ill try that this weekend.

For bearings, I found these on the M3 Cutters UK forum, anyone want t confirm part numbers? Can get Koyos for about 160 CAD from a bearing supplier.

Outer pinion Bearing/race
HM89449/HM89410

Inner pinion Bearing/race
HM803149/HM803110

Side bearings and race
JLM104948/JLM104910

If I do need a new clutch pack, is my only option aftermarket like racingdiffs or diffs online?

[bigjae46]

Did you have to adjust the shims with the timken bearings? Did you replace the clutch pack as well?

Its also 224000 km, thats about 139000 Miles.

I swapped in an extra V2 unit with new clutches and replaced all of the bearings.

I’m pretty sure the shims are for the case/pinion combo. I haven’t had to mess with changing shins as long as you keep the same exact ring and pinion in the same case.

Might have to if you swap in a different R&P even if it’s the same ratio.

Having rebuild three V2 units so far, they are a semi PIA. Wouldn’t recommend it unless you have a really big vise or a press.

I can rebuild a V1 in about 10-15 min minus any hot washing and cleaning. Super easy.

Here’s one I just built…












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[eacmen]

I swapped in an extra V2 unit with new clutches and replaced all of the bearings.

I’m pretty sure the shims are for the case/pinion combo. I haven’t had to mess with changing shins as long as you keep the same exact ring and pinion in the same case.

Might have to if you swap in a different R&P even if it’s the same ratio.

Having rebuild three V2 units so far, they are a semi PIA. Wouldn’t recommend it unless you have a really big vise or a press.

I can rebuild a V1 in about 10-15 min minus any hot washing and cleaning. Super easy.

Here’s one I just built…












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You starting a side hustle?

[bigjae46]

You starting a side hustle?

I’ve been working on it. That was for a buddy and I’ve done a couple for locals. Shipping is a PIA. Haven’t had time to figure that out.

Cost is $1000 for V1s, $1250 for V2s.


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[bigjae46]

Ill try that this weekend.

For bearings, I found these on the M3 Cutters UK forum, anyone want t confirm part numbers? Can get Koyos for about 160 CAD from a bearing supplier.

Outer pinion Bearing/race
HM89449/HM89410

Inner pinion Bearing/race
HM803149/HM803110

Side bearings and race
JLM104948/JLM104910

If I do need a new clutch pack, is my only option aftermarket like racingdiffs or diffs online?

Those are the correct numbers


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[Lee_Enfield]

So Finally got around to doing the test mentioned above, and it pretty much free spins. So probably need a new clutch pack.

So, where is the best place to get new disks?

Looks like I will now be replacing the bearings, clutch pack, all the seals, and might as well throw in a new diff cover since I guess I cannot get new OEM mount bushings by themselves?

[tlow98]

I’ve been working on it. That was for a buddy and I’ve done a couple for locals. Shipping is a PIA. Haven’t had time to figure that out.

Cost is $1000 for V1s, $1250 for V2s.


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Wish you lived closer!

are you using the racing diffs clutches?

[bigjae46]

Wish you lived closer!

are you using the racing diffs clutches?

Yes


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[Lee_Enfield]

Anyone know the BMW part number for the Pinion crush sleeve?

Also, what are my options for OEMish diff bushings apart form a new diff cover?

[old///MFanatic]

Also, what are my options for OEMish diff bushings apart form a new diff cover?

Not much. Some have used the E36 diff cover bushings but they’re said to be softer and run risk of cracking cover pressing in.
I too wish there was the OEM E46 diff cover bushing separately but unaware of anyone yet with that option.