Differential Gasket Seal and Install Question

[BMWahba]

This hasn't been discussed on this forum yet as far as I could find so I figure let's make a thread on it for future google searches.

I am in the middle of my Vincebar install, rear end refresh, suspension overhaul job.

One of the things I was trying to decide was whether to run the OE Diff paper gasket or use RTV gasket maker. My rear diff cover wasn't leaking at all and it was using the original using the paper gasket, so I plan to run one of those, but I'm curious to hear what the board has to say between the two methods. Have you run the gasket or RTV? Did you encounter any leaks? I've heard both ways creating potential leaks so I'm curious to know what the consensus is on this.

Also, my second question is regarding the reinstallation of the diff and diff bolts... if I recall correctly, there is a certain "order of events" when reinstalling the diff to avoid any bolts backing out or potential "m-clunkiness" caused by the bolts.. I have it jotted down in my notes as follows:

-Insert Front Diff Bolt
-Insert Rear Diff Bolts
-Tighten the Front Diff Bolt to 200nm
-Tighten the Rear Diff Bolts to 20nm and a 90degree turn.

Can anyone verify that that is the correct method? I pulled this from the previous forum before it disappeared and believe it was noted as the correct method of reinstalling those bolts to avoid any issues.

Thanks all!

[bigjae46]

RTV. The paper gasket is shiet.


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[Will]

And if I recall correctly, the TIS said to tighten the bolts while the diff was in a hanging position in the subframe (rather than being pushed upwards into the subframe by a jack).

[bigjae46]

I used a paper gasket...it leaked.

Then I used RTV but did it with the diff in the car. Waited 24 hours and then filled diff. It leaked.

I took the diff out of the car, RTV’d it and no leaks.

Possible I could have done it wrong but


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[CrookedCommie]

I would follow the TIS instructions and use the bmw recommended loctite RTV and the oem gasket:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/loctite-5970-liquid-sealant-50ml/83190404517/

[BMWahba]

I would follow the TIS instructions and use the bmw recommended loctite RTV and the oem gasket:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/loctite-5970-liquid-sealant-50ml/83190404517/

what does the TIS say for rear diff cover replacement? Unfortunately haven't ripped a new copy of it since it went down.

[CrookedCommie]

what does the TIS say for rear diff cover replacement? Unfortunately haven't ripped a new copy of it since it went down.

I think this is the right one. Sorry ISTA outputs as XPS and that won't let me upload it to the forum. The way I read that, it says to use one or other. I would do the RTV, I know my diff builder did but not sure if he put in the paper gasket as well.

[bigjae46]

You can see if there is a paper gasket.


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[CrookedCommie]

You can see if there is a paper gasket.


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I'll check, but my diff may not be the greatest example. Blew out 300ml of brand new diff oil in a dozen laps. He set the output shaft seals too deep (bottomed out on the flange) instead of at the 19.5mm depth from rim as shown in the TIS.

[BMWahba]

Mine for sure had paper. I am going to stick with just paper, and tighten the cover bolts each little by little to make sure it tightens down properly.

How about reinstallation of the diff? Any specific notes on that in TIS?


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[heinzboehmer]

Mine for sure had paper. I am going to stick with just paper, and tighten the cover bolts each little by little to make sure it tightens down properly.

How about reinstallation of the diff? Any specific notes on that in TIS?


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Yup

[M3GA]

Used paper, no leaks

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[Carbonvert]

I also used paper. 3k miles so far- no leaks.


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[mrgizmo04]

Rtv, street/track, no issues 20k miles.

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[Tbonem3]

Paper alone for 2 diff diffs, no leaks. Tighten bolts in crisscross pattern.