DIFF PROBLEMS! HELP!

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fekaiki
E30 Zone Newbie
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Location: Cobham, Surrey

Post Sun Mar 03, 2013 4:34 pm

Hi zoners,

For the past month I've been hearing a heavy clunk when changing gears a bit hard. I've just been ignoring this...

Now, on Friday morning I was out with my '91 E30 Cabbie and after a harsh change I was greeted with a HUGE bang, like I drove over a pothole at speed. After that, there was a whirring noise coming from the back (under the seats).

I have to stress, I am not knowledgeable about mechanics at ALL but I did at the time figure it was the differential...

I drove it to a mechanic who jacked the car up and we found this....
Image

I'm not sure how clear the photo is, but it shows that the differential has half come OFF the car, and is being held on by one bolt.

The mechanic said it could just be a matter of finding the bolt and re-attaching.

What do you think??

P.S. That whirring noise has gone now..[/img]
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Sanchez
Married to the E30 Zone
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Posts: 7578
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Location: Sunny Scotland

Post Sun Mar 03, 2013 4:35 pm

think you need a new mechanic.


That looks like its missing more than 1 bolt.
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maxfield
Old Skooler
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Location: Mansfield

Post Sun Mar 03, 2013 4:40 pm

That's a bigger job than just finding a couple of bolts :eek:

Possible pulled bolts thorough the axle too
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Kos
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Location: London / Cyprus

Post Sun Mar 03, 2013 4:41 pm

Rule one. When you hear a noise that's no normal investigate it otherwise it will lead to other more serious problems
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DanThe
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Location: Staffs

Post Sun Mar 03, 2013 5:39 pm

Its not unknown for the rear beam to break at the diff mounting points either, get someone who knows what they are doing to have a look/fix it
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fekaiki
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Joined: Sat Jul 09, 2011 11:00 pm
Location: Cobham, Surrey

Post Sun Mar 03, 2013 11:24 pm

Do you think I'd have to replace the diff altogether?
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BATTS91
E30 Zone Squatter
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Location: clacton on sea essex

Post Sun Mar 03, 2013 11:46 pm

DanThe wrote:Its not unknown for the rear beam to break at the diff mounting points either, get someone who knows what they are doing to have a look/fix it
This is common . Happened to a pal , he thought the diff was buggered and to be fair it sounded it , i welded it up for him and put in plates to stenghen it , taken some abuse since and not snapped . Point of the matter , allways check ya diff bolts !!
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BATTS91
E30 Zone Squatter
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Posts: 1764
Joined: Sat May 01, 2010 11:00 pm
Location: clacton on sea essex

Post Sun Mar 03, 2013 11:51 pm

fekaiki wrote:Do you think I'd have to replace the diff altogether?
Have the diff off , check the threads are in tack ,wind the bolts in fully and make sure they tighten up tight , if not you may get away with re tapping the threads

Also id be checking the diff hanger for cracks ect .
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