diff install problem

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quick_silver
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Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2012 11:00 pm

Sat Mar 19, 2016 4:28 pm

I just swapped my small case for a medium case, ive heard that you need to slack off the middle of the prop to adjust it. The bolts wont line up. Any help will be appreciated
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Brianmoooore
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Sat Mar 19, 2016 8:32 pm

The bolts WILL line up - it just seems like they won't.
The first time I changed one, I was absolutely convinced that there must have been a change in the bolt pattern, until I managed to jack the diff. fully into place, when all four holes suddenly lined up.
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ACJJ619
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Location: Reading

Sun Mar 27, 2016 5:12 pm

Installing the diff is notoriously difficult. I struggled for two full days trying to get those bolts in!

What really helped me was screwing each bolt in and out of the required holes once before putting the diff in situ. It just helped clear out the threads and the bolts caught the threads easier when I put the diff in position.
Cloggy Saint
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Sun Mar 27, 2016 5:14 pm

It took me forever and that was with the car on a 4-poster and the diff on a transmission jack. After messing around for ages I gave up and the next day it just popped in first attempt. Persevere!
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ross_jsy
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Sun Mar 27, 2016 6:16 pm

Top tip; replace the bolts on the top of the diff with studs with some loctite and use a nyloc nut. No more fannying around desperately trying to get the holes lined up with the diff wobbling on a jack.

I put in a diff last night, took me all of 5 minutes to get it bolted up to the carrier.
jmc330i
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Sun Mar 27, 2016 9:05 pm

^^^^ Exactly what I've done.
James
'91 325i Sport
'93 318i touring 16v
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