Diff Change Advice and help please

Post Mon Oct 29, 2012 3:57 pm

Ok guys, i am swapping diffs, and just wondering if there are any pointers or how to's to do this job. at home on stands..

i have Got the drive shaft bolts loose, got the prop shaft bolts loose, have the rear mounting loose but the 4 that are bolted into the diff case from the top are a right pain in the ass whats the best way to get at these!!

Cheers lads and ladies!

Post Mon Oct 29, 2012 3:59 pm

Use a C spanner on the bolt then use another C spanner on the other end of the one on the bolt which will supply more leverage.

Ill google a pic for you.

Post Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:01 pm

i was trying the 2 spanner method but really struggeling...

Post Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:05 pm

Try to tighten the bolt a little to free it off any rust etc,

Im sure Gray has had the diff off so wont be the first time its been done.

Post Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:12 pm

aye i think so too. givin it a good soaking of WD40 will tackle it again in the morning getting cold and dark now. the drive shafts and prop were relitivly easy to get loose, just a pain thet there is not enough space to get a ratchet on to the top of the upper bolts, i can get it on to the lower ones but only turn it one click at a time.

Post Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:19 pm

the 4 bolts diff to beam are best done with 2 C spanners.

Good luck tmrw, ive an LSD to fit soon as well.

Post Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:19 pm

A short length of scaffold bar over the end of one spanner is better than linking 2 spanners - from memory, no longer than 12 inches to fit in the available space. You can then really get some purchase on it without worrying about the spanners slipping.

Post Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:26 pm

i was using the handle from my trolly jack it fits nicely over the handle of the ratchet but the space is soo tight, i havent taken the exhaust off either,,, and the back box is going to be in my way .... i think ? will give it another bash in the morning. Its FREEZING now!

Cheers guys

Post Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:36 pm

Trolley jack handle will be too long, anything over 12" is too long for the space. And you really need to remove the backbox for access to the nearside bolts.

Post Mon Oct 29, 2012 8:31 pm

aye i thought i was going to have to remove the back box. ach well it will keep me busy tomorrow!

Post Mon Oct 29, 2012 8:45 pm

I didnt need too remove mine but stubborn bolts dont help matters.

Post Tue Oct 30, 2012 7:03 am

cheers for the advice guys! going to head out when the sun arrives!

Post Tue Oct 30, 2012 9:10 am

your keen at 7am!!!

Post Tue Oct 30, 2012 2:52 pm

ha ha ha i was keen.... took me an hour to get it off. then spent about 5 hours looking for the right diff oil. before giving in and getting it from BMW dealers.

then i re fitted and i must have been hellish lucky, first time on the trolly jack up right into place every thing bolted up nicely.

Now for a wee spin...

Thanks again for the help people!

Post Tue Oct 30, 2012 4:47 pm

Good good, always satisfying getting a job done by yourself.

Post Tue Oct 30, 2012 4:54 pm

very satisfying, to be honest i dont use the garages for anything now apart from an MOT, both for the cost and also i dont trust them! at least i know whats been done when i do it my self

Post Tue Oct 30, 2012 5:48 pm

likewise. Had my MOT today. Bit of work to do.

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