Diff Bush Replacement

[Mitchen]

What's this like to do guys? any guides, hints, tips..? Can't seem to find any info on changing this bush on the whole of the web.

[jimbom30cab]

Most people say to remove the diff first, it would be a real pig to do in situ, i've always removed the diff first.

Once removed it is ok to remove and replace yourself. Or pop the diff down a friendly garage with a crisp £20 note and ask if they can do it on their press.

Is your one knackered ?

[Mitchen]

I'm planning ahead for early 2015.. when I'm replacing all bushes. I presume mine hasnt been done for 20 odd years. How can you tell if the diff bush has gone?

[Kos]

You won't need to drop the diff/pull the diff out

1- drain it
2- undo the bolt going through the bush
3- the diff will drop and you should have enough space to undo the back cover

With the back cover off you can press in the new bush

Re fit is the reverse

Bush wise, fit an OEM Z3M one

[Mitchen]

Thanks Kos.. what's the benefits of replacing this bush?

[jimbom30cab]

Nice one Kos, i completely forgot about taking off the rear cover. Makes sense..

[Kos]

Any time guys

If the bush is knackered (it probably is) replacing will help support the diff and prevent drive forces killing the mounting. The diff mountings on an e30 are not the strongest

Avoid any sort of polly/solid bush

[Mitchen]

Would you say avoid the powerflex diff bush? Going pretty cheap at the moment for powerflex.

[Kos]

Yes

They don't absorb vibrations and the rear diff cover ends up cracking

Seen this happen too many times, the last person it happened to was pony

OEM Rubber all the way

[Mitchen]

Off topic but has anyone tried fitting 19mm arb bushes to an 18.5mm bar?

Wanted power flex for the ARB but they only go as small as 19mm... how much difference can .5mm make!