half shaft diff seals

Post Thu Apr 12, 2018 12:03 pm

Do you reckon its possible to change the seals in each side of the diff output shafts without dropping the exhaust - anyone managed it? looks a bit tight to me....

Paul

Post Sat Apr 14, 2018 5:35 pm

So I've found my diff leak - its a damaged bore in the transmission cover meaning the seal won't seal ( outer surface)

Anyone got any experience at replacing the transmission cover with the roller bearing which I can get complete, so no pressing bearings in - should I do the O ring whilst in there?

Is it straight forward or a PIA?

Paul

Post Sat Apr 14, 2018 7:32 pm

paultv wrote: the transmission cover with the roller bearing

???????? Lost on this one as well!

Post Sun Apr 15, 2018 9:52 am

Its part 4 in the drawing, into which part 3 the seal goes. The bore of 4 where the seal fits is damaged, so fluid is leaking out - I just wondered if it was a problem replacing 4 (including bearing) so I have a new clean housing for the seal 3, anything to watch for or is it easy?

Paul

Post Mon Apr 16, 2018 8:21 am

So I got this utter pillock of a diff apart, still on the blasted car - the 4 securing bolts for the diff are so solidly rusted up, no amount of persuasion will get them loose - and they are so inaccessible its impossible.

The six hex headed bolts (drive shaft coupling) were a nightmare to get undone, soaking and heat - to no avail, but eventually cracked them apart- then finally got the transmission covers off (4) and found the bearing (5) is pressed onto the main internals so can't change that anyway without getting the diff out of the car, which I can't.

The O rings (number eight) are very worn and floppy allowing fluid to pass between spacer (7) and casing (4) and as stated the inner surface of 4 has three deep scores allowing fluid out - also the main seal (3) is shot on both sides -

One thing to note is, separate the drive shaft and then remove the cover (4) so you have it on the floor, much simpler to exchange the seal and O ring, then clean it all up - and watch out, a lot of dealers sell the seals without a new circlip, (unmarked item far left in picture) although one should be included and is a service item - rule of thumb, only buy BMW parts for this, you don't want to do this again, trust me.

Paul