Inner 1/2 Shaft Seals

[aauser]

Hi everyone, both of my inner 1/2 shaft seals are leaking (1992 318i conv.) and I just want to know how easy these are to replace?
Does the bearing pre-load have to be set up, do the bolts sieze/snap etc etc?

[ian332isport]

Hi everyone, both of my inner 1/2 shaft seals are leaking (1992 318i conv.) and I just want to know how easy these are to replace?
Does the bearing pre-load have to be set up, do the bolts sieze/snap etc etc?

Assuming you are talking about the seals in the side of the diff where the flanges pass through, then they are quite easy to change, and no setup or adjustment is required.

Just undo the bolts securing the 1/2 shafts to the diff flanges, and tie them up out of the way (don't let them hang on the outer joint, or it can get damaged). You can then pull the flanges straight out of the diff. They are only held in with a small spring clip, and should pop out with a small pry bar or big screwdriver. You may also want to drain the diff if you don't fancy a puddle

Once the flanges are out, the oil seal is right in front of you. They are not all that hard to get out, but it's best to use a seal puller, or you risk scratching the bore that they sit in. If this is damaged, then oil can leak around the outside of the seal, so be careful. Another option is to drill a small hole in the face of the seal and screw a selft tapper in it. Then use some big grips to pull it out. Tapping the opposite side inwards with a piece of wooden dowel will help to get it moving as well.

With the old one out, it's just a case of knocking the new seal back in. I use the old seal as a drift to tap the new one in.

Cheers,

Ian.

[aauser]

Yep thems the ones that are leaking. What about when you re-fit the 1/2 shafts; are new clips needed and do you just tap the shafts back into place in the diff?

Thanks Ian,

Ray

[ian332isport]

Yep thems the ones that are leaking. What about when you re-fit the 1/2 shafts; are new clips needed and do you just tap the shafts back into place in the diff?

Thanks Ian,

Ray

Hi Ray,

It is recommended that the clips are replaced at the same time. If you get new seals from the dealer, they come with the clips supplied. You just hook the old ones out with a screwdriver, and pop the new ones in place.

Yes, the flanges simply push/tap back in place. The clips don't do a lot to be honest. It's the 1/2 shaft that stops them falling out

Ian.

[aauser]

Thanks a bundle for the advice Ian, it's much appreciated, I've got no excuse now, I'll just have to get them both done!
Cheers,

Ray