325iX REAR Axles... Same as other e30s?

[ringmeister81]

Noticed some clunking from the left rear of my iX tonight.. Thinking it could be the axle shaft or CV joint. There was a little bit of play when I checked underneath, but I won't know for sure until I get it on a lift tomorrow. After doing a bit of research it looks like the part number 33211225893 is the same axle used for the 325e/es. My question is, can I use axles made for the 325i/is? They are much cheaper and I could replace both rears at the same time. I had my front axles rebuilt last winter so those are good for awhile. Any help appreciated, thank you!

[Nisse Järnet]

I think the CVs are too big on the 325i axles, so they won't fit the diff flange. It might work with 4cyl Z3 axles?

[nando]

as far as I know the only difference is ABS and non ABS axles. all ix's came with ABS, I'd think a late rear shaft should work. they do have a different part # so who knows what the difference really is.

nisse, ix's have the same diff flanges as the RWD cars? at least the bolt pattern, they are a different part number due to one stub axle being longer than the other..

[Nisse Järnet]

I can check mine later but I think the ix share the smaller CVs like the 318i M40, 4 cyl Z3 etc.

[nando]

hmm.. it has the same 188 rear diff as any other E30. but maybe you are right.

either way if that is true 325i ones will still work. when you swap a type 188 diff into a 318is, the small CV shafts bolt right up to it.

[Nisse Järnet]

There might be a difference on euro/US spec cars because here on the 318is (M42) when you swap a 188 diff you have to swap the 168 diff output flanges too for the 318is drive shafts to work with the 188 diff :P But as you say you cant do that on the ix diff :(
I have a Z3 1,9 188 diff and that also got the smaller output flanges, looks like 325i but is a little bit smaller. I will see if i can measure the 325ix CVs and compare.

[ringmeister81]

So, just had it on the lift, and all the axles are fine... I'm stumped. There was a definite clicking/clunking last night, but now it seems to be gone. Maybe I ran something over and was dragging? Idk. Maybe my rear diff is on its way out?

Still want to figure out if I could use other rear axles.. Be nice to have spares. Thanks for the info.

[Nisse Järnet]

I might have time to get the rear up and check out axle size later to night.

My friends diff started to click and sound terrible from time to time, and then after a week the spider gears blew up..but that was a 168 diff.

[AndrewBird]

Was the noise rhythmic and related to rolling speed?

[ringmeister81]

The noise was speed related... I'm really thinking something got stuck to my tire and that's what I was hearing... At least I hope that's what it was. Thursday, I'm going to drain both diffs, the t-case, and the transmission, then refill with new fluids. Haven't had a chance to do it since I bought the car almost two years ago, so it's about time anyway.

[ringmeister81]

Well, the clicking came back... Happens only when car is in gear, more noticeable in the lower RPM. Gets faster and less noticeable with speed. Seems to be coming from rear drivers side... I'm thinking diff, t-case, driveshaft or guibo. I can't tell and won't be able to get to a lift again until tomorrow. Stumped. I don't think it's the CV.

[AndrewBird]

I'd say the shifter is hitting on the driveshaft. How do your tranny mounts look? Do your reverse lights work? Cold be the wiring for the reverse light switch hitting the driveshaft.

[nando]

shifter can't hit the driveshaft on an ix..

[ringmeister81]

Anything is possible right now. Im just hoping I didn't fry my diff. I changed fluid two years ago, less than 30k miles.. But the rear diff does seep a bit. Idk. Gonna refill all fluids, check that the guibo isn't disintegrated, and look for anything out of the ordinary. Will report back. Anyone have a spare diff for a manual ix, just in case?

[AndrewBird]

shifter can't hit the driveshaft on an ix..

Didn't think about that. lol