91 318ic - Clunk, clunk, in the driveline

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • BlackBMWs
    Noobie
    • Aug 2009
    • 12

    #1

    91 318ic - Clunk, clunk, in the driveline

    Sunny day, good day to play. Threw a new battery in the vert, dropped the top and drove around enjoying the great weather.

    I noticed a sound after making a right turn at an intersection, thinking it was a beater next to me, only to find it was me. I pulled into the nearest parking lot and found that I was hearing a clunk every 1/2 rotation of the rear wheels.

    I had it put on a flatbed and now the vert is in my driveway. Raised the rear on stands, crawled under and visually inspected. Guibo, center bearing and nuts to driveshaft all look good. Axle boots are cracked, but looked normal otherwise. spun the rear wheels and I'd get a slight clunk, whick I've always associated with about 1/4" or so play in the diff when rotating the wheels from forward to reverse and back. No holes in the diff case, no signs of any leaks. I run Redline Gear oil in the diff itself. All bolts/nuts I could see are intact. Diff mount is intact.

    Rear joint on the drive shaft looked intact. I could not see the forward universal joint closer to the CSB. Nothing really looks out of place visually. Dropped the vert back down and moved it foward under power. Clunk, clunk about every foot. (Only moved 2 ft). It sounds like the CSB is loose/off.

    I'll get the car back up tomorrow and see if I can pull the heat shield to inspect the CSB. I did just replace it and the Guibo last week, so that the first place I'm suspecting...

    Just posting here in case someone else had any similar experiences that they had not posted yet. (I did search, no clear match)

    Thanks!

    (oops, created this yesterday, but never hit post....)
    Last edited by BlackBMWs; 02-14-2010, 07:38 PM.

    1999 540it - Jet Black/Sand Beige
    1998 318ti - Schwartz/Anthraz
    1997 318ti - Schwartz/Anthraz
    1995 318ti - Alpineweib/Schwartz
    1994 325i - Bostongrau/Sand
    1991 318ic - Schwarz/Anthratz Stoff

    BMWCCA# 160411
  • BlackBMWs
    Noobie
    • Aug 2009
    • 12

    #2
    Well, I found the source of the clunking.



    I wonder if I can just JB weld this back on. ;)



    The fresh fluid is on the right. Fine Metallic particals in the current fluid along with the one big chunk.


    The driveline to the diff was just fine. There's a 33% off parts at the yards so, I'm off to see if I can find a donor...

    Anyone know of a good DIY for a diff swap? Also, I'll see what options exist for the vert as far as what was available for the E30 318 M42. I'd be interested if anyone knows. Thanks!

    1999 540it - Jet Black/Sand Beige
    1998 318ti - Schwartz/Anthraz
    1997 318ti - Schwartz/Anthraz
    1995 318ti - Alpineweib/Schwartz
    1994 325i - Bostongrau/Sand
    1991 318ic - Schwarz/Anthratz Stoff

    BMWCCA# 160411

    Comment

    • boston bimmer
      Member
      • Mar 2009
      • 63

      #3
      pelican has a pretty good writeup of the diff swap as well as the center support and flex coupling

      Comment

      • BlackBMWs
        Noobie
        • Aug 2009
        • 12

        #4
        Thanks I actually have the book they compiled for E30 and E36s. Very good reference. Used it just before the diff gave way on the Guibo, Center support, shift linkage renewal and short shift swap.

        I'd recommend the book to anyone who has a E30 or E36.

        I did end up pulling another 4.10 diff from the yards and it was fairly simple.

        Thanks again!

        1999 540it - Jet Black/Sand Beige
        1998 318ti - Schwartz/Anthraz
        1997 318ti - Schwartz/Anthraz
        1995 318ti - Alpineweib/Schwartz
        1994 325i - Bostongrau/Sand
        1991 318ic - Schwarz/Anthratz Stoff

        BMWCCA# 160411

        Comment

        • E30Gus
          Mod Crazy
          • Jun 2008
          • 781

          #5
          Where was the chunk from?

          Comment

          • BlackBMWs
            Noobie
            • Aug 2009
            • 12

            #6
            I haven't opened the case, but I imagine one of the ring pinion gears. :roll:

            I do have a replacement 4.10, but I'm looking for a 3.73 LSD in the local yards, If I can't find one, I'll drop in the 4.10.

            After I find another replacement diff, I'll open the case on the damaged one just to see exactly what it was. Pics to follow... 8)

            1999 540it - Jet Black/Sand Beige
            1998 318ti - Schwartz/Anthraz
            1997 318ti - Schwartz/Anthraz
            1995 318ti - Alpineweib/Schwartz
            1994 325i - Bostongrau/Sand
            1991 318ic - Schwarz/Anthratz Stoff

            BMWCCA# 160411

            Comment

            Working...