Differential Rebuild Questions

[z122643]

So I have an iX rear differential which I want to rebuild the coupler is fine. But I wanted to put in new bearings and seals.

In the BMW ETK they note that you should not remove the front drive flange. Does anyone know why?

Also has anyone rebuilt one?

Any thoughts welcome.

[bmwguy325is]

Im guessing cause it has a one time use crush bearing. Just an educated guess.

[lbreevesii]

You have to replace both bearings and a crush washer thing to properly redo the pinion. Unless its bearings are in bad shape i wouldn't bother.

[z122643]

What do you guys think about the drive flange. Replace, restore, give up and get a new differential?

[FredK]

Holy smokes. I see your location is California. I guess this wasn't a CA car?

Just buy a used S3.73 differential for ~$225. Rebuilding a diff isn't hard, but it takes time and around $120 worth of parts if the clutches aren't worn.

[z122643]

It's an iX differential. It has a Vicious coupler, so i'm safe there. Any one know how to remove the front drive flange?

[nando]

http://www.bmwtechinfo.com/repair/main/421en/index.htm

[shiboujin]

If you manage to do the bearings on the input flange, please document. The flange itself seems like it's had better days but I think it would clean up fine. The input flange has 2 huge bearings with a crush washer. you have to hit something like 7 in/lb for the preload. If you miss it, you have to chuck the crush washer and get a new one. I still haven't found a socket that fits the nut on the flange.

[z122643]

Nando, you're my hero!

I sure will document it.

[lbreevesii]

Please do, i'd love to get a how to. I'm not using it for long, but i think its the input bearings on my 4.10 that are noisy.

[Wanganstyle]

If you manage to do the bearings on the input flange, please document. The flange itself seems like it's had better days but I think it would clean up fine. The input flange has 2 huge bearings with a crush washer. you have to hit something like 7 in/lb for the preload. If you miss it, you have to chuck the crush washer and get a new one. I still haven't found a socket that fits the nut on the flange.

30mm thinwall socket; the factory tis also outlines the crush procedure

[shiboujin]

30mm thinwall socket; the factory tis also outlines the crush procedure

I'm abt to order one online. How sure are you of this socket size?

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...80701P?prdNo=1

[Wanganstyle]

I'm abt to order one online. How sure are you of this socket size?

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...80701P?prdNo=1

wow. very expensive!! you can localsource a top end one from snap-on truck or Matco for less dough!!!


never used sears before, cannot say. thinness matters or you will be grinding it down to fit.

most matco truck and snap on truck both have 30mm thinwall sockets (you can get the silver eagle version if you don't need baller top end)

if you want to use the same socket for G260 transmission output flange swap you will want a 30mm thinwall LONG socket.

for diffs a 6 point thinwall (short socket) is preferred.

I have both a 12 point long 30mm thinwall and a 6 point short 30mm thinwall in my item specific tools collection. the short one fouls on the g260 output shaft when changing rear Y between guibo sizes

[shiboujin]

If it'll do both trans output flanges and diff input flanges, I'll do the deep socket. Can't seem to find a 6 point though.

I don't have easy access to matco or snap on :( shade tree ftl.

[LJ851]

If it'll do both trans output flanges and diff input flanges, I'll do the deep socket. Can't seem to find a 6 point though.

I don't have easy access to matco or snap on :( shade tree ftl.

Have you tried a local auto parts store? A 30mm six point deep socket is specifically common for front wheel drive front hub nuts.

http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/products/?product=225&division=1&category=4