diff. removal

[viali8]

I have removed about three diffs. by now from various e30s. I have no problem removing the half shafts and the two 19mm towards the front of the diff. But those two 19mm bolts on top of the diff are a major PITA. What tool works best to remove those buggers. thanks

[86espowa]

i undo the bushing holding the diff up, and just lay under there (the two bolts on the top are the last thin i take off) and i put a jack under the diff, then just strain and reach up and undo them.

[Garageaholic]

yeah, it simply hangs down from the subframe bushings. You must take a 19mm boxhead wrench and get it 1/8 turn by 1/8 turn. It sux, but it's how it's done...

I think the other 2 you can fit a 19mm socket in there...

[Mike325]

Just make sure that you have your hand on the wrench while it is on the bolt head. It will most likely slip off while you try to turn. I am sure you know this already though. Yes it is a major PIA but it helps if you are strong.

[golde30]

this is why i bought a set of wratcheting swivel head wrenches...

[Rigmaster]

I usually use 2 19mm wrenches- put the box end on one of the top bolts, and then put the box end of the 2nd wrench in the jaws of the open ended side to get some extra leverage. You only need to do this to crack the bolts loose, then you can switch to a 19mm gearwrench if you have one- that's the easiest way I've found to do it- and it has not failed me yet. I've probably pulled 100 E30 diffs- no BS.


Bret.

[rcko]

I usually use 2 19mm wrenches- put the box end on one of the top bolts, and then put the box end of the 2nd wrench in the jaws of the open ended side to get some extra leverage. You only need to do this to crack the bolts loose, then you can switch to a 19mm gearwrench if you have one- that's the easiest way I've found to do it- and it has not failed me yet. I've probably pulled 100 E30 diffs- no BS.


Bret.

2nd Bret....

[viali8]

thanks guys this helps. looks like i need to buy some new tools!