Suggestions for removing rear driveshaft bolts?

[Sean]

I'm getting my driveshaft out today. Everything's going good - but the rear bolts, are, well...kinda tough to get out.

I'm talkin about the bolts holding the back of the driveshaft to the differential. I can only really use a wrench, not even our normal small socket fits in there.

Does anyone have any suggestions short of just banging the hell out of it with the wrench attached to the bolt. Not my favorite way to do it...

I'm also considering just seperating the driveshaft, and leaving the rear section attached. Then I'll just be sure to mark the spot when I remove it - however, this is quite questionable.

Any suggestions here?

BTW: Driveshaft is coming out because I'm dropping the tranny - so the rear CAN stay attached - won't be in the way. I also sprayed some PB Blaster on the rear driveshaft bolts.

THANKS

[e30Matt]

Re: Suggestions for removing rear driveshaft bolts?

I'm getting my driveshaft out today. Everything's going good - but the rear bolts, are, well...kinda tough to get out.

I'm talkin about the bolts holding the back of the driveshaft to the differential. I can only really use a wrench, not even our normal small socket fits in there.

Does anyone have any suggestions short of just banging the hell out of it with the wrench attached to the bolt. Not my favorite way to do it...

I'm also considering just seperating the driveshaft, and leaving the rear section attached. Then I'll just be sure to mark the spot when I remove it - however, this is quite questionable.

Any suggestions here?

BTW: Driveshaft is coming out because I'm dropping the tranny - so the rear CAN stay attached - won't be in the way. I also sprayed some PB Blaster on the rear driveshaft bolts.

THANKS

We did it that way, just have a friend sitting in the car w/the e-brake, spray all 4 bolts w/penetrating lube and let it sit, then put the box end of a wrench on there and hit the f*ck out of it. They'll come out. Make sure you lock the e-brake when you do this. ;) ;)

[nando]

that's odd, I seem to remember being able to get a socket over mine. I had to torque them somehow!

[Sean]

Re: Suggestions for removing rear driveshaft bolts?

I'm getting my driveshaft out today. Everything's going good - but the rear bolts, are, well...kinda tough to get out.

I'm talkin about the bolts holding the back of the driveshaft to the differential. I can only really use a wrench, not even our normal small socket fits in there.

Does anyone have any suggestions short of just banging the hell out of it with the wrench attached to the bolt. Not my favorite way to do it...

I'm also considering just seperating the driveshaft, and leaving the rear section attached. Then I'll just be sure to mark the spot when I remove it - however, this is quite questionable.

Any suggestions here?

BTW: Driveshaft is coming out because I'm dropping the tranny - so the rear CAN stay attached - won't be in the way. I also sprayed some PB Blaster on the rear driveshaft bolts.

THANKS

We did it that way, just have a friend sitting in the car w/the e-brake, spray all 4 bolts w/penetrating lube and let it sit, then put the box end of a wrench on there and hit the f*ck out of it. They'll come out. Make sure you lock the e-brake when you do this. ;) ;)

Yea, that's what I was planning on. Nice to know someone else has done it. I'll give it a shot here.

Anyone else that wants to offer any advice, don't hesitate to chime in.




You're right nando...how will I torque them? I mean, I even thought of using a universal joint - but even a 3/8" univ. joint doesn't fit in there?

[Bill 84 318i]

Make it so the driveshaft won't spin (ebrake, in gear, etc). Just put the wrench on and get to the side of your car and use your foot.

Cake.

[Digitalwave]

I just use an open end wrench and a breaker bar, they come off easy...

[Sean]

Got it. I held the wrench at the top while someone else hit it with a hammer. Broke it loose, then I just yanked it loose the rest of the way.

Driveshaft came out real easy. Thanks for the suggestions! ;)

[Heysüß]

is that a 16mm bolt?

I DID use the search tool and found this thread. So I'm "supplementing" by asking it here in case anyone else is having this problem.

[xLegendOZWest]

pulled mine off on the side of the road to flat tow it.. so it shouldnt be to to hard. good luck though

[Pussy30]

God diffs are such a PITA. Switching mine out took like 2 nights of work for 6 bolts

[Eecen]

Believe they are 17mm.

Just use two wrenches locked together so you have a ~2ft bar to pull on. Leverage ftw.

[Heysüß]

yep you were right. 17mm.

Just asked since the old man decided to "help me out" and worked on it while I was at school, and he said his 17mm open end wrench was lose on the bolt and wasn't doing the trick. He then stripped one bolt, while I went and bought some pb blaster (special @ advance: 2 cans for $5) and grabbed a 17mm box end and got them lose with some light hand taps.

[MR 325]

Definitely 17mm nuts. Make sure to use a 6 point closed end wrench.

I always tighten mine with a gear wrench, plenty tight.