Half shaft replacement? advice?

[RCWells]

Trying to replace the half shaft on friend's E30 M3. Definitely NOT a slide-in job.

How to get it into the hub? Anybody done this? Advice, tips?

Thanks.

[rs4pro3]

Ground down a 36mm socket to fit the Large nut, They are realy quote easy, remove the flange from the Diff. Pull the wheel, Pry off Lock ring around the large nut, Zip off nut and Gently pound out the shaft(rubber mallet).
I need to do this to my parts car in a couple days as I removed the diff the other day, the shafts look in great shape with almost new boots.

[RCWells]

Thanks for the reply. BUT, already did that part. It's the gettin the new shaft back in that is the trick. Help?

[david90is]

Just start tapping from the inside as it slides through. Tap lightly and evenly all around the flange. Eventually the threads will protrude, and tightening down the nut will guide it the rest of the way. Done this only once, so YMMV.

[RCWells]

Just start tapping from the inside as it slides through. Tap lightly and evenly all around the flange. Eventually the threads will protrude, and tightening down the nut will guide it the rest of the way. Done this only once, so YMMV.

Been working that, but it started denting up the flange. AND the progress was nominal. Is there a specific tool for the job? Or is it just elbow grease and persistence?

BTW, your car is sweet. Of course, it is my former/current car's twin. I am keeping my black car, in it's wrecked state, but I am about to buy another E30. It will be a different color, but a good one I think. Your Ronals are the deeper offset right? Mine have the not so deep lip. I prefer yours, but will keep the Ronals I have, and prolly buy a set of the Kopis for the new car. That way I can swap em out as I please, havin cake and eatin it too. :D

[Jordan]

The new shaft should go right in. If it doesnt, it is not lined up right. If all else fails clean out the hub splines well and spray some lube in there.

attempt again.

[RCWells]

This is a pita. The splines "appear" to be lined up. We used some anti-sieze compound on the splines, and the damn thing just doesn't want to go in. It IS a re-man part, so that may be the problem. Shouldn't really matter, but it may. Dunno. Give up tonight, and try again later. Thanks guys.

[david90is]

Been working that, but it started denting up the flange. AND the progress was nominal. Is there a specific tool for the job? Or is it just elbow grease and persistence?

I used a wooden dowel to prevent denting, but a rubber mallet or dead blow hammer could be used without the dowel I would think. I don't recall it giving me problems. Use some lube as someone else mentioned. There is a special tool, and I think there's a picture of it in the bentley.

I missed what happened to your car.. Too bad, looked almost as good as mine. 8) What are you planning on doing with it? Yes my ronals are the deep lip. I'm considering running a staggered set up with the shallow lip up front and deep in the back. Would you ever consider trading 2 rims? That way we'd both have the staggered setup. Just thought a right now, not sure I'd go through with it.

[clavinZERO]

just popped mine out today for wheel bearing replacement.... 32mm socket i think.
clean your speed sensor while you are in there, just a suggection.