NJGreenBudd's 325e Progress Thread

[NJGreenBudd]

*************This thread is a combo of two old posts from different form sections and some new info. I plan to use this thread to document my work on this E30, at least for my sake, maybe someone else can benefit from this as well************


So I just got this E30 and I like it but it needs some work. I got it up on jack stands today and took the wheels off to get a better look at things. Made a few discoveries along the way - the rear drivers wheel bearing is actually bad, all rear brakes are in horrible condition and the diff is weeping from the axle stubs. Also saw some fluid on the engine and trans, looks like from shifter. On a good note I found out the car has an LSD in it, very cool bonus.

Again, I have been trying to diagnose a bad rumbling vibration in the back above 30mph, I was thinking maybe driveshaft but these brakes look horribly worn and warped, plus the bad wheel bearing, could these be the cause of that noise I wonder. I'm going to be taking the exhaust off this weekend to redo the cat and muffler so I'll checkout the driveshaft at that point. Right now I am looking to install new pads and rotors for the front and rear, replace the bad wheel bearing and new seals in the differential.

What would I need to pull the wheel bearing out and replace it? I'm really just looking for input on these repairs, any useful tips, tricks or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

The Car-


Engine Oil Leak-


Trans Leak-


General view of rear end-


Diff-


Brakes-







So I got all new rotors and pads today, plus my exhaust stuff got here. I just bought cheap high flow catalyst and magnaflow muffler, I had a spare exhaust tip laying around so I might weld that on too. I am picking up a rear wheel bearing in the morning, decided to get a start tonight and pull the axle.

New Parts yay!




Progress










So now I am at the part where I need to remove the hub, just not sure which is the best route for me here. I would prefer to do this in my own garage and have read/seen the hub driven out with a socket and hammer, 30mm I think it was foe the hub and 1.5" for the bearing. How do you get the new one in though without smashing it? I don't have a press handy at the moment.....






Managed to get a bit more work done today, I couldn't get my wheel bearing from the store so that was a major setback. I did go ahead and punch out the hub with a 30mm socket and 4lb hammer, the inner race eventually came with it and needed to be cut and chisled off.

Hub removed, race being scored-


Scored Inner Bearing Race-


Inner Bearing Race Chisled Off Hub-



Started on the new exhaust as well, going to match the stock Y pipe into 2.25" high flow catalyst, then 2.25" back into the new magnaflow muffler, weld on the leftover volvo tip and be done with it.

First Exhaust Work Ever-

[NJGreenBudd]

[Hartge_H27]

man looks like u r well on ur way to having a good DD e30. keep us posted.

[pporcaro]

looking good for a first time exhaust job

[NJGreenBudd]

Thanks guys, I'm am really looking forward to getting this all done. I have done some small projects and repairs before but exhaust is something I have been looking forward to. It took me a minute to dial in the 100 amp Lincoln welder for the tubing, I ended up on the lowest setting and went slow. Turned up the wire feed speed a bit as i got more comfortable with it. I have the pipe routed back to the axle but haven't connected it to the muffler yet. I'll keep this updated.

[NJGreenBudd]

Exhaust is Finished











Short Video of Exhaust

[BrewCity11]

Great work bud!

[TexasTerp]

looks like a great start to a good build! Looking forward to seeing how this turns out!

[NJGreenBudd]

Thanks for the encouraging words guys. I am now focused on replacing the wheel bearing, then the easy brake job and new ignition components, that should bring us to the perfectly streetable level with a hint of fun too.

[catchuk]

sounds good, quieter than I expected.

[///m3]

I think you have the perfect sound output from the exhaust. Good Work

[NJGreenBudd]

Thanks again for the encouragement. I too am pleased with the exhaust note, not too quiet but not too loud either, bet it sounds better going down the road rather than sitting in a garage too. It has a nice mean sound but not farty or ricey, it's louder than my Volvo but much quieter than my RX7, just about right for me.

I got my wheel bearing last night from FCP, just waiting on a 38mm socket and some ebrake shoes to arrive. Then it's a matter of waiting for the next paycheck to redo the ignition system, I'm gonna start with plugs and wires plus cap and rotor and see how that affects the slight miss I have.

[NJGreenBudd]

Oh Yah

[NJGreenBudd]

Painted the front bumper and spoiler.

[Court M3]

Car's turning out pretty nice. Oh there is a projects subforum ;) Nice little build though and exhaust sounds good.