Self Locking Nuts?

[Massimo]

Hi just

currently workin on the suspension and have the diff removed. I need new self locking nuts for the drive shaft to diff connection. Just wanted to know weather I have to use BMW OEM nuts or weather I can go to the local hardware supplier and grab some.

Cheers?

[Ceeker]

they are the same nylock nuts are nuts. just make sure the thread pitch is the same. some are fine and coarse.

[TooSlowToCare]

I always prefer to use oem parts, but sometimes on things like nuts/bolts you can just settle for hardware store generics. Just make sure you know you thread pitch/size and bolt grade before you go shopping. As for the driveshaft bolts, i can't see some nylock nuts ever working their way loose. Maybe throw a lock washer in just to be safe.

[Jand3rson]

I use Nylon lock nuts from ACE, they are grade 8.8 and exactly the same thing you'll get at the dealer.

[FredK]

Nylon lock nuts will probably work fine. They aren't the exact same thing as the OE part, which is a distorted thread locknut, which are better suited for higher temperature applications. Nylocks will start to lose their effectiveness above around 250F. Your diff would rarely get to this temperature unless you track the car.

[Jand3rson]

Interesting, thanks for the clarification on that. :up:

[glucklich21]

I go with BMW nuts when it's anything related to the drivetrain or suspension. I've tried sourcing locking nuts that have an oval opening like the factory ones, but they're always a fine thread. Most of the stuff under the car has larger thread spacing. I don't exactly trust the little nylon ones on anything that's spinning.

I just make a habit to order a few nuts every time I order parts. They always come in handy on my swap project.

[TurboJake]

Meh. In an instance like this a nylon locknut will be just fine. They've come a long ways since the 80's. The nylon is more flexible and heat resistant than the variety used in the past. Plus, they aren't 20 years old (Which makes a very large difference)

The part isn't technically moving. It's pretty fixed and relies on the bolt integrity to transfer the power over, the nuts are just intended to hold them in place and not back out.

I wouldn't bat an eye at using the nylon nuts. That's why I have them in there now. Never had a driveshaft come loose ;)
I've also never reused one's that were on there before. Every time I've pulled the shaft (3 times now total), New nylon lock nuts from ACE. $2.54 insurance

[Jand3rson]

Yeah, I made the mistake of reusing the Nylock nuts at the trans output flange once. Launched the car from a stoplight, and that was all she wrote. The bolts that I DID find on the ground the next day that weren't broken had the threads completely stripped flat.

[Massimo]

Well ends up I need some other parts so ill order them along with the other stuff from Blunt. But good to know anyways seems as though off the shelf nuts would be ok. there are a few fastner suppliers around maybe worth dropping into one and asking there opinion. cheers guys

[Simon S]

I also tend to like/use the OE 'pinched' nuts whenever possible.

Then - in true OCD fashion - I also loctite the threads..

[ForcedFirebird]

They are called "stover" nuts. You usually can't buy them at a hardware store, but a fastener supplier will. I buy them by the 100's at the shop to replace them every time they are removed from mine, or a client's car.

http://www.google.com/search?q=stover+nut&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=HTY&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=z3acToaKHNSDsgLMv7jgBA&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CB4Q_AUoAQ&biw=1270&bih=582

[jrobie79]

stover nuts are sold at ACE hardware, the three I've been too have had them.