3.46 lsd insides

[danny2010]

Does anybody have a picture of their back cover off their diff? I was doing my axle seals and fluid change and found a couple bolt heads that hold the clutch pack together, I'm hoping I can get broken parts out and new bolts in without disassembling the entire thing

[danny2010]

Or some instructions on how to get the limited slip assembly out. BMW doesn't have instructions in the repair manual for my car that I can find

[jbd5015]

Id recommend sending it to a transmission shop if youre going to pull the ring gear and front pinion out.

While it looks relatively simple, there are some important measurements to be made with precise tools to make sure you get it back together with the correct backlash and spacing.

In other words, not something to attempt without someone who is experienced showing you how to do it. Not sure of your mechanical abilities, but i myself wouldnt attempt it solo. Its a specialty trade rebuilding those diffs, without proper tools youll be hard pressed to get it right.

[danny2010]

I'm a tech, but generally BMW likes us to replace parts and not rebuild them so I don't have access to the manual on how to do it, last time I took a diff apart was probably 4 years ago but it was out of a Chevy and had already been apart about 100 times lol

[jbd5015]

Do you have access to AllData or Mitchell? There is some information usually listed in those resources. I havent looked into the Bentley yet, but there may even be some information there about it.

I use AllData at my shop and its awesome. Usually gives you the torque specs and the procedures in order, and a list of tools necessary for the job. Ill dig in and see if i can find anything for you.

Ive resealed and done bearings on my fair share of solid axles, but havent spent time on an independent suspension diff, id imagine they are a bit more complicated, but perhaps not!

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1. Remove axle housing assembly and mount in suitable holding fixture.
2. Bend down lock tab on pinion nut, then measure and record total assembly rotating torque, turning pinion shaft nut with suitable torque wrench.
3. Remove axle housing rear cover, if equipped, and drain lubricant into suitable container.
4. Pry out drive axle flanges using suitable lever.





http://repair.alldata.com/alldata/imagesWLinks?file=//image300a/07/48/44_bmwfa103052001.png&width=528&height=340&displayType=print&imgRotation=0Fig. 1 Ring gear & pinion backlash measurement





5. Mount suitable dial indicator on housing with pointer bearing against ring gear tooth and measure and record ring gear and pinion backlash, Fig. 1.
6. Punch matching marks between side bearing caps and case, remove caps along with shims, then remove and discard drive flange seals. Side bearing cap and shim assemblies are used to determine ring gear and pinion backlash and side bearing preload. Retain shim packs with respective side bearing caps and keep assemblies separate to aid assembly.
7. Remove differential assembly from housing.





http://repair.alldata.com/alldata/imagesWLinks?file=//image300a/07/48/45_bmwfa103052002.png&width=416&height=302&displayType=print&imgRotation=0Fig. 2 Typical rotating torque measurement





8. Measure and record pinion rotating torque using suitable torque wrench, Fig. 2.
9. Hold pinion flange with suitable tool, then remove pinion nut and lock plate.
10. Remove pinion flange and flange seals using suitable puller.
11. Press drive pinion and rear bearing assembly from housing, taking care not to damage bearing or bearing surfaces, then remove front pinion bearing and spacer from housing.





http://repair.alldata.com/alldata/imagesWLinks?file=//image300a/07/48/46_bmwfa103052003.png&width=416&height=309&displayType=print&imgRotation=0Fig. 3 Typical pinion bearing race removal





12. Remove front bearing outer race from housing with suitable puller, Fig. 3, and place bearing race with bearing.
13. Inspect rear pinion bearing and remove from pinion, as needed, using suitable puller.





http://repair.alldata.com/alldata/imagesWLinks?file=//image300a/07/48/47_bmwfa103052004.png&width=512&height=345&displayType=print&imgRotation=0Fig. 4 Typical pinion, bearing and depth shim (X) installation





14. Remove rear pinion bearing race from housing using suitable puller and place race with bearing, then remove pinion depth adjusting shim, Fig. 4, and retain for assembly.
15. Remove speed sensor from housing, if equipped, then clean housing, covers and flanges with solvent and blow dry with compressed air, ensuring that all foreign material is removed. Keep all components in order, noting installation position of bearings, races, covers and shims to ensure proper assembly. Any component that is reused should be installed in original position.

[KatieT]

Check out www.thayermotorsports.com and shoot us an e-mail if we can be of some help! We have our guides for refreshing the LSD unit in the descriptions of each kit.

~Katie

[jbd5015]

Theres your answer!!! Talk to them!!!

-Jeff