LSD or OPEN DIFF HELP!!

[lukaszjdm]

I have a weird issue. I bought an e36 and it has 226k miles. It used to do two wheel peels but lately its been not wanting to pop out or slide like as if it is an open diff. I never replaced the diff fluid so I'm wondering if faulty or old diff fluid can be the problem. And in the worst case scenario, the diff is partly blown. If it happens to be that case if welded can will it have two tire fire?

[mikeysentra]

First off you can change the diff fluid. I prefer redline but use a oil you like. Make sure it has friction modifiers for mechanical LSD's. If a fluid change does not do it (and I doubt it will) its time for a refresh of the LSD clutch disks. you can order the disks at bimmerdiffs.com. I wouldn't weld any diff, too much of a hassle and risk to other motorists.

[Moron95M3]

are you sure it was ever an LSD?

If you jack it up and spin one side does the other go the same direction or opposite?


But yes, if you weld it you'll have both spinning all the time. Every time you corner the inside will hop slightly to. Not fun for DD but fun for the slidz.

[Turbohugh]

Dont' weld it .. Welded diffs' on public roads is a lawsuit or negligent homicide charge waiting to happen.

Your smart options are :
* Pay money and get a LSD Diff [preferably rebuilt] or upgraded
* Be a master mechanic and learn to convert/rebuild Diffs to LSD : buying your own parts and fixing them [#Profit]
* Drive it as it is, after changing the fluids .. Live with the fact that you're not a race car driver or professional drift racer and drifting on public roads is stupid and costs $$$ once you fuck up [and you will fuck up].
* Ignore me, get the diff welded, and end up with a car that's useless unless you're on smooth/clean/dry pavement. Regret welding diff and realize I was right [Im always right].

Carry on /sarcasmOff

#Disclaimer -This post was an attempt at humor ..

[somebody5788]

I see the problem. You've mistaken a Lada for an E36. This is easily corrected by purchasing an E36 lol.

[lukaszjdm]

neither wheel spinning triggers the other side to move either way. What could be the issue?

[jc43089]

Are you sure it is actually an LSD? Does the tag have an "S" on it? There is a sheet metal tag on one of the dif cover bolts that has the ratio and an S if it is a limited slip. If the other side tire does not spin then your driveshaft is spinning which means it is likely an open differential or broken LSD. The limited slip differentials I have worked on are generally harder to turn as there is some friction internally and the other tire will spin the same direction when you turn one. Whereas an open differential the easiest turning part sometimes is the driveshaft.

[Moron95M3]

neither wheel spinning triggers the other side to move either way. What could be the issue?


You have an open diff. Try this again but put it in gear, the other tire will spin the opposite way.

What's happening if it's spinning your driveshaft instead of other side. Either way, it means that diff isn't locked up...and is open.

[MParallel]

Depress clutch. Rev up. Drop clutch.

Count black stripes on road.

2 = LSD
1 = Open

[E36328Coupe]

Depress clutch. Rev up. Drop clutch.

Count black stripes on road.

2 = LSD
1 = OpenHad plenty of cars that spin both without an LSD if you bang them free aggressively enough.
Jack it up and test because that's unreliable

2 stripes doesn't mean it's an LSD but one stripe if you know it has an LSD means it's worn out

[spyderg0d]

well