Quaife LSD Install - Diff Bearings

[micha3l]

I have just purchased a Quaife LSD, and have been speaking with my local shop about getting it installed.

They have installed many LSD's before (just not in a 135i) and are a little hesitant to do it without new bearings.

They advised that it could very well go smoothly and the bearings not needing replacement, however if they break the bearings my car could be out of action for 1-2 weeks until they source new bearings.

After calling BMW, they do not sell these separately, they only sell the final drive unit as a whole and do not know the sizes of these.

Does anyone have the sizes of these bearings? Would be good to have the info handy before the install.

[Focusedintntions]

It would really depend on if your is an auto or manual too i believe. Try contacting Harold at HP Autowerks as they sell diffs and seem to really know their stuff.

[moveswiftly]

Get the install done somewhere else. Your car is pretty new and there is no reason for the bearings to break in the process unless they force something or are rough with it. I have a quaife LSD but I did purchase a final drive.

[Dackelone]

Hi Micha3l

I would ask Birds in the UK what they think. They have done MANY lsd installs. Or maybe Harold at HPA: http://hpautowerks.com/

Birds...

http://www.birdsauto.com/quaife/default.aspx?make=BMW

Also... all bearings have a number on the side of them. Most German bearings are made by SKF in Schweinfurt, Germany (only 50km from Bamberg - where I live). Its the (im)famous wheel bearing factory, that the allies bombed in WWII. Anyway... every bearing has a number on the side of it... This number can be used as a refference - for wheel bearing dealers in the states. It is not that hard to get a bearing in the states. Perhaps BMW doesn't sell them... but any SKF (bearing)dealer in the USA can get you waht you need.

Maybe ask your shop IF they have the special KuKu tools for pulling apart bearings. IF they say WHAT... Then maybe find another shop.

Good Luck,
Dackel

[micha3l]

I have asked Harold and he also said that BMW don't sell them But he did also say he's never heard of anyone breaking any in a 135i before.

I do trust the shop, he's just said that in alot of Porsches they don't come out very easily and quite often need replacing (he builds alot of porsche race cars)

I'll confirm that they have the right tools to do the job and just get it done, just worried me a little when they said that it is a possibility

[Bdh821]

Ask Dan from diffsonline.com. he built my diff and was very knowledgable. I have a OS giken!

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by micha3l

I have just purchased a Quaife LSD, and have been speaking with my local shop about getting it installed.

They have installed many LSD's before (just not in a 135i) and are a little hesitant to do it without new bearings.

They advised that it could very well go smoothly and the bearings not needing replacement, however if they break the bearings my car could be out of action for 1-2 weeks until they source new bearings.

After calling BMW, they do not sell these separately, they only sell the final drive unit as a whole and do not know the sizes of these.

Does anyone have the sizes of these bearings? Would be good to have the info handy before the install.

Bearings are not serviced by BMW at all so care must be taken when removing and reinstalling the bearings.

There is no other bearings like it and even the manufacture of these bearings will not sell them to you as they have a contract to supply BMW only.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by micha3l

I have asked Harold and he also said that BMW don't sell them But he did also say he's never heard of anyone breaking any in a 135i before.

I do trust the shop, he's just said that in alot of Porsches they don't come out very easily and quite often need replacing (he builds alot of porsche race cars)

I'll confirm that they have the right tools to do the job and just get it done, just worried me a little when they said that it is a possibility

I really can not say for certain about BMW diff bearings. But I do know from my VW/Porsche days... most every bearing is made in Germany by SKF. They are located in Schweinfurt, Germany. Ever see those old WWII movies when they go out to bomb the "wheel bearing factory"... well... that is SKF in Schweinfurt! lol

Anyways... most every German bearing has a number stamped on its race. You can go to any (American)truck supply shop... or look up any good industrial wheel bearing supply shop(like ones that service 18 wheeler trucks) and they can cross refference that SKF number stamped in the race to a replacement bearing. I have done that in the past for my old Porsche trans. Try looking in your local yellow pages.

[xerox445]

With that being said, you still can't get the clip that sets the side play and the clip in the rear that sets the backlash. You could just press everything back together and hope it is close I guess tho. VAC in Philly Machines their own Clips at custom thickness's to set the diff up with the proper tolerances.

http://www.youtube.com/user/vacmotor...22/V2c_d5DeBmE

[1fastbmw]

I did my install myself and you wont not need bearings unless they are completely incapable, they are pressed off with ease. The bearing is actually held in with a large snap ring and only the inner race needs to pressed off. I was worried with mine until I got it apart and saw the design it is much easier than most conical diff bearings to remove. The most important thing is to ensure the bearings and clips go back on the same side as they came out, this is what set the proper backlash. I posted alot of info and pics in my post, see link below.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=513534

[1fastbmw]

And btw it was one of my best mods hands down, without it I would break tires loose at 50 mph. Now with the Quaife LSD and my 265 Conti DW's I barely break a tire loose period.

[micha3l]

I took it to another shop in June and they did the install no problems at all, loving the difference!

[Cuz5150]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Hi Micha3l

I would ask Birds in the UK what they think. They have done MANY lsd installs. Or maybe Harold at HPA: http://hpautowerks.com/

Birds...

http://www.birdsauto.com/quaife/default.aspx?make=BMW

Also... all bearings have a number on the side of them. Most German bearings are made by SKF in Schweinfurt, Germany (only 50km from Bamberg - where I live). Its the (im)famous wheel bearing factory, that the allies bombed in WWII. Anyway... every bearing has a number on the side of it... This number can be used as a refference - for wheel bearing dealers in the states. It is not that hard to get a bearing in the states. Perhaps BMW doesn't sell them... but any SKF (bearing)dealer in the USA can get you waht you need.

Maybe ask your shop IF they have the special KuKu tools for pulling apart bearings. IF they say WHAT... Then maybe find another shop.

Good Luck,
Dackel

Hahah.....SKF for the win. The above bearing is a SKF and costs $18K. Got it from a shop to use as a door stopper....