BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

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      02-18-2014, 05:10 PM   #1
mr_bean
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LSD DIY?

I've been thinking about installing an LSD.
I have no reservations about removing the differential, but how hard is it (or, are there any special tools needed) to install it into the diff housing?
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      02-18-2014, 06:31 PM   #2
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Use the search button friend. Tons of information!
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      02-19-2014, 08:07 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mr_bean View Post
I've been thinking about installing an LSD.
I have no reservations about removing the differential, but how hard is it (or, are there any special tools needed) to install it into the diff housing?
I have no direct experience with BMW differentials other than changing the fluid. I've also not rebuilt a differential but I have reviewed the process with my son who then did his truck. So these comments are not from somebody with a lot of applicable experience.

That said, I would be cautious. The cover is attached to the suspension, unlike other cars I have worked on, which will complicate removal. With any differential, you need to check end play and meshing of the gears. That requires a dial indicator and some way to set it in position for the measurements. I have the indicator but not the necessary bracketing. The method of controlling the meshing and end play is either straight washers or a combination of a crush sleeve and washers. The crush sleeve might take less time since you should be able to assemble it once and be done but I don't know which BMW uses. If it is washers, you have to put it together, take a measurement, and potentially disassemble and change the washers to change the clearance. Doesn't seem like fun (but my son and his friend thought it was).

I wouldn't attempt it without a knowledgable friend who has done a bimmer before or a Bently or other good manual. You'd have to get the 3 series manual but it should be close enough.
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      02-19-2014, 11:47 AM   #4
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If you are feeling nervous, a number of places sell completed pumpkins with a core charge, so you can swap fairly easily.
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      02-20-2014, 08:44 PM   #5
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It's not hard to do mechanically, but you do have to set the gear teeth perfectly...avoid taking the pinion out, the pinion depth is matched to the housing, so you should be good there...use new carrier bearings...bolt everything up, check the tooth pattern with gear paint...you want a nice oval shape in the middle of each tooth...if it's hitting on the edges, adjust it with the carrier adjusters and check it again....
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Last edited by Blacksport; 02-20-2014 at 09:00 PM..
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      02-20-2014, 11:32 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Blacksport View Post
It's not hard to do mechanically, but you do have to set the gear teeth perfectly...avoid taking the pinion out, the pinion depth is matched to the housing, so you should be good there...use new carrier bearings...bolt everything up, check the tooth pattern with gear paint...you want a nice oval shape in the middle of each tooth...if it's hitting on the edges, adjust it with the carrier adjusters and check it again....
With our differentials, backlash is adjusted (if necessary) by altering the thickness of the snap rings that hold the output shaft bearings in place. There is no other means of adjusting backlash. When removing the bearings, make sure to note what side of the differential the snap ring and bearing is removed. They should be reinstalled on the same side they were removed. If you mix this up your backlash will be off. In some cases, you'll still need a different snap ring in order to get the backlash within spec. This makes our differentials a complete PITA.

BTW, if you know where to source new bearings, please let us know.
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      02-21-2014, 08:21 AM   #7
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Thanks for the clarification...I've done a lot of diffs from Austin Healey & Triumph to Chevy to Mazda, but never a BMW (I did put a Torsen 3.42 pumpkin in my M roadster)...most diffs adjust the BL with threaded caps over the carrier bearings...of course BMW would never do it the way it's usually done...

If I couldn't find bearings, I'd call a friend at Florida Bearing with the bearing's measurements and all writing that's usually on the bearing's race...he has almost never let me down....if necessary, I'd pull them off the old carrier...
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      02-21-2014, 02:57 PM   #8
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Don't forget the carriers on BMWs are welded, and not bolted, to the ring gear except on the earliest of manual transmission cars. You really don't save much money over buying a completely done unit like you do on normally assembled units because of all the machining that gets involved.
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      02-21-2014, 03:08 PM   #9
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From what i've read all the manual 128i units are bolted and NOT welded.

135i however are mostly welded.
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      02-21-2014, 03:25 PM   #10
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Lucky. :'(
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      02-21-2014, 03:28 PM   #11
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I wonder if you can put 128i guts into a 135i diff housing...
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