BMW E46 M3 Differential complete rebuild | Free play fix, Clutch plates and bearings replacement
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- Complete tutorial for E46 M3 differential rebuild. Free play problem solved, Clutch plates, bearings and oil seals change.
Parts used for rebuild:
racingdiffs.co...
Steps:
0:51 - Step 1 - Cleaning and disassembling the diff
3:53 - Step 2 - Taking LSD unit apart
7:08 - Step 3 - Removing old bearings
12:23 - Step 4 - Assembling carrier unit
21:38 - Step 5 - Installing new bearings and seals
28:30 - Step 6 - Putting all parts back together
If you have any doubts or questions, Please send us email to office@racingdiffs.com
Don't forget to check video of testing in pro drift car:
• Testing RacingDiffs up...
Related links:
racingdiffs.com
/ racingdiffs
ebay.com/str/ra...
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Авто/Мото
Very helpful. I’ve had the kit for over a year now but finally installed it yesterday with the help of the video. I am not a mechanic but this video made everything super easy to follow
Great vid. I couldn't find no info on how to rebuild diff. Would of did it myself if I saw this vid 3 years ago.
Thank you for the feedback. Glad to be of help👍🏻
Yoooooo the assembly music is so good 👌🏼
How much play is too much? Mine moves a bit but not nearly as much as the diff in this video. Thanks for the tutorial btw
When you start hearing clunk from the diff, that is too much🙂
Thank you so much for this video! Informative & easy to follow. I just blew my diff today & have seen your website months ago. Will definitely be placing an order soon. This is my first ever comment on a RUclips video but I felt obligated to comment because there’s no other video showing you how to rebuild the e46 m3 diff. Major thank you again!
Thank you so much for your compliments! Much appreciated 👍🏼 when you decide to make the order, please send us email to office@racingdiffs.com and we'll make sure to provide some discount👍🏼
I can't emphasize that enough^
04 e46 M3
My diff is making grinding noises when making slow tight turns (mainly right turns)
Do you have any suspicion of what may cause that, and or why?
@@limbandtreeremoval sounds like you need a fluid change at the very least. Stick with oem bmw diff fluid with the friction modifier. Last I checked it’s like $150 for the bmw fluid but worth every penny. You can get a lifetime warranty on the fluid through fcpeuro
"Tutorial" is a little far fetched. I guess for experienced mechanics who might want to delve into this, but Diff rebuild is an art of its own and even for racing, there are only a few places we will trust. There's no way a guy in their garage should even touch this with a ten foot pole, given the level of complexity and tools in requires (most notably press to get the parts out and back in, with a hammer you will simply destroy everything). Even professional race shops will outsource this job.
All the same, awesome educational video!
Naturally, if you have some experience, you will do it much faster and easier. But we do have many customers who did rebuild for the first time based on this video and using our parts with positive feedback on outcome. If you don't try, you will never know if you can or can't do it.
Great video! Already ordered the rebuilt kit! Question though. Couldn't find anywhere the torque specs for the 8 12mm bolts for the output flanges (right were the shims are). Any chance someone knows what they should be tightened to? Thanks a lot in advance!
Thanks for the kind words. You can tighten them to 40Nm.
@@RacingDiffs Much appreciated!
I feel like the gear lash would be all sorts out of spec...
Rikki dont lose that number...
Can you tell me where can I get the kit to rebuild the rear n or can you send me the link
www.racingdiffs.com/collections/lsd-clutch-plate/products/bmw-e46-e92-m3-differential-free-play-repair-kit
Do you know a cheap solution for such a scale torque wrench 0-3 N.m? The only one I find for sell is from Bahco and costs 250E. You are using Bezler which merged to Bahco now.
Bezler will do perfectly fine 👍🏻
@@RacingDiffs the problem is that Belzer doesn't exist anymore. They were taken over by Bahco which costs 270€. That's why I was asking if you know a cheaper solution.
@@valentinmanov1300 don't have any cheaper solution. Only to search for them on eBay.
@@RacingDiffs Thanks for the fast reply. I might try to do it with torque Screwdriver. They are easier to find one
Hey guys is the noise gone, when I drive a tight curve slowly ?
Thx
When you do a complete rebuild like this, you shouldn't have any noises.
I
Will buy it 🥳
Hello, I watched this video because I have your racing diffs clutch set and free play shim. I had a few questions.
I wanted to ask if you guys re-used that inner pinion bearing spacer inside the differential housing? And
what size are the differential carrier bolts? I'm trying to find replacement bolts.
Also what are you guys using to put around the pinion seal before installation?
Let me know Thanks!
If you mean on crush sleeve which goes between 2 pinion bearings, we always put new one each time. Bolts on crown ring are m14x1.5. We use sealant compound on all oil seals just in case.
Hi , I just got this kit and I rebuilt my lsd unit , but i mixed the ouput shims , do you guys know which one is ticker , driver or passenger side , im stuck rn thanks
Try putting thinner on the drivers side. If it spins smoothly, you're good to go. If it stucks, switch sides.
@@RacingDiffsother question , why you guys didn’t used the bigger shim that comes with the kit
The kit with the shim was made after this video. Therefore, we have another one focused on that point.
ruclips.net/video/RlqnD7k2HMU/видео.htmlsi=xacJUV7ffMAt3g12
@@RacingDiffsI didn’t fit the large shim as I couldn’t find any info about it… is it going to cause a problem?
I don’t want to have to do this whole job again.
Hey I got an extra part it’s a big cone shaped a ring I have a small cone shaped it ring and then a large cone shaped ring, but I don’t know where the large one go. I ordered the same kit
I had the same problem, watched the video 100 times and never saw where they fitted it!
So I just didn’t fit it. Seems to be working fine! What did you do?
Hello racing diffs. Where exactly do I find this parts list for new bearings and clutches. I would like this exact kit for my m3. Thank you.
My kit came with 2 concave spring shims, 1 large and one small. Is the large one necessary to replace and if so what orientation is it supposed to be on?
Check this video👇🏼
ruclips.net/video/RlqnD7k2HMU/видео.htmlsi=dcfpYX1946tPMjcr
I need to start spending less time and money on the car but this video has me wanting to buy a clutch pack for my diff now. Great job with it!
Thank you! Much appreciated 🙂
So I test drove the diff after the rebuild and there is gear oil gushing out of the output shaft seal. After doing so research it appears that I drove the new seal in too deep to the point where the weep hole in the caps was outside and most of the gear oil came out. It would be noce to me tion this in the video. Do you know how deep the seals nees to be pressed in?
That is actually a good point. We will make one video dedicated to oil seals. We didn't see this as a potential problem, as there were oil seals from the factory, so you need to put them exactly like they were. Anyway, the inner edge of the seals shouldn't cover the hole for oil flow as it will compromise the lubrication of side bearings.
can please someone explain me how this exactly goes at 26:30? I do not really understand this and I am afraid to change my bearings until I do understand this part properly... is there some seperate documentation how to tighten the pinion nut? Thanks
Check out another video of ours. You have a better explanation here.
ruclips.net/video/qt2OmQMT_l8/видео.html
How to place an order for those part
Please check the link below
racingdiffs.com/collections/lsd-clutch-plate/products/bmw-m3-m5-m6-z4m-lsd-differential-rebuild-kit
You should put a plug on that drain before disassembly so if you drop a part you wont be sifting it back out again...
Can you specify the carrier bolt torque at 21:09? Unfortunately the video is not clear enough to read the torque wench settings shown. :/ Thank you.
Of course. 140Nm + thread locker
Excellent complete rebuild video. My E46 M3 diff is suffering from the play in the output shaft on the right side. I hope to place an order soon.
Thank you! This set will take care of it for good. You won't be having this problem anymore.
I thought the right side free play was normal per BMW services bulletin or they are just don't want to admit it. Nice video regardless. Thanks for the upload.
They just don't want to admit it. In many cases free play becomes so big that oil seal starts to leak. And that can't be normal. 🙂
Great video, I’ll be looking to do this in the near future and found this really helpful. Thank you
Great video. Would be nice to see a video like this for a bmw m5 e60 diff :)
Few people asked us the same question, so we will definitely put in in agenda.👍🏼 basically all parts are the same. Just need special tool for opening the carrier unit.👍🏼
Great and informative video. Thank you! You dont need new backlash setting since you changed the bearings?
Thank you! 💪🏼 No you don't need to do backlash adjustment as bearings are super super precise made. Those who post pics of backlash adjustment after bearings replacement are just bragging. Complete unnecessary. 👍🏼
When do NEED to reset backlash
@@rafaelvasquez5708 only if you are swapping another lsd unit or changing the gear ratio.
i was thinking the same thing they prolly checked the first few diffs they did all came back perfect so dont bother checking anymore
@@robibmw exactly. 👍🏼
Thank you for vid. Why why do you have 0.6 - 0.8 NM for pinion preload if BMW says 1.6 - 1.8 NM? Also BMW specify setting this without the pinion seal in. Please can you share in your experience what is best as I appreciate this video is a few years old now. Many thanks.
Hello, I just ordered your clutch kit with shim. Are you guys using assembly lube during install or just gear oil?
We use just gear oil, its lsd oil type
Great job guys, nice and complete video.
Thank you💪🏼 we'll make such videos for all BMW diffs👍🏼
@@RacingDiffs keep on going guys, push the throttle to the bottom 🤫
Awesome video, I am doing manual transmission conversion on my 335d e90 LCI using 330d pre-lci parts, I have bolted 2.35 ratio differential with bad front pinion bearing from england and this video helped a lot in disassembly.
Glad to hear that👍🏼 Let us know if you have any questions regarding diffs. Do you know we have LSD cinversion set for that diff which is currently discounted to $256?
I have oil leak problems on the output shaft seals (@29:00), can you comment on any typical issues? I replaced the o-rings, put in new shaft seals (victor reinz), carefully cleaned the flange faces, correctly clocked the flange oil galley then snugged up the flange bolts. Unit refilled on the bench and installed. Appears to be leaking around the shaft, not at the flange. Have not bolted in the half shafts or driven unit. Any suggestions on common assembly issues? Unit had zero leaks before disassembly so all seal faces should good. Installation of LSD kit was smooth. :)
Id you lubricated sealing surface of putput flanges before putting them in, oil seal wipes some amount of oil out which is normal. This shows as a leak. I would suggest cleaning it with brake cleaner and put it on the car. Check it every 1000km.
@@RacingDiffs When pressing in the new output shaft seal, how far into the housing do you press the seal? Can you provide a reference relative to the oil weep hole? I pressed my seals to the bottom of the housing and am now wondering if that is the problem. Unfortunately, the video does not show this detail. Both the left and right side seals were pressed to the housing bottom, only the right side is leaking. The left side is dry. EDIT / is this the correct seal installation? - ruclips.net/video/5jdNpjF1z9s/видео.html Will I have problems if my left seal is pressed past the oil hole?
This is definitely a problem. You shouldn't press it that deep. It should be pressed until it touches the oil flow hole. The seal mustn't civer the oil flow hole. Otherwise, you will have a problem with a side bearing failure besides oil leaking.
instead of fucking about trying to remove outer bearing race pressed inside something, just use mig and weld a fat bead on the race. it just falls out after. Thank me later
Brilliant vid, very interesting to see how it's done! Just one question, what is the difference with the extra clutch/friction disc/steel plate in the V2 variant of your kits? My car is a weekend toy/street car and sees no track use, would the extras in the V2 be of any real benefit to my usage? I do plan on upgrading from the stock 3.62 to 4.10 if/when I get a rebuild kit as well. Thanks in advance!
There are 2 variants of GKN LSD which were installed in E46 M3 DIFF. Each diff requires its own set. 👍🏻 glad you liked the video. Please support us with subscription 👍🏻
Thanks for the reply. How do I determine the version of my diff, are they year based? Mine is a 2001 pre facelift model.
@@sarcastixx74 The V1 than. V2 appeared from 2005.👍🏻
Brilliant. Thanks for the update!
@@RacingDiffs is there any benifit to the newer variant diff? Should I upgrade from a V1 to a V2? thanks
I cant wait to break out my cutting discs! I just wish i could find new planetary gears for mine.
Great video guys.....but the specs on TIS at pinion preload is 1.36-2.60nm and you say only 0.6-0.8nm.....whats the correct??
How come the pinion preload is set so low. Will this increase when running in?
Just experince.. if you set above 1nm it need to bed in ~1000km. And you cant do that on race car, if you go hard with 1nm or above without bed in bearing will fail 👍
@@miki125miki125
I followed this DIY and the pinion preload Increased to 1.27 nm after carrier axle drive shaft rings were torqued to spec. This seem is very close to bmw tis
Help! I mixed up my right and left output shims, which one goes where?
You need to try each combination and measure backlash.
@@RacingDiffs I actually found a faint "r" marking that I had made! problem solved
At 13:49 why do you put the spring washer with the concave side to the spider gear instead of the convex side? Concave side will cause the washer spins against the carrier (and wears the carrier) instead of the spider which is harder steel than the carrier. I would put the convex side to the spider.
what is the root cause for the play in the right output flange? What part(s) degrade to allow the play? When rebuilt what part(s) must be replaced to mitigate the play?
Excelent question.👍🏻 there are 2 reasons. The first one is the shim behind the right-side spider gear. This shim is there to reduce friction between spider gear and the LSD housing. But it is from poor material itself, wears out quickly, and allows free play. The 2nd reason is clutch pack. Same thing, looses thickness (wears out), reduce pressure on spider gear system, allows the free-play.
@@RacingDiffs Thanks for explaining the play. My E46 M3 LSD certainly has the right side play (quite a lot according to my BMW mechanic) but also a rubbing noise from the LSD when I turn a low speeds. Worse when turning to the right . Is that rubbing on the LSD housing? Or something inside the clutch pack?
Definitely a cluch pack. No problem, love to share the knowledge.
@@RacingDiffs appreciate the insight!
How many miles do you recommend for break in period after full rebuild?
Just a couple of 8 figures on parking lot. That's it.
@@RacingDiffs so you're saying that all those 500-1200 mile break in periods followed by an oil change that is recommended by other diff rebuilders aren't necessary?
@Dennis-du4jh not really. But only if you use our parts.
I'm make this for sure, my car has same problem
Don't feel bad about it, almost every m3 has this problem.
@@RacingDiffs 👍 look for a long time a tutorial like this. thank you
For those of us who want to change the ring (3.62 to 3.91) seems we’d need to set the pattern and backlash, can you do a video with that?
We will do another video just on that topic. But after this virus situation is over.
Anyway, you will need Shim set to adjust backlash. In case you wish to try, you can find the set here
racingdiffs-store.myshopify.com/collections/differential-tuning-accessories-braces-caps-spider-gears-etc/products/bmw-bolt-type-differential-backlash-adjustment-shim-kit-up-to-year-99
@@hansbrix2495 try this one
racingdiffs.com/collections/differential-tuning-parts/products/bmw-bolt-type-differential-backlash-adjustment-shim-kit
@@RacingDiffs ok looking forward to the video on how to set the ring and pinion. I have an e60 M5. Same 210mm sized shims???
@@hansbrix2495 yeap they are the same.
@@RacingDiffs quick question, if changing ring and pinion, do we need also the pinion shim? I did not see a set for those in your website. curious if the output shaft shims are all that is needed. I am planning to install a 4.1 gearset
Awesome video! Thank you for posting!
Thanks! 🙂
I’ve got a 2005 and don’t have the hex bolts on the inside of the flange on my lsd, I’m unsure of how to get inside of it and can’t find any info online. Does it need to be pressed off? Any info would be much appreciated
Please send some photos to office@racingdiffs.com and we will help.
Questions on the vice used at 4:12 or so... how big of opening is required to grip the LSD unit? Are you using any special jaw device to grip the LSD? Thank you.
150mm vice would be more than enough. 125mm is on the limit... no special jaw is required.
The best video related to overhaul differential /// M3 e46. When I disassembled my differential, I would have liked to have this video. By the way, what should be the specifications for the backlash ? In the near future I want to change the ratio from 3.62 to 3.91.
For a noob like me, Why do the stock clutch packs appear like a more aggressive surface? Almost looks like sandpaper compared to the racingdiffs clutches look smooth. The immediate thought would be that the stocks look grippier. Why is this not the case? (wanting to gain knowledge)
Good question. Friction coefficient depends on material as well, not only roughness.👍🏻
Just out of curiosity what was that torque wrench you guys was using to set pinion torque. Said not to go over 0.6nm.. is it a torque wrench ???
Trying to find one to buy when I do mine !
Yes. It is a torque wrench which measures from 0-3 Nm. 👍🏻 Nothing special really, you have it available in various shops on Internet.
Can I use a digital torque wrench for the torque resistance
I have an 2003 e46 m3 with a diff that doesn't have the bolts to take it apart at the lsd unit.It looks like it needs a special spanner.any thoughts in this?
I second this, don’t know how to get inside the lsd can’t find anywhere on the web any information
Do you recommend to replace the axle cap bolts(13mm)? I cant seem to find a part # for them.
No need to replace them. They can be reused many times.👍🏻
wish you do a video for 7' sierra cosworth diff.. all the rebuild stages like that video 🙏🙏🙏
Love the music :D
I was sat there thinking 'sounds a bit Steely Dan', then worked out why!
Two issues:
1) you show assembly with the oil hole on the top position. During disassembly I noticed the oil hole in the shaft removed from the diff facing the bearing. That is one position different than my assembly. Logically, considering the design, I can see how the hole on the top would capture and return more oil to the bearings.
Can you tell me why you show that reassembly to be in the top position.
2) I stripped the threads from one bolt hole during reassembly. I'm about to go get some J-B Weld for the repair. Any other suggestions?
1. Holes should be up because most of the oil is lifted up during driving, especially when you go fast. After 150kmh you literally don't have a single drop of the oil on the floor. That is why holes are up.
2. You can drill holes to bigger bolt if possible. If I understood correctly those are side cap bolts?
@@RacingDiffs Actually broke the bolt.....Wrong torque spec used. Was able to get the bolt out with no problem. replaced bolt and torqued it down. Please confirm the right torque spec for the E46 M3 diff flange bolts.
@@rogerbohannan socket 13, max 40nm.
I have an E39 M5 and I'm having trouble pressing out the pinion out of the housing, this diff looks very similar, will it work the same way?
Bearings are the same so you can use that part of the video.
@@RacingDiffs thank you
can you specify what should backlash be? is there difference between e46 and e36? (interested in e36 168mm)
Backlash differs depending on size of crown gear.
168mm - 0.04mm - 0.07mm
188mm - 0.06mm - 0.09mm
210mm - 0.08mm - 0.11mm
@@RacingDiffs thank you very much guys
One question if you havent an toruqe wrench. Can you mark the nut in the old position on shaft with a dot? An build it later together if you tighten the bolt up to the mark?
You can try that as well.
@@RacingDiffs thank you for the quick response :) i the ebay m3 repair kit with bearings and shims
Brilliant video , Uk M3 user here
Thank you!🙂👍🏼
I bought the full overhaul pack and have only one question. I take it you don’t reuse the 2 very thin shims on either side of the original clutch pack. Thanks Ian
Music literally put me to sleep
I didn't see any backlash measurement/adjustment. You don't do this while rebuilding diffs?
If you aren't changing gear ratio or carrier unit, there is no need to do so.
@@RacingDiffs Thanks for the information!
What tool did you use to adjust the preload on the Pinion? Because you say 0.6 Nm in the Video. I don't know any torque wrenches catching that value
@@alexp.3102 you need precise analogue torque wrench which measures up to 5Nm.
@@RacingDiffs got you! why do you have 0.6 - 0.8 NM if BMW says 1.6 - 1.8 NM? Just curious because I am going to rebuild my Diff with your clutch package and want to do it right the first time.
Hi, great video. I'm about to buy a kit but my question is my M3 is a later model and the free play is the left hand side NOT the right. Do I need a different kit than this one? And will an ordinary torque wrench do to check the preload? The one used in the video are over £150
You will need the V2 kit. A bit different diff but the same problem. Just on the opposite side. You need torque wrench which measures from 0-5 Nm. 👍🏻
@@RacingDiffs so does the freeplay shim still go to the righthand side like this video or in my case does it go to the left? Thanks for help
@@gerardmccomiskey2471 goes to the left. Actually your diff is mirrored compared to this one.
@@RacingDiffs awesome job, again thanks for all the help. 👍
@@RacingDiffs so was just down checking my diff, crown wheel is the same side as the video. Free play is the left hand side output shaft. It's the V2 kit I request? Going to buy this kit tomorrow and want to be a 100% sure I've got the right one. Does the kit come with any information? As to where the free play shim goes
I need the free play shim kit I believe. I have an E46 M3 and have replaced my driveshaft, "guibo" flex disc, welded the subframe, new diff bushings, and had the diff rebuilt. Still getting a clunk when engaging the clutch or shifting gears that very much sounds like it's coming from the diff. Also occasionally getting a clunk when putting the car in to gear.
Did you have LSD unit rebuilt? www.racingdiffs.com/collections/lsd-clutch-plate/products/bmw-e46-m3-lsd-clutch-plate
@@RacingDiffs Yes, it's only a year old.
@@seanmiller8701 did you return side shims as they were? As if you mixed them you probably have to much backlash.
@@RacingDiffs I didn't rebuild it myself. I bought it from Turner Motorsport as a rebuilt unit. But my mechanic already says there's too much play in the diff.
@@seanmiller8701 we don't have cooperation with Turner so I can't say what is installed inside the unit. He doesn't get parts from us and as far as I know we are the only one who makes clutch plates with free play delete shim. Just saying. Anyway you won't know until you open it. You can send some photos and videos to office@racingdiffs.com. We are glad to help.
And what differential fluid do you guys recommend it to run after this rebuild
Only Motul Gear Competition
@@RacingDiffs 75w140?
@@M14GARAGE yes👍🏻
@@RacingDiffs Need some help with one last thing I’ve got an extra hard that I don’t know where it’s going it’s a large cone shaped shim
@@M14GARAGE we have a new video, please check our channel.👍🏻
What would be the breakaway slip with your clutch stack installed
A 110Nm after break-in.
Is it possible to bench test the slip of the clutch stack before installing in the casing, with a torque wrench
@@robharrison1427 you can test it only if you install the set into carrier unit.
Is one of the steps to check backlash and adjust pinion to ring interaction? Didnt see it in video.
For V1 is not necessary. Just put back all as it was👍🏻
@@RacingDiffs oh interesting. On v2 it is needed because depending on the final torque on the cover plate and preload that generates also changes the effective width of the lsd unit and therefore how it then centers left to right in the diff carrier, while on v1 lsd unit bolts up together to same effective width?
@@mrgizmo7975 right again. However, thread on the collar on V2 unit has small pitch so it doesn't affect too much.
@@RacingDiffs if starting out with a v2 diff, can you simply take a "spare" v1 lsd unit and swap it in? I'd assume bearings and seals are all the same (understanding that internals of lsd unit itself like clutch pack and preload shim will be different)? As long as backlash is then adjusted to account for the new v1 lsd, going forward this "converted" diff from v2 to v1 will be easy clutch pack swaps. Is that right? Or other nuances?
@@mrgizmo7975 you can swap V1 instead of V2. Just adjust backlash 👍🏻
What torque resistance tool is that?
A torque wrench 0-3Nm.
Great video. I think I will buy this kit but how can I adjust tighten without this specific troque wrench ?
You buy the torque wrench or you buy a spring scale and work out how much pull you need for the torque you want.
Dear god, you used the bearing to press in the race? Quality work there.
We have tons of old bearings and races so we found them a purpose.
Dear God, would you have preferred the use of a hammer? :-D
Seems perfectly safe to use an old bearing to me. Not percussive and doesn't touch the rolling element faces...
What are you using as assembly lube?
The very same oil that we use in diffs - Motul Gear Competition 75w140