Broken Drive Shaft - How do I remove it? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

Rotary Rasp · 02-03-2013, 03:27 AM

I busted my drive shaft tonight while rolling on the gas in 2nd gear around 30mph.

How do I remove the drive shaft from the diff? I'm hoping my diff isn't messed up, but I can't tell until I get the drive shaft off.

Thanks in advance

boostaholic786 · 02-03-2013, 03:53 AM

what mods do you have? Just curious what your power levels are for you to break your driveshaft from a 2nd gear roll from 30mph? I have a couple buddies as well as myself that are FBO+RB's and running a decently high E85 mixture. Me and my buddy running the JB4 G5 ISO and COBB flash have LSD but our other buddy has everything we do except the LSD and he gets on his car from a 2nd gear roll probably once every 20 minutes lol. I guess he likes buying tires. I occasionally and I mean occasionally get on it in 2nd but most my WOT runs are done in 3rd 4th and 5th. In third I feel pretty comfortable especially if I roll into the throttle. Are you on upgraded turbos E85 and meth? Just curious at what your power levels are to see if I need to prepare myself for the future.....

Rotary Rasp · 02-03-2013, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boostaholic786

what mods do you have? Just curious what your power levels are for you to break your driveshaft from a 2nd gear roll from 30mph? I have a couple buddies as well as myself that are FBO+RB's and running a decently high E85 mixture. Me and my buddy running the JB4 G5 ISO and COBB flash have LSD but our other buddy has everything we do except the LSD and he gets on his car from a 2nd gear roll probably once every 20 minutes lol. I guess he likes buying tires. I occasionally and I mean occasionally get on it in 2nd but most my WOT runs are done in 3rd 4th and 5th. In third I feel pretty comfortable especially if I roll into the throttle. Are you on upgraded turbos E85 and meth? Just curious at what your power levels are to see if I need to prepare myself for the future.....

I have catless DPs, intercooler, intake, and JB4 running a 60/40 blend of E85.

I dynoed 445whp on a dynapack several months ago.

JamesM3M5 · 02-03-2013, 10:54 AM

You need the special tool to clamp around and turn the six sided nut. But if the rear joint is broken, there isn't much to hold on to to get the back half of the shaft off the diff input.

Try pulling what remains of the driveshaft off the diff and see what is still attached.

Rotary Rasp · 02-03-2013, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesM3M5

You need the special tool to clamp around and turn the six sided nut. But if the rear joint is broken, there isn't much to hold on to to get the back half of the shaft off the diff input.

Try pulling what remains of the driveshaft off the diff and see what is still attached.

Do I just turn that nut counter-clockwise to loosen it? What is it torqued to? Could I use channel locks to get it off?

BuraQ · 02-03-2013, 01:37 PM

Sorry to see this happen to you. I broke mine last year in the same exact place due to wheel hop

Both driveshaft and diff needed to be replaced

ihsanshaik · 02-03-2013, 01:53 PM

Wow thats some mean power. Good luck with your situation. Do Xi's have this issue as well just curious due to the transfer case.

jb's335 · 02-03-2013, 01:56 PM

I did this the other day as well. Sheared off the part that goes into the diff, looks like the exact same place as you. $1000 later...

I think the shop that did mine ended up pulling the diff down. You will need the diff tool from BMW or AR.

Rotary Rasp · 02-03-2013, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuraQ

Sorry to see this happen to you. I broke mine last year in the same exact place due to wheel hop

Both driveshaft and diff needed to be replaced

Why did the diff need to be replaced?

BuraQ · 02-03-2013, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rotary Rasp

Why did the diff need to be replaced?

It was never explained other than it was also damaged

Dave W. · 02-03-2013, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rotary Rasp

Do I just turn that nut counter-clockwise to loosen it? What is it torqued to? Could I use channel locks to get it off?

Yes, counterclockwise when standing at the rear of the car facing forward. The nut is screwed onto the driveshaft. If you're facing toward the rear of the car it's clockwise to loosen. Torque is approx 65 and it's a locking nut so it feels tighter. I'd use the right tool, pliers will chew up the nut. Just set the parking brake first so the diff doesn't rotate.

Dave W. · 02-03-2013, 02:42 PM

Oh yeah, you guys might want to look into solid diff bushings/ diff lock down kits too.

boostaholic786 · 02-03-2013, 03:38 PM

Yea after I saw that recent thread on the diff bushings and how it eliminates any sort of swaying under WOT I'm ordering most probably tomorrow. I bet it will make the car feel solid with my LSD.

Jacan335 · 02-03-2013, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuraQ

Sorry to see this happen to you. I broke mine last year in the same exact place due to wheel hop

Both driveshaft and diff needed to be replaced

Did you get them replaced under warranty?

BuraQ · 02-03-2013, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacan335

Did you get them replaced under warranty?

Yes, the dealer I go to was able to get it covered under warranty. However, general rule of thumb, what may work for me, turning the blind eye, may not work for another.

Rotary Rasp · 02-03-2013, 09:40 PM

That nut is one so tight, it won't even budge. Are you positive it unscrews from the drive shaft?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave W.

Yes, counterclockwise when standing at the rear of the car facing forward. The nut is screwed onto the driveshaft. If you're facing toward the rear of the car it's clockwise to loosen. Torque is approx 65 and it's a locking nut so it feels tighter. I'd use the right tool, pliers will chew up the nut. Just set the parking brake first so the diff doesn't rotate.

robc1976 · 02-03-2013, 10:15 PM

Turn "Clockwise" to release. you will need this tool:

robc1976 · 02-03-2013, 10:17 PM

for got to attach pic LOL!

robc1976 · 02-03-2013, 10:19 PM

I am having this all installed monday to avoid just this, may even get DSS axles..

robc1976 · 02-03-2013, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robc1976

Turn "Clockwise" to release. you will need this tool:

Here ya go.....confirmation if you need it

robc1976 · 02-03-2013, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boostaholic786

what mods do you have? Just curious what your power levels are for you to break your driveshaft from a 2nd gear roll from 30mph? I have a couple buddies as well as myself that are FBO+RB's and running a decently high E85 mixture. Me and my buddy running the JB4 G5 ISO and COBB flash have LSD but our other buddy has everything we do except the LSD and he gets on his car from a 2nd gear roll probably once every 20 minutes lol. I guess he likes buying tires. I occasionally and I mean occasionally get on it in 2nd but most my WOT runs are done in 3rd 4th and 5th. In third I feel pretty comfortable especially if I roll into the throttle. Are you on upgraded turbos E85 and meth? Just curious at what your power levels are to see if I need to prepare myself for the future.....

That crazy, I was thinking the same....I never launch in 2nd though because it is just a waste with our power lol!! Spin city!!!

Rotary Rasp · 02-03-2013, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robc1976

Here ya go.....confirmation if you need it

What locking clip are they talking about?

02-03-2013, 03:27 AM	#1
Rotary Rasp Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2009 E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SoCal - Torrance Posts: 1,501 iTrader: (6)	Broken Drive Shaft - How do I remove it? I busted my drive shaft tonight while rolling on the gas in 2nd gear around 30mph. How do I remove the drive shaft from the diff? I'm hoping my diff isn't messed up, but I can't tell until I get the drive shaft off. Thanks in advance Attached Images __________________
	Tweet

02-03-2013, 03:53 AM	#2
boostaholic786 Lieutenant Drives: E92 JB4 G5 ISO RB's FBO+40%E85 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: irving tx Posts: 454 iTrader: (0)	what mods do you have? Just curious what your power levels are for you to break your driveshaft from a 2nd gear roll from 30mph? I have a couple buddies as well as myself that are FBO+RB's and running a decently high E85 mixture. Me and my buddy running the JB4 G5 ISO and COBB flash have LSD but our other buddy has everything we do except the LSD and he gets on his car from a 2nd gear roll probably once every 20 minutes lol. I guess he likes buying tires. I occasionally and I mean occasionally get on it in 2nd but most my WOT runs are done in 3rd 4th and 5th. In third I feel pretty comfortable especially if I roll into the throttle. Are you on upgraded turbos E85 and meth? Just curious at what your power levels are to see if I need to prepare myself for the future..... __________________ A/W E92 335i M-sport with JB4 G5 ISO/BMS Flash, Alpina TCU flash for AT/Switch-tronic +AR Downpipes, Stett gen 1 intake, Wagner-Tuning FMIC+RB Turbo setup+ Akro exhaust+60% E85/93 mix,+ HRE P40S wheels, KW coilovers, M3 sways,+BMW performance CF Mirrors, BMW Performance CF deck lid spoiler,+ CF interior trim, p3 vent boost gauge,+ LUX angel eyes (11.73@119mph on street tires) NO METH!

02-03-2013, 10:54 AM	#4
JamesM3M5 Some dude Drives: E28 M5, E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Northern VA Posts: 1,569 iTrader: (0)	You need the special tool to clamp around and turn the six sided nut. But if the rear joint is broken, there isn't much to hold on to to get the back half of the shaft off the diff input. Try pulling what remains of the driveshaft off the diff and see what is still attached. __________________ RRT Racing E92 335i/6MT Dinan Stage 3 intercooler, oil cooler, intake, flash. E28 M5, R171 SLK350

02-03-2013, 01:37 PM	#6
BuraQ Colonel Drives: 11" E92 335is Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 2,289 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335is [3.27]	Sorry to see this happen to you. I broke mine last year in the same exact place due to wheel hop Both driveshaft and diff needed to be replaced __________________ ET 11.78 @ 116 Mph, RENNtech tuning, aFe Stage 2 Elite intake (open cover), cP-e Downpipes w/ High Flow Catts, Dinan FMIC, Dinan Axle Back Exhaust, Full Weight, No meth, No DRs YouTube

02-03-2013, 03:38 PM	#13
boostaholic786 Lieutenant Drives: E92 JB4 G5 ISO RB's FBO+40%E85 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: irving tx Posts: 454 iTrader: (0)	Yea after I saw that recent thread on the diff bushings and how it eliminates any sort of swaying under WOT I'm ordering most probably tomorrow. I bet it will make the car feel solid with my LSD. __________________ A/W E92 335i M-sport with JB4 G5 ISO/BMS Flash, Alpina TCU flash for AT/Switch-tronic +AR Downpipes, Stett gen 1 intake, Wagner-Tuning FMIC+RB Turbo setup+ Akro exhaust+60% E85/93 mix,+ HRE P40S wheels, KW coilovers, M3 sways,+BMW performance CF Mirrors, BMW Performance CF deck lid spoiler,+ CF interior trim, p3 vent boost gauge,+ LUX angel eyes (11.73@119mph on street tires) NO METH!

02-03-2013, 01:53 PM	#7
ihsanshaik Banned Drives: E36 M3, E36 Vert , E90 N52 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Downers Grove, IL Posts: 3,578 iTrader: (5)	Wow thats some mean power. Good luck with your situation. Do Xi's have this issue as well just curious due to the transfer case.

02-03-2013, 01:56 PM	#8
jb's335 Captain Drives: AW e92 335 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 661 iTrader: (11)	I did this the other day as well. Sheared off the part that goes into the diff, looks like the exact same place as you. $1000 later... I think the shop that did mine ended up pulling the diff down. You will need the diff tool from BMW or AR.

02-03-2013, 02:42 PM	#12
Dave W. First Lieutenant Drives: Porsche 951, 1992 Eagle Talon Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 317 iTrader: (0)	Oh yeah, you guys might want to look into solid diff bushings/ diff lock down kits too.

02-03-2013, 10:15 PM	#17
robc1976 Colonel Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,345 iTrader: (8)	Turn "Clockwise" to release. you will need this tool: __________________ JB4 G5 ISO+BMS flash,Walbro 455 LPFP, DO meth kit 4-AN SS lines, BMS OCC, RB turbos W/3.5 N20 sensor, RB valve, BMS DCI, 3" AR kittyless Dps, Strett 2 oil OC W/ SS lines, ER FMIC, ER CP W/HKS BOV, M3 control arms, M3 Strut Brace, M3 front sway-bar, Meyle HD tie-rods, HPA rear toe arms, Wavetrac LSD, DEFIV differential kit, BC Coil-overs, Power-Flex subframe bushings, stoptech slotted rotors, Rogue Tranny Mounts, Concept 1 CS-5.0 rims,

02-03-2013, 10:17 PM	#18
robc1976 Colonel Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,345 iTrader: (8)	for got to attach pic LOL! Attached Images __________________ JB4 G5 ISO+BMS flash,Walbro 455 LPFP, DO meth kit 4-AN SS lines, BMS OCC, RB turbos W/3.5 N20 sensor, RB valve, BMS DCI, 3" AR kittyless Dps, Strett 2 oil OC W/ SS lines, ER FMIC, ER CP W/HKS BOV, M3 control arms, M3 Strut Brace, M3 front sway-bar, Meyle HD tie-rods, HPA rear toe arms, Wavetrac LSD, DEFIV differential kit, BC Coil-overs, Power-Flex subframe bushings, stoptech slotted rotors, Rogue Tranny Mounts, Concept 1 CS-5.0 rims,

02-03-2013, 10:19 PM	#19
robc1976 Colonel Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,345 iTrader: (8)	I am having this all installed monday to avoid just this, may even get DSS axles.. Attached Images __________________ JB4 G5 ISO+BMS flash,Walbro 455 LPFP, DO meth kit 4-AN SS lines, BMS OCC, RB turbos W/3.5 N20 sensor, RB valve, BMS DCI, 3" AR kittyless Dps, Strett 2 oil OC W/ SS lines, ER FMIC, ER CP W/HKS BOV, M3 control arms, M3 Strut Brace, M3 front sway-bar, Meyle HD tie-rods, HPA rear toe arms, Wavetrac LSD, DEFIV differential kit, BC Coil-overs, Power-Flex subframe bushings, stoptech slotted rotors, Rogue Tranny Mounts, Concept 1 CS-5.0 rims,

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search