Oh Snap...My Rear Axle just Popped

MF80 · 07-18-2010, 11:49 PM

The ABS, brake, and check engine light came on last week just like a Christmas Tree lighting. I thought it was a brake sensor gone bad but today I found out that my one of the rear axle popped out from the differential housing.

So, what might be the cause? Has anyone have the same problem as this?

I'm taking the car to the dealer tomorrow and hoping there is nothing serious. Would warranty work since I have Bilstein coilover installed on my car?

Thanks for your feedbacks,
J-

AltecBX · 07-18-2010, 11:55 PM

Did you launch your car?
Put it back to stock before taking it to dealer.

howiedds · 07-18-2010, 11:55 PM

I would change as much back to stock....dont want to give them any reason to void your warranty....

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 07-19-2010, 12:00 AM

Wow yea ummm, curious what happened before the light turned on?

Noises? shudder? Launching? racing?

MF80 · 07-19-2010, 12:10 AM

No, I didn't do any launching. One thing I could think of before the light turn on was that I was trying to go over the uneven surface, my rear wheel spinned and then all the lights came on... I still didn't understand how this thing popped.

I guess this is the first time you guys see this then??? Yey...I'm the first...lol

dmurray14 · 07-19-2010, 08:41 AM

Unless your dealer is super cool, I'm guessing they will go right to the coilovers as "the source of the problem"

Mr. 5 · 07-19-2010, 08:50 AM

Strange!
honestly, I would just try to snap it pack in.
There are clips that are supposed to hold them in.
Check out the picture attached. There are C clips that snap into place when they are locked in.

BMWeber · 07-19-2010, 08:50 AM

I'm not positive with the newer BMWs but you should be able to pop it back in. only problem I see is clearance for a rubber mallet or a pry bar.

vasillalov · 07-19-2010, 09:54 AM

Something similar happened when I was replacing the front suspension on a Mazda 3 for a buddy of mine. I somehow managed to pop the driver-side axle out of the transmission/diff. It took me a while to figure it out because of the rubber boot. Long story short, I simply managed to pop it back in with a little bit of adjustments and finesse. No need for a rubber mallet or any of that jazz.

roadkillrob · 07-19-2010, 10:42 AM

Should just pop back in, but I would take the coilovers off before going to the dealer as they will most likely try to blame it on changes to the suspension causing the issue, especially if the coilovers are allowing the suspension to travel lower which clould cause the axle to be pulled outward at extreme compression of the suspension!

MF80 · 07-19-2010, 10:56 AM

Thanks for your inputs guys.

I tried to pull it back in but the best I could do was half an inch and there was still about another half inch more to go...nice.

Mr.5, thanks for the pix but I could not tell if there is a C-clip/lock in place. If it's not there where is it then? New differential??? lol

MF80 · 07-19-2010, 12:46 PM

Question guys, is there supposed to have fluid in there? If it popped out like that means all the fluid is gone?

Thanks,
J-

CBR335 · 07-19-2010, 12:55 PM

From Mr. 5's picture of the diff pumpkin, I'd say that the seals are independent of the splined shaft. The seals would be around the bearing races I'd say.

IMO, go back to stock and have it towed to the dealer. If you try to fix it yourself and something blows up, your warranty will definitely be voided for that part. If the splines slipped past one another with the shaft partway out, you could have some dammage, so be careful.

Take it to an indy shop if you think it can be popped back in. If so, that should be a very cheap repair. Make sure they work on BMWs though...

MF80 · 07-19-2010, 02:10 PM

On of my friend told me that since my car is so slammed on the ground...it's possibility that the axle is under stress and gets pulled away from the differential housing.

I think first thing I'm going to do is tapping that axle back on little by little.

I'll keep you guys updated.

joec500 · 07-19-2010, 03:11 PM

Even if you can pop the shaft back in, if that clip is broken it will probably pop out again. If it were me I would either go back to stock and have it towed or bring it to an indy shop to pull the diff off and do a proper repair. OR maybe it's time to upgrade to an LSD

dlbrooks18 · 07-19-2010, 03:32 PM

not as bad as I thought, I thought you broke your axel.. keep us posted, put the car back to stock

Tiago@VRSF · 07-19-2010, 04:18 PM

C clip is probably fine and yes if you're too low this can happen pretty easily.

I'd attempt to pop it back in myself but if you're going to bring it to the dealer with any suspension modifications installed they will void your warranty simply because lowering your car is directly related to changing suspension dynamics.

When you lower your car your axles are being stretched. You probably hit a large bump or went over an uneven surface that put too much load on your left wheel.

joec500 · 07-19-2010, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvieira24

C clip is probably fine and yes if you're too low this can happen pretty easily.

I'd attempt to pop it back in myself but if you're going to bring it to the dealer with any suspension modifications installed they will void your warranty simply because lowering your car is directly related to changing suspension dynamics.

When you lower your car your axles are being stretched. You probably hit a large bump or went over an uneven surface that put too much load on your left wheel.

Good call, OP do you have pics of your car, I would be curious to see how slammed you are.

shifterboy45 · 07-19-2010, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvieira24

C clip is probably fine and yes if you're too low this can happen pretty easily.

I'd attempt to pop it back in myself but if you're going to bring it to the dealer with any suspension modifications installed they will void your warranty simply because lowering your car is directly related to changing suspension dynamics.

When you lower your car your axles are being stretched. You probably hit a large bump or went over an uneven surface that put too much load on your left wheel.

+1
when you change the suspension geometery it can happen...

but without knowning how far you've changed things... its only a guess ...

Bakeme521 · 07-19-2010, 07:50 PM

I would try what Mr. 5 said but If you're gunna bring it in def. def. def. put back to stock, don't give them any pull..

07-18-2010, 11:49 PM	#1
MF80 Captain 45 Rep 809 Posts Drives: AW 2008 E92 335i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Area51 iTrader: (10)	Oh Snap...My Rear Axle just Popped The ABS, brake, and check engine light came on last week just like a Christmas Tree lighting. I thought it was a brake sensor gone bad but today I found out that my one of the rear axle popped out from the differential housing. So, what might be the cause? Has anyone have the same problem as this? I'm taking the car to the dealer tomorrow and hoping there is nothing serious. Would warranty work since I have Bilstein coilover installed on my car? Thanks for your feedbacks, J-
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07-18-2010, 11:55 PM	#2
AltecBX Colonel 324 Rep 2,663 Posts Drives: BMW 335xi Sedan; BMW M3 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00] 2007 BMW 335Xi [0.00]	Did you launch your car? Put it back to stock before taking it to dealer. __________________ 335xi Sedan 6AT \| Weather(70-85°F) \| N54 Tune Comparison Chart \|\| N54 Turbo Upgrade Comparison Chart -PROcede Rev. 2.5 ~ v5 (3/17 maps) / JB4 (8/21 maps) / COBB (Stg2+FMIC LT Aggressive maps) †Procede Map2(UT 45 - IGN 40) Aggression Target 2.0 \| 0-60 in 4.0sec \|\| †Cobb E30 LT (35% Ethanol/65% 93 Octane) \| 0-60 in 3.9sec AR Design Catless DP \| BMS DCI + OCC \| ETS 5 FMIC \| Alpina B3 Trans Flash \|235/265 19" Michelin PSS
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07-18-2010, 11:55 PM	#3
howiedds D.D.S. 31 Rep 460 Posts Drives: 12 AW E70 X5d Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (5)	I would change as much back to stock....dont want to give them any reason to void your warranty....
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07-19-2010, 12:00 AM	#4
Jeff@TopGearSolutions 3441 Rep 79,212 Posts Drives: C6 Z06, 09 335i, 10 335xi Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: www.TopGearSolutions.com iTrader: (37)	Wow yea ummm, curious what happened before the light turned on? Noises? shudder? Launching? racing?
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07-19-2010, 12:10 AM	#5
MF80 Captain 45 Rep 809 Posts Drives: AW 2008 E92 335i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Area51 iTrader: (10)	No, I didn't do any launching. One thing I could think of before the light turn on was that I was trying to go over the uneven surface, my rear wheel spinned and then all the lights came on... I still didn't understand how this thing popped. I guess this is the first time you guys see this then??? Yey...I'm the first...lol
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07-19-2010, 08:41 AM	#6
dmurray14 The Stig 31 Rep 1,232 Posts Drives: Quickly Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: US iTrader: (1)	Unless your dealer is super cool, I'm guessing they will go right to the coilovers as "the source of the problem" __________________
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07-19-2010, 08:50 AM	#7
Mr. 5 Modder Raider 753 Rep 8,633 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Surf City, HB iTrader: (31) Garage List 2007 e90 335i [8.00]	Strange! honestly, I would just try to snap it pack in. There are clips that are supposed to hold them in. Check out the picture attached. There are C clips that snap into place when they are locked in. Attached Images __________________ e36 M3 Coupe, e36 325i Sedan e90 335i--SOLD Best 60-130-------------9.15 Seconds------------------WWW.MR5RACING.COM
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07-19-2010, 08:50 AM	#8
BMWeber Major 36 Rep 1,329 Posts Drives: 08 135i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Amesbury, MA iTrader: (5)	I'm not positive with the newer BMWs but you should be able to pop it back in. only problem I see is clearance for a rubber mallet or a pry bar.
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07-19-2010, 09:54 AM	#9
vasillalov Mad Linux Guru On The Loose 1121 Rep 5,396 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sedan, 2023 M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2023 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 335i E90 [8.00]	Something similar happened when I was replacing the front suspension on a Mazda 3 for a buddy of mine. I somehow managed to pop the driver-side axle out of the transmission/diff. It took me a while to figure it out because of the rubber boot. Long story short, I simply managed to pop it back in with a little bit of adjustments and finesse. No need for a rubber mallet or any of that jazz. __________________ 6MT \| COBB \| AR \| AE \| Forge DV \| HPF \| P3 Gauge \| Hybrid Intake \| O.S.Giken TCD \| All M3 bits \| TCKLine \| StopTech \| UUC \| ER \| SPEC
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07-19-2010, 10:42 AM	#10
roadkillrob Major General 860 Rep 5,447 Posts Drives: 08 335i,22 X3M, 2012 C63 Black Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (15)	Should just pop back in, but I would take the coilovers off before going to the dealer as they will most likely try to blame it on changes to the suspension causing the issue, especially if the coilovers are allowing the suspension to travel lower which clould cause the axle to be pulled outward at extreme compression of the suspension! __________________ 2022 X3M Brooklyn Grey 2008 E93 335i FBO 2012 Mercedes C63 Black Series Alanite Grey
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07-19-2010, 10:56 AM	#11
MF80 Captain 45 Rep 809 Posts Drives: AW 2008 E92 335i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Area51 iTrader: (10)	Thanks for your inputs guys. I tried to pull it back in but the best I could do was half an inch and there was still about another half inch more to go...nice. Mr.5, thanks for the pix but I could not tell if there is a C-clip/lock in place. If it's not there where is it then? New differential??? lol
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07-19-2010, 12:46 PM	#12
MF80 Captain 45 Rep 809 Posts Drives: AW 2008 E92 335i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Area51 iTrader: (10)	Question guys, is there supposed to have fluid in there? If it popped out like that means all the fluid is gone? Thanks, J-
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07-19-2010, 12:55 PM	#13
CBR335 Private First Class 12 Rep 178 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 335 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	From Mr. 5's picture of the diff pumpkin, I'd say that the seals are independent of the splined shaft. The seals would be around the bearing races I'd say. IMO, go back to stock and have it towed to the dealer. If you try to fix it yourself and something blows up, your warranty will definitely be voided for that part. If the splines slipped past one another with the shaft partway out, you could have some dammage, so be careful. Take it to an indy shop if you think it can be popped back in. If so, that should be a very cheap repair. Make sure they work on BMWs though... __________________ JB4 FTW
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07-19-2010, 02:10 PM	#14
MF80 Captain 45 Rep 809 Posts Drives: AW 2008 E92 335i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Area51 iTrader: (10)	On of my friend told me that since my car is so slammed on the ground...it's possibility that the axle is under stress and gets pulled away from the differential housing. I think first thing I'm going to do is tapping that axle back on little by little. I'll keep you guys updated.
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07-19-2010, 03:11 PM	#15
joec500 Brigadier General 125 Rep 3,004 Posts Drives: it has 4 wheels Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (10)	Even if you can pop the shaft back in, if that clip is broken it will probably pop out again. If it were me I would either go back to stock and have it towed or bring it to an indy shop to pull the diff off and do a proper repair. OR maybe it's time to upgrade to an LSD
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07-19-2010, 03:32 PM	#16
dlbrooks18 Brigadier General 161 Rep 3,736 Posts Drives: e90 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2)	not as bad as I thought, I thought you broke your axel.. keep us posted, put the car back to stock __________________ 2008 E90 335
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07-19-2010, 04:18 PM	#17
Tiago@VRSF 2095 Rep 43,350 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Doral, FL iTrader: (99) Garage List 2014 F30 328xi [0.00] 2015 F82 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 Ducati 1199 Pa ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	C clip is probably fine and yes if you're too low this can happen pretty easily. I'd attempt to pop it back in myself but if you're going to bring it to the dealer with any suspension modifications installed they will void your warranty simply because lowering your car is directly related to changing suspension dynamics. When you lower your car your axles are being stretched. You probably hit a large bump or went over an uneven surface that put too much load on your left wheel.
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07-19-2010, 07:50 PM	#20
Bakeme521 Some say... 239 Rep 4,296 Posts Drives: Fresh Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Baton Rouge n NOLA iTrader: (12) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [8.24]	I would try what Mr. 5 said but If you're gunna bring it in def. def. def. put back to stock, don't give them any pull.. __________________ I have exhaust and an intake...
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