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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Powertrain and Drivetrain Discussions > N54 Turbo Engine / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications - 335i > Xmas presents for me! Wavetrac and M3-spec LCAs



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      12-01-2012, 10:09 AM   #1
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Xmas presents for me! Wavetrac and M3-spec LCAs

I've got a Wavetrac coming in from HP Autowerkes since I've got serious traction probs even with the PSSs and M3-spec LCAs from ECS Tuning. Should be here Tuesday and since CFB season is over for a while, I'll be doing an install thread here!

I'll try to get as many pictures up as possible and detail how I did it. I'll be doing the entire installation by myself (except the alignment) in my garage using basic hand-tools and some specific tools (like the driveshaft wrench) when needed.

Merry xmas to me!

EDIT: pics of parts attached
Wavetrac diff was boxed quite nicely
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      12-01-2012, 10:29 AM   #2
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I'd be interested to see if you really can rebuild your diff with basic hand tools. mad props to you.
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      12-01-2012, 10:45 AM   #3
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Good luck! I plan to do the same pretty soon. I'm sure you know how to check the backlash, correct? Do you have a press in your garage to swap the bearings?
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      12-01-2012, 03:56 PM   #4
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Quote:
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Good luck! I plan to do the same pretty soon. I'm sure you know how to check the backlash, correct? Do you have a press in your garage to swap the bearings?
Yeah, I've got a dial indicator and magnetic mount on order for checking backlash. I don't have a press, but the bearings themselves (if I'm talking about the part correctly) are held in by c-clips. The axles/splines can be removed via slidehammer. If I need a press for the bearings on the diff, I've got access to one, but I think I can work up something.
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      12-01-2012, 04:55 PM   #5
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I'm pretty sure the bearings have to be pressed off. Are you also aware that most BMW dealerships do not stock the shims, if you need any? Could delay the install a few days as well. Those are the only concers I have on doing mine when the time comes. I know several have not needed shims. You just never know until you get into it.
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      12-01-2012, 05:07 PM   #6
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From what I read, it shouldn't need any shims unless its already out of spec (and most aren't); but wavetrac provides them with the diff. Is this incorrect?
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      12-01-2012, 08:47 PM   #7
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Quote:
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From what I read, it shouldn't need any shims unless its already out of spec (and most aren't); but wavetrac provides them with the diff. Is this incorrect?
No Wavetrac does not provide shims. When I had my wavetrac installed the shop called and said I needed shims. The folks at Wavetrac were great, they spoke with my tech and sent over the needed shim kit, but it delayed my car for 1-2 days as they needed to be shipped up to FFTEC from Southern California.
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      12-02-2012, 03:43 PM   #8
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I think it really dependson the miles and use. I've seen many that didn't need shims but some do. Just wanted to be sure you were prepared in case you do need them. As I'm sure the wait would be a couple days.
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      12-03-2012, 07:18 AM   #9
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Quote:
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I think it really dependson the miles and use. I've seen many that didn't need shims but some do. Just wanted to be sure you were prepared in case you do need them. As I'm sure the wait would be a couple days.
You're right, thanks for the heads up. I'm asking around about the backlash shims now. And to be clear, there are also shims that come with the kit for the welded ring gear (I've got a 10/06 car so I am bolted)
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      12-04-2012, 07:39 PM   #10
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Ok so backlash shims on this car from my reading are the c-clips cut to a different thickness (and they are a different thickness on each side of the diff, done so that the ring -gear is shifted closer or further away from the pinion gear).

And the bearings are held in place by the same c-clips. Removing the axle shafts is generally pretty easy, requires a slide hammer. The difficult part is the bearing races. They can be pulled with a bearing puller jaw, but they are pressed very close to the diff and require a bit of massaging to get them spaced out enough so a jaw can grip them. I have access to a press if I need it.

Install should begin Saturday assuming my dial indicator and magnetic stand comes in on time; its still not here, but everything else is.

I bought my diff from Harold at HP Autowerks and my M3-spec LCAs from ECS!
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      12-07-2012, 07:17 AM   #11
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Congrad!! Gonna share your installation progress?
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      12-07-2012, 11:28 AM   #12
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Yup, sure will. My dial indicator used for calculating backlash has not arrived in the mail yet. That's the critical item at this point, otherwise I'll be waiting until next weekend to do the diff and will do the LCAs this weekend instead.

Anyone know off-hand the general amount that BMW dealers charge for alignments? The local tire place is having serious issues aligning our 370z after we got new tires. It's really pissing me off and I'm very much against taking the BMW there.
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      12-08-2012, 09:54 PM   #13
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Diff is sitting in my work area with the cover off. Great success today.
Was able to drop the diff using easily obtainable tools and without removing the exhaust.
I've got quite a few pics, I'll post them up when I'm done. I'm thinking of starting a new thread as a howto.

Here's two pics


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      12-09-2012, 04:02 AM   #14
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Awesome thread I also have the wavetrac bolted diff ready to install, for some reason I thought I recalled reading on a diff thread somewhere you couldnt shim these diffs :
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      12-09-2012, 08:20 AM   #15
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Awesome thread I also have the wavetrac bolted diff ready to install, for some reason I thought I recalled reading on a diff thread somewhere you couldnt shim these diffs :
Not in the traditional sense. The c-rings that hold the bearings in ARE the shims. They're precision cut and each side is of a different thickness in order to shift the diff into the correct position.

MOST of the time, from what I've read, the bolted diffs need no adjustment. I'll find out soon if they do
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      12-09-2012, 09:06 AM   #16
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Make sure you get the pattern and backlash perfect, not just good enough. It's not a job you'll want to do again later having to replace more broken/worn parts. Especially bearings and gears, because then you'll need shims for sure. Also be sure to check your pattern and backlash every 90 degrees. This is to make sure it's consistent and there's no debris between the carrier and the ring gear, or that the gear isn't warped.
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      12-09-2012, 01:00 PM   #17
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The c-rings are proving to be a tough customer. I've got a nice set of 45deg needle-nose pliers and I cannot get them out, they keep snapping back in. I've tried getting screwdrivers under them to hold it, but it doesn't help much.
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      12-09-2012, 02:42 PM   #18
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welp, busted a knuckle pretty bad, might have to drop this off at a trans shop; i dunno how others got these off, but i certainly can't find any retainer pliers heavy duty enough for these
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      12-09-2012, 03:05 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sered View Post
Not in the traditional sense. The c-rings that hold the bearings in ARE the shims. They're precision cut and each side is of a different thickness in order to shift the diff into the correct position.

MOST of the time, from what I've read, the bolted diffs need no adjustment. I'll find out soon if they do
Hmm how much are the shims to purchase? Sounds like a wise choice to buy these prior to dropping the diff out of the car and then waiting weeks for them to arrive (well for me anyway residing downunder in Australia)
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      12-09-2012, 03:21 PM   #20
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how long did it take for you to get your DIff from wavetrac? they're taking forever with my order.
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      12-09-2012, 03:52 PM   #21
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how long did it take for you to get your DIff from wavetrac? they're taking forever with my order.
I ordered from Harold @ HP Autowerks, it took about a week.
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      12-09-2012, 05:36 PM   #22
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I know the shims were less than $100, I need to look at my invoice. I want to say they are closer to $50.
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