Anyone DIY replace the front differential?

sluggo1246 · 11-09-2012, 03:38 PM

My was grinding and fluid leaked all over the place. The pictures are what I saw when I went under to take a look. Anyone have a DIY for this? I'm good mechanically but I have not bought a manual for this car since I just got it a few months ago.

Any help would be greatly appreciated and I'll make a nice DIY if anyone needs it...lots of pictures.

sluggo1246 · 11-09-2012, 05:18 PM

When i checked the index there are two pages devoted to the front differential replacement so we will see how good that is. I suspect that the first few steps will refer to several other sections that go over wheel and axle removal but at least I'll have good information.

I still want any tips from those who know something useful about this. My CV boots look fine so other than those, I can't think of anything I should replace 'while I'm in there' but what do you think?

cristobal · 11-16-2012, 03:35 PM

Hi, I have a leak on the front diff. were you able to replace your differential?

sluggo1246 · 11-17-2012, 02:58 PM

But I have not begun the swap yet. Later today I think. If it is leaking, I don't think there is much you can do other than take the diff off like I will and replace the seals. Since there is only about .6L of fluid in there, if it's leaking you don't have much time. The used diff was $700 (with only 21k miles) but you can imagine what the parts alone are new.

I can let you know how involved the process is...but since you have to take off both front tires, calipers, CV and such, it will be a significant amount of labor. Doing it myself make it all worthwhile though

11-09-2012, 03:38 PM	#1
sluggo1246 First Lieutenant 28 Rep 376 Posts Drives: 2016 340xi msport 6MT MPPSK Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Danbury CT iTrader: (14)	Anyone DIY replace the front differential? My was grinding and fluid leaked all over the place. The pictures are what I saw when I went under to take a look. Anyone have a DIY for this? I'm good mechanically but I have not bought a manual for this car since I just got it a few months ago. Any help would be greatly appreciated and I'll make a nice DIY if anyone needs it...lots of pictures. Attached Images
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11-09-2012, 05:18 PM	#2
sluggo1246 First Lieutenant 28 Rep 376 Posts Drives: 2016 340xi msport 6MT MPPSK Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Danbury CT iTrader: (14)	I just ordered Bentley from Amazon... When i checked the index there are two pages devoted to the front differential replacement so we will see how good that is. I suspect that the first few steps will refer to several other sections that go over wheel and axle removal but at least I'll have good information. I still want any tips from those who know something useful about this. My CV boots look fine so other than those, I can't think of anything I should replace 'while I'm in there' but what do you think?
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11-16-2012, 03:35 PM	#3
cristobal Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 328xi Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	front differential Hi, I have a leak on the front diff. were you able to replace your differential?
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11-17-2012, 02:58 PM	#4
sluggo1246 First Lieutenant 28 Rep 376 Posts Drives: 2016 340xi msport 6MT MPPSK Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Danbury CT iTrader: (14)	I just picked up a used differential But I have not begun the swap yet. Later today I think. If it is leaking, I don't think there is much you can do other than take the diff off like I will and replace the seals. Since there is only about .6L of fluid in there, if it's leaking you don't have much time. The used diff was $700 (with only 21k miles) but you can imagine what the parts alone are new. I can let you know how involved the process is...but since you have to take off both front tires, calipers, CV and such, it will be a significant amount of labor. Doing it myself make it all worthwhile though
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