Front Diff Removal

mikes123 · #1 12-05-2014, 12:09 PM

I am in the process of trying to change out the driver's engine bracket (item #1 below) that the motor mount is attached to. I already have the axles out and the front drive-shaft disconnected at the diff. But to access the screws for the bracket, I believe I'm going to need remove the front diff. I see the three bolts of where it is mounted, is that just it? Do I remove these bolts and it just comes out or do I need to do something else?

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David.X5 · #2 12-05-2014, 01:03 PM

I think it is four bolts total holding the diff to the oil pan, plus 6 bolts through the drive guibo.

There is an o-ring seal between the diff and the oil pan you should be prepared to replace when you re-attach it (read the Bentley manual - there is a weird seal protector you have to position just so so it slides out of the way during assembly). If you need to get it out of the vehicle, I think you have to drop the subframe also which is more involved.

David.X5 · #3 12-05-2014, 01:04 PM

Curious about this - why do you need to change that bracket? The motor mount can be replaced without changing the brackets.

mikes123 · #4 12-05-2014, 01:47 PM

The bracket is broken where the motor mount attaches. So basically the engine is just resting on the mount, but not attached. I already have the guibo bolts out. and the drive shaft backed out far enough so I was able to remove it. You are right, it does look like 4 bolts now when I look at the diagram from realOEM.

I would like to do this without removing the diff, but I am having trouble accessing the bottom bolt (you can see the bolt listed as #4 in diagram of OP), and even if I could get it, I don't know if there is enough room to get the bracket out. Do I have to completely drop the subframe or just lower it some? I am going to have to lower it some anyways to get the driver's motor mount out I think.

David.X5 · #5 12-05-2014, 02:54 PM

I was able to squeeze the diff in and out (completely off the vehicle, not just out of the way, which may not be neccesary for you - it will drop down and wiggle around once the mounting bolts are removed and you pop it off the side of the oil pan) by loosening the subframe but not removing it.

Remember that in addition to the motor mounts, the steering rack is attached to the subframe so you should remove those attachment bolts or be very carefully not to stress the steering hoses and steering coupler (both $$$ and PITA).

mikes123 · #6 12-05-2014, 04:53 PM

Thanks for the heads up. I was not sure of that and I am glad you let me know. I might just be able to lower the subframe a little, would the steering rack need to be removed then? And if I do take it out, is it mounted where I circled below (just two bolts or is it more than that)?

193 by MikeandGabby, on Flickr

David.X5 · #7 12-05-2014, 05:26 PM

The rack sits on the subframe. If you remove those two bolts, you should be able to drop the subframe more without stressing the steering linkage or the power steering hoses. I recall it as just those two bolts. I think they have the unusual etorx (external torx) heads. An excuse to buy some new sockets! ha

There is no reason to remove the whole rack from the car for this.

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