1992 BMW 318i rear differential

1992 BMW 318I
100,000 MILES
Avatar
KALETA1111
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I just bought a 1992 bmw 318I. Was told it needed a rear diff. Which a friend got for me used. When I got under the car I saw that the front mounting bolt was missing. But there was a piece of the bolt still in the diff. So either way it had to come out to extract the bolt. So I pulled it out. When I compared the new to old diff I noticed that (on the new one) if I hold the mount still where the driveshaft connects to it, I can still spin the axles (both sides). Now I'm no expert and have never done this before, but that's not right.... right?
All moving parts on the diff should move in sync with eachother right?
The original diff doesn't do that.
Which one should I use. The original seems tight and spins all together.
Thanks guys hope to here from u soon
Jun 21, 2013 at 10:33 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
MHPAUTOS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 31,937 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
If it is a standard diff, if you turn the input drive you can hold one axle drive sill and the other will turn, if you turn and do not hold one will turn in one direction and the other oppisite, (differential spider gear action) this is normal, if LSD turn input and both axles turn togeather and if you hold one you cant stop it (untill clutches slip) but you will not do this holding by hand.
Jun 21, 2013 at 9:11 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.