Differential failure

2011 BMW 328XI
116,900 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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HARLEE ELIZABETH CLARK
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  • 1 POST
Rear driver side differential bearing/seal failed. Basically, the CV axle separated from the rear end. As I continued driving, slowly, to a safe place to pull over, the brake lines wrapped around the axle. Some being broken loose completely. Including the park brake line.
The line with brake fluid still present, was capped off.
There is no brake for any of the other tires.
The car will not go into park as a result of this.
The rear differential is stock, (non-limited slip) so the tires do spin individually.
Where would I begin starting this repair?
Jun 27, 2022 at 4:08 PM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,832 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
It would be good if you could take pictures of the damage and upload it here so I can see what's going on. So does the differential need replacement or just the CV axle and brake line? Here is how to change out the CV axle in the diagrams below. Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Jun 28, 2022 at 10:25 AM
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