Rear Half Shafts. How to remove

[Ratcatcher]

You don't have to take the entire shaft out of the car to get the bolt out. Remove the 6 bolts at the diff and the shaft will move enough to disengaged it from the diff (just let it hang) and then you can remove the bolt.

Yup, but that would only work for one side. As the diff is offset, the head of the other bolt hits the casing.

[enuff_zed]

Really stoopid question time...................the caveat being, I have never done this job and cannot tell from your photo..............

Is it possible to cut the bolt out and install the new one from the other end?

Unfortunately not. Theres even less space!

OK, thanks. You've added to my knowledge at least

[Liam22]

You don't have to take the entire shaft out of the car to get the bolt out. Remove the 6 bolts at the diff and the shaft will move enough to disengaged it from the diff (just let it hang) and then you can remove the bolt.

This

[1536Z4]

Im wondering if being an E86, theres a bit more to play with on yours?

I would have thought they were the same but don`t know for sure . My understanding is that even though on the BMW OEM site it says the bolts are 80mm the same as the the original ones the new bolts are actually less than 80mm so that they can be fitted without moving the diff but still do the job . If you click on the link I posted you will see the diy on how to do the job and that it says this :

According to the OP, if you order an upper replacement bolt, you will get a shorter one even though the PN called out on Realoem is 80MM in length. Hex Bolt Part Number is 331 710 908 24 if you plan to bend or cut the existing bolt. Not necessary if you have a crowbar and a helper.

When the new bolts arrive I will be able to tell you if that is correct but until then the only way is to loosen the diff bolts and move the diff slightly as stated in the link and by BumpyZ4 .

[Ratcatcher]

I would have thought they were the same but don`t know for sure . My understanding is that even though on the BMW OEM site it says the bolts are 80mm the same as the the original ones the new bolts are actually less than 80mm so that they can be fitted without moving the diff but still do the job . If you click on the link I posted you will see the diy on how to do the job

Ahh apologies, i should have read the link first. Ok, i think i have a better picture now. Providing the new bolts are slightly shorter then its a case of cut/bend the easy one, shift the rear diff over to one side/back a bit, then cut/bend the other bolt. Reverse the procedure for reassembly but with shorter bolts and Bobs yer auntie.

Easy!

[Ratcatcher]

You don't have to take the entire shaft out of the car to get the bolt out. Remove the 6 bolts at the diff and the shaft will move enough to disengaged it from the diff (just let it hang) and then you can remove the bolt.

This

This should clarify things a bit. I was barking up the wrong tree regarding the half shafts and its pointless disconnecting one if you have to move the diff anyway. I already warned the missus that shes on crowbar duty in the morning...

PXL_20210507_184602561.jpg (182.6 KiB) Viewed 266 times

[Ratcatcher]

Success! didnt take too long in the end and apart from a bit of spanner rash all came out quite easily. Thanks to 1536Z4 and G600 for the guidance

PXL_20210508_161930489.jpg (157.38 KiB) Viewed 248 times

[1536Z4]

Success! didnt take too long in the end and apart from a bit of spanner rash all came out quite easily

Glad you got it done and hopefully with no arguments . The bolts arrived today and they are 5mm shorter which was ok the drivers side but not the other so pry bar to the diff again . Got the captive nut done on the drivers side but the passenger side is a right pain Have left that for tomorrow for sanity sake .