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Differential clunk fix
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Differential clunk fix
Hi,
I'm trying to fix the infamous differential clunk on my 2003 E85, however I can't seem to find the right size socket to get the drive input flange off. I read on one of the guides on here that is is a 30mm, however it seems to big and doesn't fit in between the nut and flange, I have tried using 3/8 and 1/2 inch square drive as well as impact and non impact, (yes, for some reason I collect 30mm sockets) I have tried 29mm, that fit in between the nut and flange but not over the nut, perhaps I need to try imperial size?
Can anyone help with this?
Also does anyone know what torque it has to be tightened up to when I eventually get it off? I can't find it on TIS.
Cheers.
I'm trying to fix the infamous differential clunk on my 2003 E85, however I can't seem to find the right size socket to get the drive input flange off. I read on one of the guides on here that is is a 30mm, however it seems to big and doesn't fit in between the nut and flange, I have tried using 3/8 and 1/2 inch square drive as well as impact and non impact, (yes, for some reason I collect 30mm sockets) I have tried 29mm, that fit in between the nut and flange but not over the nut, perhaps I need to try imperial size?
Can anyone help with this?
Also does anyone know what torque it has to be tightened up to when I eventually get it off? I can't find it on TIS.
Cheers.
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- smorris_12
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Differential clunk fix
Assuming the size is 30mm it looks like it wants a really thin wall socket.
Alternatively, a good dodge I've used for big nuts before now is to use hammer and cold chisel on one of the flats and tap it round to undo it. Might be hard work with the outer flange there tho.
Alternatively, a good dodge I've used for big nuts before now is to use hammer and cold chisel on one of the flats and tap it round to undo it. Might be hard work with the outer flange there tho.
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Scott
Where are we going and why am I in this handbasket?
2006 Z4 2.5si Silbergrau und rot
Scott
Where are we going and why am I in this handbasket?
2006 Z4 2.5si Silbergrau und rot
- Rockhopper
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Differential clunk fix
Be careful not to damage it, the flange and nut are not available new as they need to stay with the dif they were originally fitted to.
- patriot66
- Lifer
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Differential clunk fix
Hi Liamd. So it looks in your photo like you've un-staked the security washer. I bought a 30mm socket as I didn't have one and ended up reducing the wall thickness with an angle grinder until it would just fit snugly.
You don't torque the flange nut. You need to mark the nut in line with the centre with either a scriber or white paint etc. Carefully loosen the nut and count how many full turns before it comes off the threads. It looks like maybe someone has scribed '2 X' on it in your photo. However, IIRC mine was 7 turns approx, so 2 turns doesn't seem very much. Just carefully count how many turns as you remove it and you'll be fine. Also make sure you 'stake' the new washer into the two indents
You don't torque the flange nut. You need to mark the nut in line with the centre with either a scriber or white paint etc. Carefully loosen the nut and count how many full turns before it comes off the threads. It looks like maybe someone has scribed '2 X' on it in your photo. However, IIRC mine was 7 turns approx, so 2 turns doesn't seem very much. Just carefully count how many turns as you remove it and you'll be fine. Also make sure you 'stake' the new washer into the two indents
Sterling Grey '03 2.5i SE / Infinitas Supercharger / S.M.G / Hardtop / Gloss Black 162s / Bilstein B4s / 3.0i Brakes / DLV De-Cat & Silencer / Rebuilt VANOS / Sonar 2Xcite Lights / Carbon & Alcantara Trim / M-Sport Seats / ...& Side Covers !
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Differential clunk fix
Thanks for the advice. I didn't know you can get thin walled sockets, I've had a look on eBay and bought one, if that doesn't fit then I'll get the grinder out.
Patriot66, you've highlighted a few steps I was aware of, so thanks for that insight. Socket arrives Saturday so I think I'll have a bash on Sunday.
Again, many thanks for the advice
Patriot66, you've highlighted a few steps I was aware of, so thanks for that insight. Socket arrives Saturday so I think I'll have a bash on Sunday.
Again, many thanks for the advice
- patriot66
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Differential clunk fix
Keep us postedLiamd wrote: ↑Thu Mar 16, 2023 8:26 pm Thanks for the advice. I didn't know you can get thin walled sockets, I've had a look on eBay and bought one, if that doesn't fit then I'll get the grinder out.
Patriot66, you've highlighted a few steps I was aware of, so thanks for that insight. Socket arrives Saturday so I think I'll have a bash on Sunday.
Again, many thanks for the advice
Sterling Grey '03 2.5i SE / Infinitas Supercharger / S.M.G / Hardtop / Gloss Black 162s / Bilstein B4s / 3.0i Brakes / DLV De-Cat & Silencer / Rebuilt VANOS / Sonar 2Xcite Lights / Carbon & Alcantara Trim / M-Sport Seats / ...& Side Covers !
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Differential clunk fix
Good timing with this. Been fixing a number of niggles on my car, happy with the progress so far! One thing that bothers me though is the very quiet clunk from the back of the car when putting it under load and also letting off load. Mostly at slow speeds. Is this the clunk you are trying to fix here?
In short, what work is needed to be done? Is there a guide on here already?
Or should I be taking it down to say RBM or local specialist to do this?
In short, what work is needed to be done? Is there a guide on here already?
Or should I be taking it down to say RBM or local specialist to do this?
Currently BMW Z4 E85 3.0si
Previously
BMW Z4 E86 3.0si
Vauxhall VX220 Turbo
Toyota Celica ST205 GT4
Nissan R33 Skyline GTST
Vauxhall VX220 NA
Nissan 350z
Previously
BMW Z4 E86 3.0si
Vauxhall VX220 Turbo
Toyota Celica ST205 GT4
Nissan R33 Skyline GTST
Vauxhall VX220 NA
Nissan 350z
- inkey$
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Differential clunk fix
Reading up on the forum, I think sometimes it can sometimes be as simple as the diff needing to be greased up so its not dry.coldel wrote: ↑Fri Mar 17, 2023 12:54 pm Good timing with this. Been fixing a number of niggles on my car, happy with the progress so far! One thing that bothers me though is the very quiet clunk from the back of the car when putting it under load and also letting off load. Mostly at slow speeds. Is this the clunk you are trying to fix here?
In short, what work is needed to be done? Is there a guide on here already?
Or should I be taking it down to say RBM or local specialist to do this?
viewtopic.php?t=127598
Current: Project Audi A2 1.4SE
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0
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Differential clunk fix
Thanks Inkey the link through that link shows the work, i.e. exhaust off, propshaft out, etc.
Not something I can do, looks a nightmare if up on axle stands!
Not something I can do, looks a nightmare if up on axle stands!
Currently BMW Z4 E85 3.0si
Previously
BMW Z4 E86 3.0si
Vauxhall VX220 Turbo
Toyota Celica ST205 GT4
Nissan R33 Skyline GTST
Vauxhall VX220 NA
Nissan 350z
Previously
BMW Z4 E86 3.0si
Vauxhall VX220 Turbo
Toyota Celica ST205 GT4
Nissan R33 Skyline GTST
Vauxhall VX220 NA
Nissan 350z
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Differential clunk fix
Coldel, yes that's what I'm trying to fix. I've not a fair bit of research and to fix it all you have to do is take the diff input flange off and put some grease behind it. The grease acts kind of like a shock absorber I believe.
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Differential clunk fix
Thanks Liam, yes the clunk doesn't do anything but given my misophonia it does drive me crazy!
Currently BMW Z4 E85 3.0si
Previously
BMW Z4 E86 3.0si
Vauxhall VX220 Turbo
Toyota Celica ST205 GT4
Nissan R33 Skyline GTST
Vauxhall VX220 NA
Nissan 350z
Previously
BMW Z4 E86 3.0si
Vauxhall VX220 Turbo
Toyota Celica ST205 GT4
Nissan R33 Skyline GTST
Vauxhall VX220 NA
Nissan 350z
- patriot66
- Lifer
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Differential clunk fix
This is what is entailed, more or lesscoldel wrote: ↑Fri Mar 17, 2023 12:54 pm Good timing with this. Been fixing a number of niggles on my car, happy with the progress so far! One thing that bothers me though is the very quiet clunk from the back of the car when putting it under load and also letting off load. Mostly at slow speeds. Is this the clunk you are trying to fix here?
In short, what work is needed to be done? Is there a guide on here already?
Or should I be taking it down to say RBM or local specialist to do this?
viewtopic.php?t=55471&sid=d7cbdadcfc327 ... 534548e474
Sterling Grey '03 2.5i SE / Infinitas Supercharger / S.M.G / Hardtop / Gloss Black 162s / Bilstein B4s / 3.0i Brakes / DLV De-Cat & Silencer / Rebuilt VANOS / Sonar 2Xcite Lights / Carbon & Alcantara Trim / M-Sport Seats / ...& Side Covers !
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Differential clunk fix
Great share thanks. Looks like something to go into a garage to do I think. Would be a bit of a mare doing that lying on your back
Currently BMW Z4 E85 3.0si
Previously
BMW Z4 E86 3.0si
Vauxhall VX220 Turbo
Toyota Celica ST205 GT4
Nissan R33 Skyline GTST
Vauxhall VX220 NA
Nissan 350z
Previously
BMW Z4 E86 3.0si
Vauxhall VX220 Turbo
Toyota Celica ST205 GT4
Nissan R33 Skyline GTST
Vauxhall VX220 NA
Nissan 350z
- patriot66
- Lifer
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- Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2015 2:59 am
- Location: Mawdesley, Lancashire
Differential clunk fix
It's not too bad tbh. I've done worse jobs with less room
Sterling Grey '03 2.5i SE / Infinitas Supercharger / S.M.G / Hardtop / Gloss Black 162s / Bilstein B4s / 3.0i Brakes / DLV De-Cat & Silencer / Rebuilt VANOS / Sonar 2Xcite Lights / Carbon & Alcantara Trim / M-Sport Seats / ...& Side Covers !
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Differential clunk fix
I’m assuming it’s not the bushings for you then?!? I recently changed my diff bushes and it solved my clunk. No need to remove the big nut if it’s bushings.
2003 3.0i