Would differential replacement require realignment ?

O

Old-Duckman

Active member
 SW Pennsylvania USA
I just notice yesterday as I was cleaning the car (2004, E85, 3.0, manual, sport suspension) that the passenger side (USA) rear tire is angled outward at the bottom (negative camber..? not sure of the correct terms). The drivers side is not, the difference is very noticeable.

I had the differential replaced 600 miles ago with a professionally rebuilt one. It was installed by a seasoned mechanic though not a BMW mechanic, thought he has worked on BMWs. I asked him when I got the car back if anything that was removed/replaced in that job would require realignment, he said no.

I just pulled the rear wheel to check for broken spring, it was OK.

The rear tires are new (800 miles max) and as I recall the old tires were worn evenly. With so few miles on the tires I can't really tell if the tire is wearing unevenly due to this condition but I think that unless it is corrected that tire will wear unevenly.

Is the alignment out that much due to something other than the differential replacement...? or would it have something to do with the differential replacement and parts removed/replaced during the job?
 
Normally you can get the diff out without removing (parts of) the control arms.
But who knows what that mechanic has been up to.
If it's a knowledgeable mechanic and he would make that mistake, he'd mark the positions of the adjustment bolts/parts that influence wheel alignment.

But if you see a difference in camber, there is a chance that it's there.
The rear lower control arm is quite a weak control arm (probably/maybe designed as a sacrificial part) so that could be a little bit bent.

With new tyres it's wise to do an alignment.
 
GuidoK said:
Normally you can get the diff out without removing (parts of) the control arms.
But who knows what that mechanic has been up to.
If it's a knowledgeable mechanic and he would make that mistake, he'd mark the positions of the adjustment bolts/parts that influence wheel alignment.

But if you see a difference in camber, there is a chance that it's there.
The rear lower control arm is quite a weak control arm (probably/maybe designed as a sacrificial part) so that could be a little bit bent.

With new tyres it's wise to do an alignment.
Click to expand...

Thank you. The reason I got new tires is that I ran over a large piece of metal and had a blow-out which was on that side, after reading your post that makes me think that the bent control arm might be the issue then, though I don't know that I could recognize it if I saw it.. I need to get the car to a BMW Indie to check for a bent part and/or get an alignment.

I appreciate your quick reply !
 
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