Removing the differential (BTR)

Removing the differential (BTR)

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Chuffmeister

Original Poster:

3,597 posts

138 months

Saturday 18th April 2015
quotequote all
I've exhausted Google and have no clear steer on this, so am back here following my previous post for some worldly advice! Please help!

My diff is dripping. The oil hasn't been changed for a couple of years, but is nice and clean none the less. I don't have any serious clunking noises, so I am assuming that there is no serious issues with it.

I've managed a brief peak underneath with a mirror and a torch and the oil seems to be running from front to back (down the fins), which would suggest that this is the pinion seal. However, it is difficult to tell for definite as there is plenty of oil on it at the moment. After hours of searching through the interweb abyss, it would appear that to reseal the backplate, the diff would need to come out (access and space). I also have read that some individuals have had loads of difficulty getting the diff out and even more getting it back in! Plus then there is the issue of getting to the pinion seal and the woes of the crush washer/ nut.

I am intending to do this on axle stands, so would be very grateful for as much advice, real life experiences and as many images as possible! I've no issues getting the exhaust and the prop out as I've done that before, its just the diff I need advice on ears

Cheers
Chuffy

Chuffmeister

Original Poster:

3,597 posts

138 months

Saturday 18th April 2015
quotequote all
Thanks guys, very helpful. I'm hoping to have some expert guidance on hand as Peter has very kindly offered me the use of his lift. It definitely looks as if it could be one of those 'whilst I'm in there jobs'.

Chuffmeister

Original Poster:

3,597 posts

138 months

Sunday 19th April 2015
quotequote all
Cheers Peter. Tuesday is a plan then.

I may struggle getting the bushes on time. May have to get them delivered to your place and pay for them with a swear box. Will shop around tomorrow. Ps, let me know what you're drinking!

Chuffmeister

Original Poster:

3,597 posts

138 months

Sunday 19th April 2015
quotequote all
phazed said:
Send them next day to my address.

Cough, red, cough cough, not essential though smile
Red it is!

Chuffmeister

Original Poster:

3,597 posts

138 months

Monday 20th April 2015
quotequote all
Cheers for this Ian.

I've seen that on one of the threads and think it is a good idea.

I only bought the two front bushes for the diff, based on time and availability. I tried several places for polybushes at a reasonable price and all were out of stock, with a few days lead time for orders. In the end, I bought rubber ones from Racetech and had them delivered direct to Peter's via SD, but even the rear one in rubber wasn't available. All a bit short notice.

Chuffmeister

Original Poster:

3,597 posts

138 months

Monday 20th April 2015
quotequote all
phazed said:
Timing?
Will be there early as advised (about 08:30). Bushes delivered before 1300. Have a couple of bottle of red too... smile Phoned Superflex. None of the shelf!

Chuffmeister

Original Poster:

3,597 posts

138 months

Monday 20th April 2015
quotequote all
phazed said:
Okay.
Let me know if its too early. Can come later. A little presumptuous of me! Cheers again.

Edited by Chuffmeister on Monday 20th April 20:17

Chuffmeister

Original Poster:

3,597 posts

138 months

Wednesday 22nd April 2015
quotequote all
Well I owe Phazed a huge amount of gratitude for his assistance and hospitality yesterday, very much appreciated. Alas, I couldn't get the damn thing out. I fought with it for hours. I think the hole in the boot is definitely the way forward to remove the bracket from the top bush to facilitate clearance;or; to remove the two top locking nuts on the side brackets. I had to admit defeat, but thankfully Peter lent me hand getting it back together.

Also, what size spanner is it for the filler nut on the BTR? I couldn't get it off. It's possibly a 29mm (30mm too bug and 28mm too small), but suspect it may be an imperial size. I need to get one to check the diff levels.

I thought the exhaust manifolds were bad when I first did them, but the diff was a nightmare and that's with Peters two post lift and assistance.


Edited by Chuffmeister on Wednesday 22 April 13:55

Chuffmeister

Original Poster:

3,597 posts

138 months

Wednesday 22nd April 2015
quotequote all
Thanks Peter. The M25 and the A20 were closed on the way back. So much for a smooth ride! The rear prop seal on the gearbox appears to have sorted that leak. All dry this morning the garage. Once I get the diff filler bolt off, I'll check the levels and then look at the breather mod as above.

Peter, let me know if you've not located those sockets and I'll get a couple on order.

Chuffmeister

Original Poster:

3,597 posts

138 months

Saturday 25th April 2015
quotequote all
Picked up a 29mm spanner from Halfrauds and removed the diff filler plug. Filled with about 200mm of diff oil (wouldn't accept any more) and retightened plug. I'm now wondering if the drip I spotted originally may have been coming from the bleed valve now? Will keep an eye on it. I used a borescope to ensure that the diff was filled and the diff oil looks like new inside, perfectly clear..

I guess its a case of keep looking and checking!

Edited by Chuffmeister on Saturday 25th April 00:09