e46 BMW differential bushing removal without any special tools

BMW e46 diff removal with some put together tools anyone can use

[@lawpenner]

This is an under-rated video. Saves having to take off the wheels, the axils, support brace, drive-shaft, and the diff....plus you get fresh diff fluid. What's not to like!

[@dannysteele8754]

Sweet, thanks for the video. I knew there was a better way than removing entire diff.

[@nordmensch]

Awesome idea that helped me alot :)

[@drewster956]

Good short cut to not drop diff

[@leslielewis3148]

Geezer that is amazing. 🤗

[@dewilliams4597]

I have a 2008 X3 and didnt need a lift to remove the 16mm bolts. The one behind the bushing was difficult but not impossible. Use the socket between the bushing and the bracket like he stated in the video in order to gain clearance. I couldnt remove the inspection cover but will go back it tomorrow when I have more daylight. Maybe my dead blow hammer is too cheap.

[@ryanb7074]

nice 👍🏼

[@KELLZ720]

a lift is a very special tool

[@_kudos8093]

What parts should I buy from home depot to make this puller/press? I am redoing diff, rtabs and subframe bushings.

[@haroldfrech2743]

Please help with the upper bolt behind the bushing

[@sergiochavez1673]

No special tools, except for a car lift, cordless wratchet! Lol just kidding man. Awesome video! I'm going to do the same exact thing today. Thank you!!

[@crazymere7117]

Were you able to do it?

[@sergiochavez1673]

@@crazymere7117 Yeah man! the hardest part of it was aligning the darn bushing for me, But I knocked it out. It was a night and day difference when driving it! Thanks again

[@crazymere7117]

@@sergiochavez1673 could you give any tips or problems you ran into as a diy mechanic? this guys a pro duh with a lift. I’m assuming you did it on jack stands lol! I just ordered a but load of parts for my 330i and I’m confident I could kick out everything except this bushing here any tips would be highly appreciated !

[@sergiochavez1673]

@@crazymere7117 yeah man, So it was pretty straight forward, just like what he did as far as getting in and getting it out. I was doing some exhaust work so it helped that I had the exhaust off. and its pretty easy to remove anyways. But there was one bolt on the differential cover that was a pain in the butt to get back on, its like on the top left corner. but other than that it was pretty much as the video describes it.

[@_kudos8093]

Can you please help me with knowing what parts to buy from homedepot to make this homemade puller/press?

[@yusslk7386]

What is the reference of the silentblock

[@nathanpartridge3565]

Where's your shop located? I have a z4 that needs this.

[@cub222]

Nice - I'm hoping this is all I need to replace and not the other two at the front of the diff. Do you need a gasket or sealant when you put the diff back together?

[@beamervision]

Kieron Nolan bmw no longer does gasket . So only sealer

[@areitu]

You can also trace and cut a gasket from paper material. I recommend getting rtv silicone spray and spraying the gasket so it seals well

[@_kudos8093]

It would be nice if you could mention the parts you bought from Home Depot.

[@brocklee9539]

Take the new bushing with you to Home Depot and find washers that is the same diameter of the bushings outer sleeve, but not larger.

[@robinbarranda6695]

I needed to disconnect the two bolts holding the diff to get it to move like that and access those top left bolts of the diff cover.

[@beamervision]

No u don’t !!!

[@vanni_doestv4516]

@@beamervision I too cant make it to drop that way. The only bolt I cant remove is the upper left corner one. How can I make it drop more with removing anything else?

[@Christopher.s]

@@vanni_doestv4516I’m having the same problem. I may need drop the diff.

[@vanni_doestv4516]

@@Christopher.s I ended up being able to remove that bolt. Took a long time and weird angling with my hand to get it out..

[@dannyduke4807]

What size washer did you use on the back of the old bushing? I cannot, for the life of me, find the right size anywhere.

[@stumpydoo5]

If anyone is reading this the right size can be found in the autozone bushing removal rent-a-tool

[@noodlezhp]

I see that red ZHP

[@nitingogna3856]

How long did it take?

[@SeanScarbrough]

Cant reach that upper diff cover bolt on my 2004 330i sedan!

[@aleromero7493]

hola, puede ser que eldiferencial de un 330ci sea mas grande y que no lo tenga tan sencillo?

[@46god]

todo las cubiertas del e46 diferencial la talla mismo. solo la talla del m3 diferente

[@mazjehangir892]

Would you need a new gasket seal for when the diff casing is reinstalled ?

[@stumpydoo5]

Yes

[@cameronscotty3671]

can’t for the life of me get the hidden cover bolt far enough out even with a 15mm socket wedged

[@RetroScythe]

*without any special tools* - uses £20000 car lift

[@pOssEidO21]

HAN'S GARAGE i saw a 50s kid video about this and he used redline 75w90 and you used 75w140ns a want to know why?

[@spencermaiers8322]

You can use LS diff oil or non LS diff oil in an open diff which non M E46 cars have, but you should use LS diff oil with the friction modifier additive in it for LSD diffs. Based on my experience a 75w90 or a 75w140 will both work fine for BMW diffs such as this e46. I doubt they're too picky. Most shops will put in whatever they have. It'd probably run strong on cooking oil (just kidding about the last part).

[@Dope.And.Pretty]

No special tools... except for the ball joint bushing removal ring that you'll need to buy or already own as part of a kit retailing for at least $50 and the size of which I will not mention to aid in your acquisition of said special tool.

[@johnhanson9245]

How dare him to not tell you everything and deliver it to you!

[@Dope.And.Pretty]

@@johnhanson9245 Right over your head eh?

[@johnhanson9245]

@@Dope.And.Pretty Apparently over your's...Go buy a Haynes manual. Learn how to read.

[@Willielee43]

Hey I need help what size socket you put between the diff and bushing I been working on this last bolt for hours help please

[@ceondecember4995]

Try 13 or 14 I’m bout to do mine this weekend 330i

[@_kudos8093]

What parts should I buy from home depot to make this tool? I am redoing the diff, subframe, rtabs etc.

[@Christopher.s]

I’m working on that last bolt right now with no luck. Did you end up getting it?

[@gregburrows4192]

Anyone who has tried this on a 2005 X3 please chime in. I know I'll have to remove the spare tire holder (easy) so that's different, but is everything else the same? Would love to not remove the diff!

[@JackJones-yx1ts]

What engine? And how much oil should be put in diff?

[@beamervision]

3.0 . And fill gear oil until it drips out

[@Willielee43]

Your videos really help me save money doing it myself thanks so much. I need help with finding the gasket for the diff cover send a part number

[@beamervision]

Gasket maker (RTV)

[@Willielee43]

@@beamervision hey I been working trying to get that bolt it’s the last one the socket I can’t get it on between the bracket and the cover help me man. I’ve watch this video over and over that dang bolt is kicking my butt you make it look so simple help me bro trying to get this done

[@Lucidbkeo]

@@Willielee43 this was 9 months ago but clearly you skipped around, you gotta take the cover off to access the bolt

[@Balrockk]

To bad BMW doesn't have those seals in stock anymore.

[@alexandercarlsson]

I am experiencing vibrations when accelerating moderately with my E46 330XD. It feels like its coming from the diff and i could see some play in the center bushing when praying on the diff. Do you think this bushing could be the cause of those vibrations. Its most felt during acceleration on 1-2-3 gear from low rpms.

[@areitu]

It's likely your center support bearing, I had the same issue in my E30

[@alexandercarlsson]

@@areitu thing is, i have already replaced both CSB and Guibo. It got bettet but still not a big difference.

[@alexandercarlsson]

@@areitu i have decided to change all 3 diff bushings. This weekend i will change all ball joints, steering Rods and wheel bearings in the front. And The diff bushings next weekend. Hopefully it will feel like a new car after this 😁

[@yonomubarak4061]

When changing the bushing deferencial the position of the handle is P or N thanks ..(bmw indonesia )

[@TehNouk]

Dosent make any diffrence

[@lawpenner]

Doesn't make any deference

[@spencermaiers8322]

Underrated comment ;)