Removal and installation differential output shafts (BMW 3 Series E21)

Cars up to and including model year 1978 (with four-bolt differential bearing cap fastening).

Removal

Remove the rear axle and drain the oil from the crankcase.

Remove the rear cover of the axle housing.

Use pliers to remove the retaining rings from the ends of the differential output shafts and remove the shafts.

Installation

Insert the output shafts into the differential and secure the shafts with the snap rings to ensure a tight fit.

Install the rear axle housing rear cover, after replacing the gasket.

Install the rear axle and fill the crankcase with oil.

Cars from 1979 model year (with six-bolt differential bearing cap fastening).

The differential output shafts are removed directly from the vehicle.

Removal

Disconnect the wheel drive shafts from the differential output shaft flanges and hang the wheel drives.

Remove the differential output shafts using a lever by unscrewing the flange mounting bolts.

Installation

Check that the snap rings are installed in the grooves of the rear axle housing.

Manually insert the output shafts into the differential until the locking rings click into place.

Attach the wheel drive shafts to the differential output shaft flanges.