Diff cover bolts - correct torque?

[Pentode]

Hi,

I am looking to remove the rear diff cover to replace the rubber bush that is starting to break up and causing the odd noise. I can find torque information for most of the fastenings, but not one for the six M10 bolts that hold on the rear cover.

Anyone out there got any information on this?

My diff is a 3.45 ratio compact 168 diff on a year 2000 2.0 M52TU engine.

Many thanks for any help.

Regards,

Nick

 

[AntStark]

Had a look in the Bentley manual..not in there either. There is the generic torque settings table though. They only hold the cover/paper gasket on so can’t be that tight.

 

[Zephyr]

no idea what oem specs are, but when I installed my quaife back in the day, their instructions said 45nm or 33ft/lbs and loctite.
Take this with a bit of salt, I was scared to death when reached 30ft because it was quite hard and thought it will crack but it was ok finally at 33.

 

[DomiMik]

Here's what the BMW repair manual says, 45 NM for M10 8.8 bolts:

 

[Pentode]

Thanks everyone. Looks like 45Nm is the way to go. Will use a bit of Loctite 362 to help keep things in place.

Regards,

Nick

 

[AntStark]

Thanks everyone. Looks like 45Nm is the way to go. Will use a bit of Loctite 362 to help keep things in place.

Regards,

Nick

I would reduce the torque quite a bit then as the loctite will act like a thread lubricant. 45NM is the dry torque.

 

[Pentode]

Noted. Found the thread about torque settings and the chart showing reductions for different lubricants

 

[colb]

Arm yourself with a pair of filler and drain plug sealing washers when rebuilding it, they are alloy and corrode, been changing Diff oil on some Z3 and Z4's and everyone has had corroded alloy seals, I now use copper sealing washers when doing these and keep a stock in the Zedshed Cymru workshop so have them to hand when needed. Sourced from Ebay Copper Sealing Washers 22mmID x 27MMODx 1.5mm.

 

[Pentode]

Have a set of replacement plugs and washers ready to fit. Have stuck with the original BMW alloy ones - I like to keep things stock if I can

 

[DomiMik]

The new version plugs already have o-rings fitted!


@Pentode you ever heard about aqua blasting (or wet / vapor blasting)? Your diff cover will look brand new again and it only costs a couple of £s

 

[Synclare]

.

 

[hard top]

Had the plugs blacked (cannot remember what process was used) to stop them rusting.

Possibly dipped in a bath in an acidic solution of iron, zinc or manganese phosphate, I used to do that with threaded parts of our oil & gas equipment.