E36 Differential Bolt Tool
- Fabricate a tool remove the famous E36 differential bolt... Without the outrageous costs.
BMW requires a 14mm allen or hex, socket or wrench to remove the differential bolt.
Some people had found sockets that cost over $25(USD), and allen wrenches for $15(USD).
The down side to getting an allen wrench was that you would be unable to torque the bolt, not to mention ridiculously expensive.
Luckily, there is a better and cheaper method. The total cost is around $2(USD).
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DANGER
Any information presented or implied is for entertainment purposes only. A car and related parts can be very dangerous to work around. Please exercise extreme caution when performing any kind of repair or modification. Neither I or any affiliated parties can be held responsible for any problems or accidents which may occur.
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| The two in the center of the frame are the bolts in question. |
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The bolt we will be using is 14mm.
This particular one was purchased at a local hardware store.
You may be worried about the bolt not being able to handle the torque, but a general contractor who is familiar with these bolts assured us that it would be adequate.
Other supplies include the pictured 3 nuts and a lock washer. |
Obtain a 14mm socket and an open end wrench of the same.
This is what you should have. |
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Begin screwing in the first nut, use another nut to help extend the depth of the of the tool.
Try to keep the sides of the nuts as equally aligned to the head of the bolt as possible.
Set the second nut in place, followed by the lock washer, and then the final nut. |
Using the ratchet and wrench, tighten the third and second bolt together: This will lock the washer and nuts in place. Welding the bolts all together is the best solution. |
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How to use your new tool:
To loosen, place the head of the bolt in the differential.
Use the second (middle) nut to loosen by using an open end wrench and loosen, the lock washer will keep the third nut from coming loose and the differential bolt with turn.
To tighten, Use the third bolt (furthest away from the bolt head) and tighten, the lock washer will keep the second nut in place and tighten the differential bolt.
This tool will also allow you to correctly torque the bolt.
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