Broken Diff

[Grey 65]

Vance,

Looks to me as if the 6 bolts holding the half shaft spacer backed out. When you install these everything (both diff flange female threads and the half shaft male threads) should be degreased and you should use thread locker and the torque bolts.

The broken part looks like the rear diff cover from the pic.... This is an easy part to replace. I am guessing half shaft came loose and since you were doing about 40mph the half shaft hit the diff cover ear with enough force to break it...

Yes, these are used parts and things break (I broke the R/H halfshaft at the Scottsdale, AZ Goodguys Autocross event in March). But unless you are on drag slicks / R Compound Tires / or just dropping the clutch at high RPM's things shouldn't be breaking.

Also, I'm over in Haslet... maybe 15 miles from you.... Now that Jay Nordstrom is no longer with us I guess I am the local BDR expert....

Pic is from Raleigh, NC Goodguys Autocross event two weeks ago.

Kevin.....

[Axel 427]

No.... I did not know BDR installs used parts. You would think for the price of these cars all components would be new...... My speedo was working when I got the car. The more I think about it, I guess I was bent over when I bought this car. I hope I don't find more surprises down the road. Sh#t!!!!!!!!

Thanks for your replies

Vance

[GBowman]

I had a similar problem last year but I hard launched with super sticky tires on a not so smooth road (yes stupid). I think I have the front cover that you broke if you are interested. I upgraded to a Diffsonline Differential and hardened output shafts. Already had upgraded half shafts but you should get some of those too. Call me if you need any input, I did the job and it isn't so bad.

Gary 610 636 4574

[Axel 427]

Yes, I'm interested. I'm trying to a guy over here to look at it and hoping there's not to much parts to replace. I'll keep you and informed and thanks.

[GaryT]

Did you ever get your car back together? What actually broke, the diff or just the cover?

[Axel 427]

Yep.....I got the rear end back together. Grey 65 was correct when he said "looks like the 6 bolts holding the half spacer back out." Kinda makes you wonder if these were torqued to begin with.The half shaft apparently hit the wing part of the Diff cover and broke it. I bought a new Diff cover and bolts, and gear oil and re-assembled. The car runs great now, except now I noticed transmission fluid leaking around the rear seal of the transmission. I'm not sure if the previous problem caused this............. Dang!!!!
How hard is this seal to change out ? Anyboby got suggestions?

Vance

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by Axel 427

Yep.....I got the rear end back together. Grey 65 was correct when he said "looks like the 6 bolts holding the half spacer back out." Kinda makes you wonder if these were torqued to begin with.The half shaft apparently hit the wing part of the Diff cover and broke it. I bought a new Diff cover and bolts, and gear oil and re-assembled. The car runs great now, except now I noticed transmission fluid leaking around the rear seal of the transmission. I'm not sure if the previous problem caused this............. Dang!!!!
How hard is this seal to change out ? Anyboby got suggestions?

Vance

Easy to fix. Pull the driveshaft and yank the trans end seal out. Install new seal, reinstall driveshaft and go to it.