Joined
·
1,648 Posts
My '83 446 falls into the range of serial #s with the potential for the broken bolt problem. From reading the FAQ, it appears that the nuts come off, then the bolts come loose, then break. I take it this means the bolts don't break as long as the nuts stay tight?
As my diff has no leaks and no obvious problems with seals or bushings, I'm wondering if I can avoid a complete tear down at this time by simply verifying that the locknuts are still on and then either A. removing and replacing them with the addition of blue Loctite; OR: B. securing them to the bolts with a tackweld.
It appears as if I need to separate the diff from the frame to remove the diff cover. True? In order to do so, is it necessary to remove the lines from the motor (or the factory holding valve) or is there enough flex in those lines to get the cover bolts off? I'm thinking that if I have to remove the lines, I might as well drain the system from them as long as they're open - I plan on doing a fluid change anyway. Will this work or do I have to open the port on the TCV as well?
Sorry if some of these questions are totally obvious, but it's my first time and I like to understand what I'm doing before I start, not spread the job out over a week because I'm missing something. I know I'll need a cover gasket (RTV) and the oil.
As my diff has no leaks and no obvious problems with seals or bushings, I'm wondering if I can avoid a complete tear down at this time by simply verifying that the locknuts are still on and then either A. removing and replacing them with the addition of blue Loctite; OR: B. securing them to the bolts with a tackweld.
It appears as if I need to separate the diff from the frame to remove the diff cover. True? In order to do so, is it necessary to remove the lines from the motor (or the factory holding valve) or is there enough flex in those lines to get the cover bolts off? I'm thinking that if I have to remove the lines, I might as well drain the system from them as long as they're open - I plan on doing a fluid change anyway. Will this work or do I have to open the port on the TCV as well?
Sorry if some of these questions are totally obvious, but it's my first time and I like to understand what I'm doing before I start, not spread the job out over a week because I'm missing something. I know I'll need a cover gasket (RTV) and the oil.