4.1 LSD noise

[JorG318]

Hi everyone
Nice to meet you all (newbie here)

I just had a used 4.10 LSD install in my 91 318i...
when ever i let off the gas pedal, i will hear a whine noise...
(doesn't happen if i am accelerating)
and only happens when it's in gear (during engine braking)

what could cause that noise?
bearing? (input or output shaft bearing?)
if so, is it hard to replace bearing?

Thanks

[Hodge]

I had a somewhat similar problem with my 95 318i's OEM LSD.

Mine would "click" when coasting, and was speed related. Drained the oil, and found a bunch of allen head bolts in pieces. I know this is common on E36's but I am not sure about E30 small case diff's. Basically the tiny allen bolts holding the LSD unit in where falling out.

Drain the fluid, and open the diff and have a look.

[JorG318]

so... was your diff/LSD damaged?

Before i install the diff, i drained the old oil that was in the diff...
it looks alright... just dark in color (don't see any solid coming out)

but Thanks for the tip!
i'll remove the back plate and see if anything is wrong later next week...

[Hodge]

Yeah it was messed up..scary because I had gone on a 1200+ mile trip a few months before and it could have locked up giving me alot of problems....

So I bought a Metric Mechanic "Rally" Variable Limited Slip with stock (3.45:1) gearing, and with 4 clutch packs. It bites very hard. Great diff!