How much to tighten pinion flange nut on diff?

[bimmerboy]

Ive gone to the minimum 108 lb/ft that the manual says, but its still a little loose and the gears bind up some. i dont have the friction measuring device descried in the manual, should i bring to somewhere that does?

[jerry]

i ended up taking mine to a mechanic who specializes in overpriced german autos. he said it's all about getting the proper crush on the crush gasket. i don't believe they are too expensive so i will buy a couple and try to do the next one myself.

it's that inherent dislike of mechanical 'black boxes' that compels me to try this myself on my next differential.

you are trying to get a suitable preload on the taper bearing. keep tightening. if you overtighten (and i don't know what that amount is), try again with a new crush gasket.