[TurboBimmer]

Well, I've been dealing with this for over a year, but I figured I'll post a thread as someone might eventually be able to help

So, ever since I got my Quaife put in (6AT, bolted diff) I have a strange noise upon accelerating from low to medium speed in a high gear. For example lightly accelerating from 25mph in 5th gear. It's especially notable when the car is cold but won't go away totally when the car is warmed up.

The noise is a bit hard to describe. It's a deep frequency grumbling kind of noise, which sounds like some vibrating frequency is being amplified through the drivetrain. Or like the driveshaft is out of balance. It's no mechanical gear grinding, and it's not backlash noise either (I get a very very slight backlash related humming from 90 - 95 mph).

The shop has double-checked the install. They've got no idea where it comes from. It doesn't sound harmful, just an annoyance.

Here's a video: you can hear it at 0:41 and at 0:49.

http://youtu.be/IR0pKf_PHbA

Sorry, don't know how to embed vids.

[f00dstamps]

Why would you accelerate from a low speed in a high gear? I wouldn't recommend accelerating in 5th gear if you're at 25mph.

[dzenno]

Originally Posted by f00dstamps

Why would you accelerate from a low speed in a high gear? I wouldn't recommend accelerating in 5th gear if you're at 25mph.

Exactly, I wouldn't worry about it

[TurboBimmer]

Originally Posted by f00dstamps

Why would you accelerate from a low speed in a high gear? I wouldn't recommend accelerating in 5th gear if you're at 25mph.

Well in D mode the auto tranny is always in a high gear. And with a cold engine you shouldn't rev high.

Point is, the noise isn't normal and it's 100% related to the diff install.

I'm not really worried but it's an annoyance I would like to get rid off.

[C4sF80M3]

Well High gear at 25mph would make a noise in my MT if I ever decided to do that. It would probably sound very angry if I tried to do that. The engine isn't really designed to handle that much torque at such a low rpm.

At that low of speed driveshaft balance would not come into play.

Where is the noise coming from exactly?

Originally Posted by Autobahn335i

Well in D mode the auto tranny is always in a high gear. And with a cold engine you shouldn't rev high.

Point is, the noise isn't normal and it's 100% related to the diff install.

I'm not really worried but it's an annoyance I would like to get rid off.

[dzenno]

Originally Posted by Autobahn335i

Well in D mode the auto tranny is always in a high gear. And with a cold engine you shouldn't rev high.

Point is, the noise isn't normal and it's 100% related to the diff install.

I'm not really worried but it's an annoyance I would like to get rid off.

Thing to realize is that LSDs are noiser than open diffs we get in our cars by design...they're way less noisy on automatics though due to the torque converter that muffles a ton of noise in the driveline...manuals will have a bit more noises but in all honesty these noises, if the car came with them, would've just been taken for stock car operating noises and ignored...

[TurboBimmer]

Well I've driven in another Quaife equipped 335i and the noise is definitely not normal.

Problem is, it doesn't seem to come from one precise area, but more like some resonance or vibration of some part of the drivetrain which is picked up and amplified. A more or less pronounced grumble, that's the best I can do to describe it.

[trickcruiser]

Could you make a video to show the noise? This might help members help you!

[TurboBimmer]

Added a link to a video to the first post.

[Elie335]

damn, I'm glad I went with the OEM m3 diff....

m3 paddles are sick, do you mind telling how much they costed you?

[///M3THOD]

Sounds like diff grinding.

Did you break the differential in properly after installed through lock to lock figure eights?

Have you double checked your fluid levels in the diff.?

If you did both of the above then the shop may not have shimmed/installed the diff properly. Usually this happens when one of the wheels on either side of the car is rotating at a higher speed than another, like on a low speed right turn or around a roundabout.

You could speak to Quaife about this as well. They could probably offer some insight.

[TurboBimmer]

Originally Posted by Elie335

damn, I'm glad I went with the OEM m3 diff....

m3 paddles are sick, do you mind telling how much they costed you?

I got the from a board member for $380. Brand new they're around $450. I also have an M3 DCT steering wheel so they fit properly.

Originally Posted by ///M3THOD

Sounds like diff grinding.

Did you break the differential in properly after installed through lock to lock figure eights?

Have you double checked your fluid levels in the diff.?

If you did both of the above then the shop may not have shimmed/installed the diff properly. Usually this happens when one of the wheels on either side of the car is rotating at a higher speed than another, like on a low speed right turn or around a roundabout.

You could speak to Quaife about this as well. They could probably offer some insight.

Hmm, I didn't break the diff in. Never heard that needs to be done
And I suppose the shop checked the fluid level. But I may have them recheck this, although I won't be able to drop off the car soon.

[///M3THOD]

Originally Posted by Autobahn335i

I got the from a board member for $380. Brand new they're around $450. I also have an M3 DCT steering wheel so they fit properly.




Hmm, I didn't break the diff in. Never heard that needs to be done
And I suppose the shop checked the fluid level. But I may have them recheck this, although I won't be able to drop off the car soon.

You can try still to do it. I've always been told to do this.

I had leaking half shaft seals on my e46M. They only leaked while the car was moving and consequently didn't leave any spots in the garage. I noticed a N/V/H from the diff at lower rpms at high speed because the fluid was really low.

You could also try a new diff fluid, sometimes it helps.

[TurboBimmer]

According to the bill, the shop used 2 litres of Castrol SAF XJ "Sperröl". Looks like a dedicated oil for LSDs. Could that have any incidence?

[dyezak]

Originally Posted by ///M3THOD

Did you break the differential in properly after installed through lock to lock figure eights?

Quaif diff's are a torsen style LSD...and do not have a break in process. Clutch pack LSD's have the break in process you are describing.

And in case the OP was wondering...the LSD break in process for a clutch style LSD is to drive in figure eights for 20min getting dizzy and making yourself puke. Then letting the car sit for a day, then changing the diff fluid.

[///M3THOD]

Originally Posted by dyezak

Quaif diff's are a torsen style LSD...and do not have a break in process. Clutch pack LSD's have the break in process you are describing.

Good to know, didn't realize they were Torsen style diffs. Well since obviously break in is out, where do you think the noise is coming from?

Originally Posted by dyezak

And in case the OP was wondering...the LSD break in process for a clutch style LSD is to drive in figure eights for 20min getting dizzy and making yourself puke. Then letting the car sit for a day, then changing the diff fluid.

Lol, isn't that the truth.

[dyezak]

OP, there are different oils for different types of LSD's. Clutch style LSD's need oils with friction modifiers in them to allow the clutch packs to work properly. But torsen LSD's usually don't have that requirement. From the Quaife installs I've been googling they usually recomend a 75w-90 non LSD style oil (think standard Redline). And as M3THOD said, incorrect fluid can give you wierd vibrations/noises. Best bet is to call Quaife and ask them. Remember though, they are a UK company so their timezone is way ahead of us and they talk about fish and chips...

Cheerio!

[jannisa]

Very strange noise indeed and actually never associated to a diff only.
Regarding break in Birds suggest that the only thing required is having a gentle 15 km first with lots of left-right turns and that's it and this is to achieve a full lubrication in the group.
The gear lube shall not have friction modifiers.
I would suggest you change first the valvolines with for instance redline 75w140ns and see what comes.
If the noise persists then check the housings bolts are fully tightened and also the propshaft nut.
It's hard to speculate this noise coming from the internals of the pumpkin.
Any vibrations you experience?

[Chowbow]

I can't say that's normal. On my Quaife there are no noises like that - 3.46 auto diff installed on a 6MT. From your video it sounds like a weird pulsating noise, right?.

I'd start by checking to make sure your exhaust isn't loose and resonating against the chassis at a certain frequency. Resonating / pulsating noises often come from the exhaust system touching the car, and the exhaust would have to be dismantled to install the pumpkin so it's a good possibility. If that's not it, I'd check all the mounts for the diff, subframe, and even transmission (they shouldn't have to even loosen that for install though). Might not hurt to go over the U-joints on the driveshaft one more time and the bolts holding the axles on - but I'd imagine a if these items were loose you'd have a real racket going on at any speed.

[tibra1]

Noise is typical of clutch type diffs..like OS Giken..but Quaife are gear driven mechanical LSDs they shouldnt make noises..I can tell you 9/10 times LSD noises are related to the type of gear oil being used..

My suggestion PM Harold at HP autowerks..he really knows Quaifes..

[335iSSA]

I had my Quaife installed this past week and have this same grumbling noise as well. It does not occur in low gears at a moderate throttle but when riding down the highway and application of part throttle it is very pronounced. Like the OP it occurs at various speeds when throttle is applied at low RPMs.

No apparent whining from improper backlash.

Car is a 1/2007 build AT. Unlike the newer pumpkins which are smaller, the shop said it went in w/o requiring any material being removed. Redline N/S Fluid.

I taking it to the shop on Monday morning to get their thoughts. No one else have this issue?

[chesney72]

I'm keen to hear of any solutions to grumbling.

Got my quaife a month or so ago and instantly noticed very mild vibration from about 45mph up. I seem to notice it more when cold. Its so slight that pasengers can't work out what I'm talking about but I can def feel and hear it. Like a slight imbalance.

Spoke to the guy that fitted it and he drove it and only noticed it because I specifically pointed it out but agreed there is a slight noise/vibration. He had a look over but said there was nothing obvious. Even balanced the wheels just to be sure it wasnt that.

Sometimes it doesn't bother me but other times it drives me mad and I would like to find out what it could be.