Originally Posted by
ic-racer
The M05 diff assembly is symmetric. One could put it in the car either way.
I don't have any experience with stiff diff action or improper assembly problems but wanted to emphasize the importance of the thrust bearing in proper diff function.
If you compare the M05 diff thrust bearing to the TRF417 diff bearing the M05 thrust bearing seems smaller, more fragile and is non-rebuildable and not protected from the elements by the adjustment screw. Likely more prone to failure if a small amount of grit gets in there. I got the impression the balls were smaller but did not measure this to know for sure. When I compared the action of the two in my hands, the reason my TRF417 diff was smoother was the thrust bearing, not the diff balls. After cleaining and re-lubing the trust bearing in my 'ready for the junk bin' M05 diff, the two diffs had nearly identical smooth action.
Yeah, you're absolutely right that proper functioning of the thrust bearing is important. Not disputing the point. I just don't think much "grit" can get to the thrust bearing cause the diff is more or less sealed from the elements by the chassis halves.
Yes, the diff can be installed in the car either way. Since I'd only used a M05 diff for about a year and that was several years ago, I vaguely remembered that the diff adjustment screw belonged on the left. That's why that was posed more as a question rather than a statement.
There is one point I do have to disagree with you on though. We all have improper assembly problems. I've had my share and didn't your problem start by your not lubing the thrust bearing?????? You can't have a stiff M05 diff cause you'll break the screw if you try.
Can't comment on a 417 part cause frankly, I don't have one nor could my racing budget support one.