Driveshaft wave washer for deformable bolts?

[Angry_Bill]

Hello again group !  Well, I've gone thru my nuts and bolts prepping for the final re-assembly push and I noticed the online microfiche parts list for the drive train shows wave washers under the drive shaft bolts that connect the shaft to the transmission output flange (part #2 on attached image).  When I had my transmission serviced by the dealer (pawl spring), I purchased new bolts as I know these are one use only.  However, I see the microfiche shows the wave washers also, which I found were not installed when I disassembled everything.  Are these washers used and/or needed.  My guess is yes but I felt it worthy of asking before I place a second, final order for misc parts.  Note, these items are no longer avail from BMW so I'm going to place a small order with mcmaster.com  Thanks !  Bill.

[Justin B.]

The lockwashers were only used early on.  They were replaced by a bit shorter bolt that required no washer and are proper for all models as best I can tell...

[Angry_Bill]

Thanks Justin.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Yes with Justin.  Do not use the washers.  That is old data.

[Semper Gumby]

Remember to use Blue Locktite!

[Bob_Roller]

If you are wondering how to torque the bolts, as it's a bit difficult to do, Snap-On has a tool called a 'torque adapter' for the job, it looks like a 10 mm 12 point wrench about 2 inches long, with a 3/8 ths inch square drive on the other end.

Snap-On part number : FRDHM10.

You've got to 'modify' it a bit to get it to fit properly.

When I got the tool, it was only about $10, I'm quite sure, it's gone up in price since 1994, when I got mine.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I have never used locktite on these fasteners, nor have I used a torque wrench.

To adequately torque these screws, just use the 10mm box end wrench that was supplied with the tool kit, and the rear brake, to keep the assembly from rotating.

Stomp on the brake, and give that little wrench all you have!

I'm still waiting for my first fastener to come loose, in there.


If you don't have the original tool kit, be sure to use a box-end wrench.
The stocker has a slimmer cross-section than most you buy in the store.  Better for getting in the small spaces.  ~$10 USD 71 11 1 237 847

[nhmaf]

I also use the same method  as Rob and I replace those stretch bolts (which as pointed out already do not have/use wave washers) each time - I haven't yet had an issue with bolts coming loose even without loctite.
You do want to torque them up good with that little wrench.

[Justin B.]

Actually, I think the original bolts used split lock-washers!  [smiley=puke2.gif]  I re-use 'em with thread-locker...

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Actually, I think the original bolts used split lock-washers!  [smiley=puke2.gif]  I re-use 'em with thread-locker...

The "old-style" fasteners used split lock-washers.  And those fasteners were longer to accommodate the space the washer took up.  If the older (longer) fasteners are used without a washer, they will rub on the inside of the transmission. (red alert...)

Apparently the split lock-washers would sometimes break, which not only put some shrapnel in the boot housing, but it also allowed the fastener to become loose and probably fall out.

So they did away with the lock washer, and shortened the fastener.

Some folks reuse these screws.  I don't remove mine often enough to even consider it.  I buy new ones.

[Justin B.]

When we did the spline lube on the '80 it had the old style screws and two out of four washers were busted in half...