Question on a differential from a 1989 325i. This is not a limited slip diff. So we are prepping the car for Chump Car and Lemons, and have removed the rear subframe and diff. to address some bad bushings. I replaced a output seal on the diff and noticed that when I hold one output flange still and turn the other it is a bit stiff, and has a definite notchy quality to it. This happens with either side and both directions. When I turn both in the same direction it is smooth as butter. So we opened it up and it looks like brand new in there, everything worked fine when we drove it prior to taking it apart, no unusual whining or noises from the rear. I have been told this should not feel like that and should be much smoother. Given that it looks perfect inside and nothing unusual on previous drives, I am interested to know if this is a 'normal' quality to these diffs or is something wrong in there? As always, thanks in advance.
