Freelander 1 rear diff

hi all I have just done a full bearing replacement on my rear diff. Very pleased with myself as all Pinon and crown splines aligned lovely. the sun and planetary gears looked ok. But upon refitting am still getting the same knock if but a lot quieter. So am thinking the sun and planet gears could be at fault. As they were very shiny on there meeting faces. Any of you clever people ever changed these and if so where can one obtain them. Am going to change bearings just behind drive shaft seal as well. As did not do them as advice was that they rarely cause a proplem Cheers for any advice

The rear diffs are very long lasting, and so very cheap to buy second hand. Most folks simply fit a second hand diff should problems occur, rather than spend time and money rebuilding them.

Indeed. I buy a second one that does not leak and just change those two seals.

Hi thought of that but have already done the worst of it. And actually enjoyed doing it. I’m also a bit obsessed with doing things right. So renewing drive shaft inlet bearings and sun gearing with new seals to replace the new ones I put in when main bearings replaced. No proplem bit of a shed mechanic lol

I assume you also changed the mountings for the diff?

Yep all poly bushed torqued to spec. But drivers side inner joint has more play on rotation than near side. New shafts done just before diff bearings. That’s why I’m thinking sun gearing at fault. As said all new pinion bearings and crown carrier bearings all three seals done no leaks at all just still faint knock/click when on turning in reverse.

I don't know that many people with Freelanders here in NZ (cos there aren't many on the road) but the only 1 I know to have done work on the rear diff, was to change the drive shaft bearings.

Cheers GrumpyGel that’s my next job to do. Just waiting on parts.

I just purchased a recon for mine that way i know what i am getting and I know who the throw it back at if there is a problem with it

Thought of that but did not want to be throwing 3/4 hundred quid at a 55 plate car. Plus enjoy doing my own repairs. No matter how much swearing blood and sweating it takes and these take it all.

Hi all needle bearings on order will update on outcome when done. Fingers crossed it sorts it all out.