Freelander Diff Problem

reeflodge · Nov 25, 2009

Hi
3 weeks ago a 4x4 garage replaced my Diff Bushes as they were shot.
The car run fine and smoothly until sunday when we noticed a droning noise, we took it back to the 4x4 garage and they said the Diff is knackered and that it was going to cost me £677.67 for a new Diff + labour!!!

Do you think they disturbed something when they replaced the bushes?
If so what can I do about it? I can't proove anything ?

My Freelander has done 81k and is a 1999 XDI.
Is it worth buying a brand new Diff at around £400 of shall I get a 2nd hand one for around £120?

If I buy a secondhand one what should I also buy to fit it ie seals etc?

Any help very much appreciated
Thanks
Woody

howardo · Nov 25, 2009

Don't just replace the diff without checking if the vcu is still working properly. The diffs usually fail because of a duff vcu or the wrong tyre set-up.
If you want to sell the car fit a secondhand one on it, if it is worth keeping fit a new one on it, but remember you could fit a new one on it and then some other massive failure could occur elsewhere.

reeflodge · Nov 25, 2009

Just phoned the garage to ask what made the Diff fail and he said that there was hardly any oil in it and what there was had probably been in there since it was new!!

I aked him to check the VCU and he said that it was fine and did not need changing.

I have found a company that supplies Recon Diffs for £300 so I am getting that rather than a 2nd hand one.

I am still suspicous that it went 2-3 weeks after the Diff Bushhes where changed.
Bit of a blow spending al this money before Xmas, my 2 sons will just have to make do with an old Diff to tinker with!!!

G13SJC · Nov 25, 2009

Be wary:

I had a similar problem and it turned out to be a wheel bearing after I had swapped the diff over. Luckily I obtained a reasonably priced rear diff, but still took 4 hours to swap over on my drive!!

Jack the rear and spin the wheels to check exactly where the noise is coming from.

Regards,

Steve

reeflodge · Nov 25, 2009

Thanks Steve
Its definetly the Diff, the drive shaft had almost popped out and the bearings were shot.

G13SJC · Nov 25, 2009

Ok matey - just checking.

I sold my fully working one for £112 on eBay. I started at £50 as some have sold for as little as that.

Another option is to remove the diff, VCU and propshafts as well as rear propshafts from diff to CV joint. This would render your vehicle 2WD, but should solve the noise. I may do this to mine if and when parts start to fail.....

Hope you manage to source a cheap unit - make sure you put the best oil in. I have used Lucas something (american brand) to GL5 spec £9 for a litre.

Regards,

Steve

reeflodge · Nov 25, 2009

Thanks Steve

Need 4x4 as I tow small boats sometimes

Freelander Diff Problem

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