Rear Differential Repair

I am currently looking at buying a FL2 (2007/2008 vintage) and have been dismayed by the apparent number of reported failures with the rear differential unit pinion bearing. I will clearly checked the unit out for this current problem but on the assumption I may encounter it after purchasing the vehicle, can anyone tell me if they have performed the repair themselves. There appear to be a number of genuine LR repair kits on the market with upgraded bearing, seals and oil etc so someone believes it can be done outside of a LR Specialist or main dealer garage. I am a fairly competent DIY mechanic provided no specialist tools or jigs are required.

ive built a few freelander diffs ,no more difficult than others

LR did a recall on them, so if it fails they will generally cover the cost of a replacement, cars from 2011 onwards had a modified diff fitted from the factory

Hi SES88, when did LR do the recall on FL2's diff problems?
I have a 2008 model with 99000mls and a noisy diff but have had nothing from LR.

There has not been a recall on Freelander 2 rear doffs which is why you haven't had a notification of such!

LR's recall policy on FL2s was to let the ####ers fail and if the owners complain hard enough we'll replace it and still charge them an amount proportionate to the amount they complain.

Was the 'recall' a software update to the Haldex ?
Not sure if it is only for safety related items but there is a DVLA website which lists all recalls.

Exchange diffs available from Bell engineering, about £500 i think. Another £250 for them to fit. All prices approximate, check their website.

My diffs noisy, am waiting for it to go pop. Got extra noisy on a recent run to wales and back, had a few extra noisy miles on the M5 and then it reduces to its usual noise level.