I have a 2001 Discovery II that just suffered front end differential failure. The CV failed at about 30 MPH and everything is locked up. Lots of reddish liquid all over the ground. One shaft is loose and disconnected, I think it is the propeller shaft.

I had it flatbedded back home. Can I do something to be able to push it? The gear lever is stuck too. The CV on the transmission turns vey freely. Should I try to change the differential myself? Any ideas?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

I don't think your differential was the cause of your problem. What probably happened was that your drive shaft u joint broke and knocked a hole on the transmission case. That is the reason why you have red liquid all over the place, it is probably transmission fluid.

 

x2 i'm afraid

 

Perhaps the insurance company will accept that you hit a big rock or armadillo (armoured possum) and did this. (bad joke)

Did you have any noises leading up to this, like "chirps"? The CV grease is certainly not red, and there is basically just a few ounces of it. Tranny dipstick will tell the tale.

 

No dipstick on a d2, unfortunately.

 

look under your truck on the passenger side. You will likely find a hole or crack in the passenger side of the transmission. You will need to replace the tranny, start checking salvage yards. I know of a tranny with 16k miles on it in Utah, if that is close to you. You will also need a new front propshaft, get one with greaseable zerk fittings. If you look under your truck it will likely be hanging from the transfer case on one end and the front diff on the other. It probably broke at the double cardon joint. You may also need a new cat or O2 Sensor on the passenger side. Take some photos, we always like to see carnage. Sorry about your issue, it is never fun. Thankfully, you can get a good used tranny for $500 to $700, a front propshaft for $200 to $300 and probably $500 to $700 in labor and have it back on the road. Good luck. Phil

 

So basically, what everyone is saying is that the car is lunched and I should sell it for parts?

 

I'm in Pennsylvania. Any offers?

 

find a transmission and a front propshaft, find a mechanic or do it yourself and you are good to go for around $1500 +/- less than a new car or truck. How many miles are on your truck. What kind of shape is it in? How does it run, other than the apparent propshaft issue. Phil

 

It was running great with an occasional O2 sensor light on and off. The engine was overhauled when we bought it (got the paperwork). It has around 108,000 miles on it. Excellent shape except front bumper cover - slid into friend's bumper on ice - no other damage.

I imagine that the engine should still be OK - right?