Still got my whining front diff. Was diagnosed at 74k when I purchased the vehicle, changed fluids, updated breather, and now at 91k I really need to deal with this. Noise has not gotten worse since diagnosis.

Current LR dealer quoted around $3000-4000 to replace the differential, but did say if I brought him a diff he'd just charge me labor. Should I get an overhaul kit and go for broke hoping it solves the issue? Below is an example of the available kit, not the best price but a good indicator. I do have a possible importer for UK parts so it may be even cheaper.

Front Differential Overhaul/Repair Kit

OR should I just get a refurb/rebuilt unit from roverland or other?

EDIT: I will be getting in some LR spec oil to drain and refill the front again in the next week or so. Will check to see quality of fluid. IF fluid is clean, is this a vote for the overhaul kit? maybe just a bad bearing?

 

If you are going to spend the money on labor, why not upgrade to an ARB locking diff?

ARB Air Locker - Land Rover LR3 LR4 Front (RD217)

 

I sell that same kit for $260/delivered. All Timken bearings and Corteco Seals

 

Erik, You need to confirm that. ARB charges $999 and I dont see anywhere else on the web for under $1K for the differential. OR, I you just selling the bearing kit? My ARB diff came with bearings (The note on the ARB site says not all do). Thanks!

 

DavC, I would just swap the diff out with another one... you can get a good used diff from eBay or your local wrecker for 80.00 and the swap is simple (ish). I swapped the rear diff in about an hour and a half. Front will be a little more work, but you can do the whole thing your self and save some $$ for other things on your Disco.

Also to help quiet the diff noise down, go with 75-140. It will quiet down the whining... but first make sure that the diff is in good order.

Just a thought, also you can get a truetrac locker for 300 - 400 then do the swap your self.

Either way, good luck and let us know how it goes

Cheers!!

 

I'm in need of new diffs front and rear I want to do it myself. Seems doable for someone who has never done it before. My only question is. Do the half shafts just pull out of the diff??

 

I'm basically going the same route as the OP (rebuilding the rear diff) my problem is I can't have the down time so I'm looking for a used diff, to run temporarily, while I rebuild my diff.

The reason why I quoted the post above is there is no way you getting a used LR3 diff for under $300 for the front and much less than $400 for the rear.

 

You will have to use a brass hammer and hit on the half shaft in the direction it comes of. They come out pretty easily.

 

This is a good idea and wish I had done this rather than replacing. How do you know if you're getting a good diff from a wrecker? If used, is it a reasonable job to replace the bearings or is special equipment required?

 

Guess have me drain it before they pull it so you can see the metal or contaminated fluid