A trip to the dealer 2006 LR3 SE V8
 

Well I took the beast to the dealer today for a 105,000 mile tune up service. I wanted them to change all fluids including the diffs, and the Tranny. before they even started any work I get a call from them stating that my front diff needed to be replaced because it showed a leak and was making a little noise.??? Bearing?? They said I also need a tie rod assembly because mine was loose... Geezzzzz!!! $4400.00 total which included the original service. He also mentioned that my Air suspension would cost an extra $1500-$2000 to fix a slow leak(vehicle lowers to the drops if sat for a couple of nights especially when cold out, all four corners)

Here's the kicker... I have had this truck for about a month. other than the slow air leak somewhere, it drives awesome, no clunking in the front end, tight steering and I hear no noise coming from the front diff that I am aware of. I noticed that when it is cold in the morning and I start driving, 1st gear ramps up a bit before kicking in(This is why I wanted the tranny service done) but when fully warmed up it drives nice as can be..

Am I a victim of trying to be raped by the stealer?? At this point I told them to leave the truck un-touched and not do anything. I went at lunch to pick it up and the service manager told me that he guarantees all this stuff is bad and needs to be done. he told me to try and have the dealer that I purchased the truck from, pay for this work.This was after I told him I will not fork out that kind of cash.. WOW!!!

One thing I can say is,, For only having this truck a month, I love it and don't want to get rid of it. so what i am asking is, Should I just drive the thing as is or should I really be concerned?? Part of me thinks that I could do all the service myself if these are truly issues I have..

Any ideas or comments will be totally awesome... thanks in advance
:cool:

Well the main dealer is usually on some kind of commission so if the stuff really needs doing, you're going to pay through the nose for it. Ask around to find a non-franchise LR indie specialist in your area and get them to look it over. If you're out of warranty as I suspect you are, then your wallet will love you for a little leg work ;-)

They also want to replace things (they're fitters mostly not mechanics) so if there is a seal leak in your diff, they won't replace the seal, they replace the whole diff. There's a forum member on here who has access to rebuild kits if you search and again a good shop with experience of differentials could fix it much cheaper.

Second opinion is definitely the way to go for that kind of invoice.

do all your fluids and filters yourself and save some money:
https://landroverforums.com/forum/lr...4-0l-v6-52950/

after you change the front diff fluid, check the noise level again. It will probably be a lot better. You can even go with a heavier weight fluid to quiet it down and extend the life a bit. When you pull the plug it has a magnet; check to see if there's any chunks of metal. chunks = bad new, fine particulate = okay

the entire tie rod assembly?? I would think just the tie rod ends would need to be replaced if things were loose. Like STMCKNIG said, they're fitters and like to replace things; fix them economically, not so much.

also, click here to download the workshop manual set:
https://landroverforums.com/forum/lr...ownload-48834/

Where are you located?

Thanks for some direction. as far as noise I don't really hear anything as "noisy" per the dealer. I am in Grand Rapids Michigan and most places i have called don't want to touch LR's. There is one place that will, I took my Saab to him years ago,, so maybe he can shed some light.. I did find a Tech Service Bulletin about replacing to the new breather for the front diff.. It mentions that if a front diff leak was found then they need to change out the old breather cap to the new style and also replace the diff seal. My dealer said they will not repair and will only replace.. This bulletin was dated Nov. 2009 No.LTB00245

j~

jmcmurra,

I have also just purchased an LR3 and it does have a noisy diff, seems to be the front too, but its noticeable though especially with no load i.e. drive on flat road and select N and as the drive train unloads you will hear the diff start to complain as inertia tries to slow the truck down. AS the others have said check and replace your oils that may make a difference. I was quoted around $2.1K from the stealer just for a new diff alone - not fitted. I am also replacing one of my outer tie rod ends. Its unlikely you need to replace the entire set - a decent mechanic at an independent will confirm your problems - that's what I use.

As for the member who offers kits for the diffs, if anyone has their details please can they post them or at least PM me.

Cheers

I believe Spike555 is in GR. he should be able to point you in the right direction. I think there's a competent Indy shop that can work on Rovers in Grandville.

Oh, and I got the new diff breather from the dealer and replaced myself. My oil change thread link above has a write up and pictures. Super easy.

For diff rebuild parts, Todd aka "unseenone" is the man to contact...