Member Since: 11 Jan 2018
Location: Hull
Posts: 148
Front Diff Replacement on the drive - possible?
Hi there,
My front diff is moaning under acceleration and groaning on overrun - particularly noticeable about 50mph and on downhill sections of the motorway on the overrun.
So I've purchased a used diff from eBay and a rebuild kit. I'll attempt a rebuild in the coming weeks and then it'll be time to replace it.
My hunch is that it is possible to do this on big axle stands on the driveway, but can anyone confirm that it is indeed possible for the weekend warrior?
Many thanks,
Jonathan
12th Feb 2019 10:49 am
Parky63
Member Since: 10 Apr 2017
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 401
Jonathan,
I've got the groaning on overrun - mind you, it's been there since I got the vehicle nearly 2 years ago
I shall be watching this post with interest. From my reading on this subject the failed bearings are generally the outers so there's no need to get into the "internals". Good luck with the work.
Member Since: 28 Aug 2014
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 4400
I changed my front diff last June. I got a replacement with the intention of rebuilding my original diff, and swapping back, but the replacement one is so good, I can't see the point at the moment.
Make sure you get the right ratio diff, there are a number of differences (manual, auto, V8 )
Click image to enlarge
Click image to enlarge
Did my swap over in one day, in the garage, but still working off the floor. Fiddly, not impossible. I also didn't have to separate any of the suspension joint, which I had heard was necessary.
Member Since: 28 Aug 2014
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 4400
I did start to break the suspension joints, but my ball joint splitter would have damaged the rubber gaiter. I didn't want to add another job to the list!
Propshaft bolts were not a problem. Used the correct Torx socket (3/8" drive I think) while the front wheel were still on the ramps. Then lifted one wheel to rotate the prop to another position, and lowered the wheel back on to the ramp to hold the prop still.Richard
D3 SE 2007. Triumph 2.5Pi 1973. Ferguson TEA20 1948.
Discovery 2 4.0 ES 2001- Gone
Discovery 1 300Tdi ES '95 - Gone
Range Rover Classic '79 - Gone
12th Feb 2019 1:12 pm
jonathanrichards
Member Since: 11 Jan 2018
Location: Hull
Posts: 148
Cunning.
So you did the job with the wheels on and on ramps?
12th Feb 2019 1:14 pm
rrhool
Member Since: 28 Aug 2014
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 4400
After the front prop was removed, I had the car on axle stands, and the front wheels off. It gave me a bit more room to work.
It's really not the most difficult job, just time consuming.Richard
D3 SE 2007. Triumph 2.5Pi 1973. Ferguson TEA20 1948.
Discovery 2 4.0 ES 2001- Gone
Discovery 1 300Tdi ES '95 - Gone
Range Rover Classic '79 - Gone
12th Feb 2019 1:23 pm
jonathanrichards
Member Since: 11 Jan 2018
Location: Hull
Posts: 148
So how did you get the driveshafts out?!
12th Feb 2019 10:04 pm
Tripe
Member Since: 28 Jun 2015
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 285
Easy job to do on driveway, if you are still fit and flexible.
Take wheels off, seperate top ball joint and steering ball joint and you will be able to pull steering knuckle over enough to knock out drive shafts out of wheel hubs.
Then pullout drive shafts from the diff, I used a cold chisel as a wedge on LHS and tapped rhs out with Hammer.
Support diff with jack and remove all bolts and gently drop, but remember to seperate diff breather tube.
When you can fit your hand above diff.
The diff probably weighs 30 kgs, so it’s very top heavy, when trying to lower with the jack, you need two people at this stage, one to control jack and one to support diff.
13th Feb 2019 2:17 am
Bodsy Site Sponsor
Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
I used my (then) 8 year old to manage the jack when I dropped my on the drive. Bodsys Brake Bible
Clock/ SNOTM /3Flash / 4x4Info /BT Update /Service Reset/Error Codes / Gearbox Reset See It Here
13th Feb 2019 9:33 am
Tripe
Member Since: 28 Jun 2015
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 285
8 yo
I wasn’t that mean, I used a 13 yo
13th Feb 2019 11:47 am
jonathanrichards
Member Since: 11 Jan 2018
Location: Hull
Posts: 148
So did you leave the extension tube in place?
13th Feb 2019 12:39 pm
Tripe
Member Since: 28 Jun 2015
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 285
No, I seperated extension shaft, i turned it 180 degrees and it pulled out, As i wanted to install new oil seal + i wanted to check roller bearing as well
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
