Thread: Diff Problems ! 2008 Defender

Not good Tim. I take it its a total failure then and its a flat bed to the dealers?

Post up how it goes with the repairs and any pic's of the damage. Hope your on the road again soon.

Originally Posted by BilboBoggles

The 4 pin P38a type diff was switched in to the Defenders at the MY02 model - the Extreme facelift model. I don't think they ever used them on the Discovery D1's, but perhaps they did on the D2's? I've been told they used the same diff in the Wolf Defenders, so I think they are pretty strong - certainly once I got the TD5 over a few months it's lasted well.

As was said a little earlier - I think these issues are due to crap workmanship.

They were only used in the NAS spec D2's that were also fitted with the 4.6V8. No D1's got them. They are also fitted to the 4.6 Rangie P38's.

Okay, so how many diffs do you need to change before you are outa warranty? Surely the Steelers are relaying these issues back to HQ? Is the solution to keep turning over diffs?

If the diffs fail for the reason that someone suggested - lack of proper QC under Ford stewardship and a suspect assembly process, how could you venture off road with them?

Is it as simple as blaming Ford? The plants producing these cars have always been LR, correct? If it is an assembly and QC issue, then it would appear to be a Land Rover issue - whether owned by BMW, Ford or Tata or whoever...

For a 4WD like the Defender that has been around for Aons to experience these kinds of problems, is a bit worrying to potential purchasers, along with water in fuel, the vacuum pump, the door and windscreen sealing, blah blah.

These are the kind of problems that you would rarely find in a car design and manufacture originating from Detroit. I am not about to lay the Yankee car vs British made car mantra on anyone here, as Yankee cars have their own set of quality issues - but, how many diff changes will it take to accept the conclusion that LR ought to take the manufacture entirely off shore - to China, Korea, India, HEY, even Australia - because they themselves cannot take it seriously.

I cant see myself shelling out $50K+ [if I had it] on a new LR, or punting on a used one.... it doesn't stop me from liking the car though...

Keep the old ones in a good nick is the way to go

I think you'll find that Land Rover jobbed the manufacture of the drive train out - so I don't think they own the production facilities for the drive train. I also was told that they just changed axle manufacturer due to QC issues. I believe there is also a shortage of diffs at the moment because of this change in manufacturer. So let's hope the new diffs are better!

Originally Posted by TimNZ

Fornt diff failed today, just reversing on a gravel surface and bang.

Tim ... Let them know that it is a Known issue, and ask for what has LR done to upgrade the specs to resolve the problem .... Cause that diff was like 'butter" .. too weak for it's job

Mike

Originally Posted by dm_td5

Not good Tim. I take it its a total failure then and its a flat bed to the dealers?

Post up how it goes with the repairs and any pic's of the damage. Hope your on the road again soon.

Hi Derek,
Dissapointing is what it is. I had the vehicle recovered from Harvey to Perth last night, then to the dealer this morning. I must say Land Rover road side assist is quite good, but then I expect they get a lot of practice.

The dealer is going to repair it so I doubt I'll be able to see what happened.

Sorry to hijack your thread Pete!!!

Cheers,

Tim

Great so I only have 2 rear diffs to go and 1 front now !