D4 Front Diff bearing failure

[Colin Pedersen]

Hi all,

Have a 2010 D4 3.0 SDV6 that has had a whining front end noise for a few months - kicks in at around 80kph. Initially thought it was a CV joint as I'd burst a boot some time ago and the grease had fliung itself all over the place. Pulled the CV out and it all checked out as OK - re greased and put it back in.

Finally took it to a driveline specialist last week who has some fancy sensing gear. I paid for a driveline overall health check and they did a great job of reviewing all the oils and fluids, bearings and rubbers etc. Once on the hoist and with a stetoscope they have confirmed that the front LHS Diff bearing is the culprit making the noise.

So - now I know what the problem is, what the best approach - has anyone had this issue? I did read that early D3's had a problem with paint in the Diff pealing away and contaminating the oil and bearing.

I can see there are Diff overhaul kits available from Paddocks for about $150..do I buy one of these and do an overhaul, or is it best to replace the whole diff? Also found a video that showed how to replace remove the diff...dosn't look like a driveway job!!

Any insights would be greatly appreciated,

col.

[Milton477]

My son had his rear diff replaced with a brand new unit. Cost around $1500 from memory.

[jonesy63]

Hi Colin,
Try this mob: Diff Gearbox Services | Award Diff (http://awarddiffgearboxservices.com.au/diff-overhaul-price-list/)
Cheers,
Rob

[IvanR]

Replaced a front diff on a mates D4 a few months ago with a secondhand unit. Took us a bit over half a day, which included chasing around getting oil and other bits and bobs. Did it in his garage but you will need some good jack stands (4) and a trolly jack. Also and idea to have have spare hub nuts as we stripped one on removal. Good informatin on Disco3. about how to do it. We forgot to take the EAS fuse out so the suspension played all sorts of tricks putting thinks back.

Ivan