Diff Problems ! 2008 Defender

[Pete1]

Hi every one !
Just got some bad news !
There has been a slight clicking noise coming from the rear diff area in my 2008 defender for a little while and I took it into the dealer ( also a Nissan agent ) .
Of course they said nothing happening back there. I wasnt convinced so I had an indepth look around and it WAS coming from the diff.
Went back and after another inspection by dealer the rear diff is WAY out of spec and is to be completely replaced ! It has done 17 000 km.
Good that it is being replaced .
Thought I should let you all know , should you have a similar noise.

[Scouse]

I know some of the early 2007 MY Defenders had a diff issue but I haven't heard of a 2008 having a problem. Let's hope yours is a one off.

[TimNZ]

Unfortunatley not Scouse, I'm on my 3rd.......

Tim

[Pete1]

Did it start as a small clicking noise ? Or something else?

[TimNZ]

No, they just whined badly on over-run and caused a transmission clunk, (more so than usual). Both times they started making noises within the first few hundred kilometers. I've done about 20k on the current diff without any problems.

Cheers,

Tim

[BilboBoggles]

Ditto my 2009 MY.. I'm on my second diff , and this one has clunked like crazy and hummed since I drove it home, so it will be back for a 3rd. Interestingly my TD5 Defender had three diffs in the first 10,000k's too. Same diff. It must cost them crap loads in repairs. I wonder if they jsut recycle them, ie clean themy up and send them out again in the hope that it works again.

[Pete1]

Why didnt they leave well alone and leave the old salsbury diff in them !

[TimNZ]

I'm going to get flamed for this, but the 4 pinion Rover Diff isn't that bad.

I believe the problem lies with LR's, (under Ford), lack of quality control. The diffs aren't failing within a few hundred k's from being weak, it's because they wern't put together properly.

Tim

[Pete1]

So what year did this particular diff come into being on Landrovers ?
Iam trying to remember what my 1996 300tdi Discovery had in it ?
Had 400 000km on that vehicle , never changed a universal ( except rubber donut) or had diff issues .

[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.

[TimNZ]

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

:(

[dmdigital]

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.

[Slunnie]

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.

[eksjay]

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...

[Chucaro]

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

[BilboBoggles]

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!

[mike 90 RR]

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

[TimNZ]

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

[Pete1]

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

[dullbird]

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.

Cheers,

Tim
won't they tell you whats failed tim? I mean if you ask!

[TimNZ]

won't they tell you whats failed tim? I mean if you ask!

I will ask, but they have been pretty cagey with all the other bits they have replaced.


Tim

[ATH]

I had a replacement rear diff in my Td5 Defender within a couple of thousand kays, it developed a strange click when going slow round corners.
I'm glad I didn't waste any money on a new Defender if there are so mnay issues with them.
But saying that I've got a mate with one and he loves it. no problems at all but then he doesn't read this forum or any other as he thinks they're depressing!:(
Happy motoring LR style.
Alan.

[BilboBoggles]

I think these are really just teething issue, I know my TD5 had a few but once through them then I am sure the PUMA will be as reliable, actually I think more reliable than the TD5 is. And the PUMA drives better than any other land rover I've driven so from that point of view it's worth it.

[Searover]

I will ask, but they have been pretty cagey with all the other bits they have replaced.


Tim

Thats why I had mine sent to Albany(460Km) for warranty work to be done!!!! Not always convenient for all.

[dullbird]

have to say our dealer is pretty good at letting us know what they have found and what was wrong etc

[Pete1]

As far as on road handling I would have to agree its far better , BUT as in my rough defender post I have to say on corrugations it isnt good. Also on sharp bumps the ride is harsh and the ABS is coming on .

[dullbird]

As far as on road handling I would have to agree its far better , BUT as in my rough defender post I have to say on corrugations it isnt good. Also on sharp bumps the ride is harsh and the ABS is coming on .
Abs or traction control?.....Abs should only come on when you hit the brakes hard if they are coming on on their own then you got something to worry about I would of thought

[dmdigital]

As far as on road handling I would have to agree its far better , BUT as in my rough defender post I have to say on corrugations it isnt good. Also on sharp bumps the ride is harsh and the ABS is coming on .
I have absolutely no problems on rough stuff, sharp bumps and corrugations. After the D2 I'm surprised how little the TC does activate.

[Pete1]

Yes traction control not ABS ! Had a brain fault there ! D2 ? Are you refering to the 1 after the 300tdi ? My 1996 300 was a far superior ride.

[dmdigital]

Yes traction control not ABS ! Had a brain fault there ! D2 ? Are you refering to the 1 after the 300tdi ? My 1996 300 was a far superior ride.
I had a 300Tdi Disco and then a 03MY Td5 Disco2. The D2's ABS was a lot better than the D1's but the TC would find any excuse to come on sometimes. I agree the D1 did ride better, I think its the shorter overhang at the rear that helps.

[Pete1]

If you have the time could you give guys me your opinion on my last post in Rough Defender please.

[Declan]

:twisted:Hi guys
New to this Defender forum have a D1 and thinking about trading in for a 08 Defender but with this talk about them doing diffs i am am having second thoughts.
I was under the believe that these trucks were near invincible and would go forever if you looked after them.
any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks Declan

[scarry]

would go forever if you looked after them.



So true

Keep reading through this site & you will find out buckets of good info on how to look after them properly:)

[scarry]

I wonder if installing an Air locker would resolve any diff problems ;)

[dmdigital]

I wonder if installing an Air locker would resolve any diff problems ;)
Good one, transfer the breaking of bits to the axles:twisted:

[TimNZ]

Good one, transfer the breaking of bits to the axles:twisted:

And it voids your drive train warranty, so the dealer tells me :( .

[TimNZ]

:twisted:Hi guys
New to this Defender forum have a D1 and thinking about trading in for a 08 Defender but with this talk about them doing diffs i am am having second thoughts.
I was under the believe that these trucks were near invincible and would go forever if you looked after them.
any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks Declan

Honestly they are a great vehicle, I wouldn't have anything else. You need to remember you generally only hear about problems on forums.

Cheers,

Tim

[Hastykiwi]

Tim, have you had any feedback from the dealer yet on your front diff?

Nick

[TimNZ]

A new diff has been ordered from the UK. Hopefully I'll get the car back next week :( I'll let you know what the story is when I get the car back.

Cheers,

Tim

[mike 90 RR]

Tim ... "Hit them up" with the fact that the rear Diff would be of the same quality ... Gonna change that one too?

[Scouse]

Tim ... "Hit them up" with the fact that the rear Diff would be of the same quality ... Gonna change that one too?Unfortunately, a dealer doesn't have an option as to what diff he fits. It's genuine parts only unless you want to supply your own diff for him to fit.
Many have had their diff replaced with no further problems but you don't hear about them.

[TimNZ]

Unfortunately, a dealer doesn't have an option as to what diff he fits. It's genuine parts only unless you want to supply your own diff for him to fit.
Many have had their diff replaced with no further problems but you don't hear about them.

What he said. I have asked the dealer if I can have an ARB center or similar fitted, but they won't do this as its not a genuine part. It can also cause warranty issues because it is not standard LR equipment.

Cheers,

Tim

[TimNZ]

I got the car back today, the cross pin had come out partially resulting in one of the "spider" gears coming adrift. Unfortunatley they wouldn't let me take any pics :(
On the plus side they fitted a four pinion diff as a replacement. So hopefully it's a goodun! :)

Cheers,

Tim

[dullbird]

errrrrrrrrr I thought all puma diffs were 4 pinion:confused:

weren't the p38 diffs 4 pinion as I believe we have the same diffs as them

[discowhite]

errrrrrrrrr I thought all puma diffs were 4 pinion:confused:

weren't the p38 diffs 4 pinion as I believe we have the same diffs as them

nope! they were 1 pinion and 4 pin.

cheers phil

[bully130]

Glad to here that you are back on the road again:D Should do another trip soon Cheers Ian

[dullbird]

nope! they were 1 pinion and 4 pin.

cheers phil

oh 1 on the front and 4 on the back?

[Scallops]

The Puma rear diff is 4 pin. Front 2 pin.

[discowhite]

oh 1 on the front and 4 on the back?
4 Pin Diff Carrier (http://www.kamdiffs.com/4_pindiffcarrier.htm)

cross pins are for the sun gears, sun gears drive the axles, the pinion drives the crown wheel.

cheers phil