Bad Diffs

[Houm_WA]

I did my rear as it was required at 75k (locking rear). I'm not sure if that included the center, the manual only specifies (locking differential). I'm probably going to do my front soon, per this discussion.

Neil, look at this thread...discouraging, especially this post:

A fact of life ............

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You'll be interested to know that the replacements are no better
than the originals . It was originally thought that the sealer flaked off
into the diff oil and caused gear-wearing. This is now known not to be
the cause of failures , because the replacements donot have this
coating , but also fail ! Bottom line ; crap diffs , even on late '09's !
This will continue on LR4 ....This is one of the many reasons I bought
36 months extended warranty.

http://www.lrrforums.com/showthread.php?t=16146&page=2

 

[Houm_WA]

Where can we go to see the verbiage in the TSB?

 

[Houm_WA]

That VIN range includes just about everybody! If someone can find the TSB, please post it. A simple Google search didn't result in anything.

 

[CMGRover]

I'll be going into the dealer soon for an oil change/ some other warranty stuff, I'll ask then.

 

[Houm_WA]

...spoke with Dave at Flatirons today. He is a great guy and was very helpful. He took the time to explain things in great detail to me, even though he knew I live in WA state and will not be visiting his shop ever.

The TSB replaces the breather caps with a part that reduces the pressure in the diff. Apparently they were blowing seals and leaking out their fluid (only about a quart) at a rate that made the leak not readily apparent. They run dry and then BAM!

I'm taking my LR3 in on Monday. Gonna examine the fluid. If it looks good we'll perform the TSB and away I go, $150. If the diff fluid shows signs of pending failure we may replace it and use my Geico MBI to cover it; $250.

Either way, better than payin for it in full a couple years down the road...

 

[Houm_WA]

PS - many thanks to those on this board that contributed to researching this issue.

 

[Trynian]

Interesting. Had mine service today at 53k. It has started to get slight seal seaping but not enough to drip.

At any rate my mechanic said the fluid looked terrible so it was good I had it done. I am pretty sure it feels smoother then before.

I will probably have the rear done on the next service.

 

[Houm_WA]

That new breather cap is a $12 - $15 part. You should have 'em fit it to your diff. I had my rear diff fluid replaced at 75k and my SA said it looked fine. I'm not nearly as worried about the rear as I am the front because it has been such a prevalent failure.

Regardless of the flluid condition in the front diff I'm having the new cap fitted....call it a $155 Flu shot for my LR3.

 

[CMGRover]

Thanks a lot...I'll have them do both breathers!

 

[Houm_WA]

Both? As far as I know there is only one. No TSB for the rear diff that I've heard of. ...or the center diff for that matter.