[thedugger]

The front differential on my 4.0 SE is a bit noisy, especially when decellerating from 35-33 mph and from 55-50. It's a whirring/howling noise. Today, I changed the diff fluid which was pretty clean and only somewhat murky, but somewhat low on fluid.

As expected, no improvement on noise, but at least it's serviced! Note that there are no clunks when going into gear, had the u-joints checked and greased and mechanic said everything was really solid with no play (only 45K miles).

I'm thinking pinion bearings? I've heard mention of a "pre-load" pinion bearing...

Are there any possible adjustments? What would new bearings cost at a diff/trans shop?

 

[thedugger]

It's a 2000.

 

[thedugger]

Anyone know of a good differential shop around Philadelphia, I would love to have someone familiar with 4X4's/Rover's analyze that noise?

 

[thedugger]

Well, I found a good shop to check out that differential. That's all they do. He hooked up all the stethescopes, etc to check the noise and did confirm it was the front differential. Even let me hang out to show me the issue.

He's convinced it's the ring and pinion gear and not any bearing. While they rebuild them there, he determined it would be cheaper to get a rebuilt unit and replace.

Unfortunately, I won't pay the $1500 he quoted for the job.

I would be happy with a cheaper rebuilt or a decent used one at this point.

Anyone out there near Philadelphia and looking for some work!!?!?!?

 

[thedugger]

Well, I finally found a rover specialist and we're going to swap out the differentials. If it goes well, I'll be sure to provide the info on the repair shop, which at first impressions, was significantly more reasonable in pricing....$150 for the swap vs. $500 to $700 from other non-rover shops!

 

[thedugger]

RESOLVED FINALLY!!!

Well, Rovers of Collingdale, in Collingdale, PA swapped out my front differnential with a used one, all for $500, and the noise is gone!!! His labor rate came at 1/3 of the competition.

What a pleasure, and it was nice to deal with a friendly Rover specialist with fantastic prices. He blew the competition away and he is an advertiser right here on Rangerovers.net!! If you are in the Philadelphia area, I would reccommend.