Differential wear?

[jamesgarbett]

Just had my car in at the dealer to investigate a "new" noise
They've diagnosed a worn diff which needs replacing
Just wondering how common this is?

 

[Chippie]

I’ve heard that there can be problems with the diff, what’s the noise like, a high pitched wine? And what’s the mileage?

 

[jamesgarbett]

No not a whine - more of a slight sucking noise followed by a metal on metal sound
Doesn't coincide with the autobox changing gear or brakes or acceleration
I've got it into my head that it happens more on twisty roads but that could be my imagination

I didn't go out in the car with the technician but apparently they spotted it as soon as they drove it

Who knows it could be a different noise to the one I noticed

Anyway a new diff is on its way from Germany

Mileage is 65K

 

[tomscott]

Is the Dif sealed? BMW quote lifetime fluids but in reality its the "lifetime" of the car which tends to be (dont crucify) 100k 10 years from a general purpose lifetime. (although as we know will go far longer)

In the M its a serviceable part and just had my fluid changed with an inspection 2 which is every 30k. I would assume the Dif fluid can be changed without too much effort and would just keep on top of with the new Dif

 

[mcbutler]

Make sure they check the propshaft centre bearing before you pay out for a diff, they are around £50, if its worn the propshaft will be swinging side to side on twisty roads and making a noise.....
If the noises are not related to accelaration, decellaration in gear and the diff has oil in it I fail to see how they come to this diagnosis..

 

[warmasice]

Make sure they check the propshaft centre bearing before you pay out for a diff, they are around £50, if its worn the propshaft will be swinging side to side on twisty roads and making a noise.....
If the noises are not related to accelaration, decellaration in gear and the diff has oil in it I fail to see how they come to this diagnosis..

This. They'll need to drop the exhaust and heatshields to correctly diagnose, but it could well cost a lot less than a new diff.

 

[mcbutler]

Make sure they check the propshaft centre bearing before you pay out for a diff, they are around £50, if its worn the propshaft will be swinging side to side on twisty roads and making a noise.....
If the noises are not related to accelaration, decellaration in gear and the diff has oil in it I fail to see how they come to this diagnosis..

This. They'll need to drop the exhaust and heatshields to correctly diagnose, but it could well cost a lot less than a new diff.

My indy quoted me £1250 to supply and fit a brand new quaife limited slip diff, and on the 35 you have to cut the crown wheel teeth off and weld them to the new diff!!
Cant wait to see what BMW are going to charge the OP for their half witted fault diagnosis and second rate workmanship - still at least you get a free wash and polish!!!!

 

[jamesgarbett]

Thanks all

Thankfully it's covered under the AUC warranty

I just hope they've correctly diagnosed the noise

 

[Chippie]

Thanks all

Thankfully it's covered under the AUC warranty

I just hope they've correctly diagnosed the noise

Well if they haven’t I certainly hope they’re not going to charge you for it