Rear diff for lunch, anyone? *munch* *munch*

[elnevio]

There I was, pulling out of a junction at 8.10am this morning (not bat-out-of-hell stylee, either...), and I was greeted with a bit of a lurch immediately followed by a fair bit of clunking from the rear. So I pull over where I can, thinking, "flat-bed time!", so leave enough room in front of me for a recovery wagon .

Have a quick look under the back, to be greeted by a swiftly-growing puddle of oil, clearly pouring out of the diff.

Phone is on its last legs, but still call the AA for recovery. Phone dies as soon as I've finished the call, fortunately. Told to expect someone hopefully by 9.30am.

Then I remember my meeting at 9am. So I have to trudge off up the road to find a phone box to call work!

But I managed to do that, and get back without missing the AA man. Although I couldn't be entirely sure due to not being contactable on my mobile!

So, got trucked home, car's now on the drive, having created another puddle on the truck, and creating a further one on the drive too.

I have had a look underneath, and the pictures of my findings are attached, first one is as is, and the second one is marked up as follows:

A & B - cracks!
C & D - the bolts have been pushed out by about 1/4-inch. Bolt C has actually been pushed in by me slightly, prior to taking the picture.

I think all the ATF has now drained out of it...

[miller]

oh crap Nev, feel for you. If you need a hand swapping difs just give me a shout, im sure i can hand you the right spanners.

Gutted, and that diff oil looks a pretty decent colour too.

Mike

[Confused]

Damn, that sucks

[Atik]

Man, not good

Hope you can get it sorted soon.

[mesobitchy]

oops, and do you have a clue as to why this happened?

[Wodjno]

Sheeeet !! Sorry to hear this Nev

I don't know if your going to upgrade the diff or stay standard ?
But if u haven't already sorted a replacement ?
PSBarham has a couple of rear diffs ready to go

Cheers

Wodj

[Gowf]

Welcome to my world of pain nev. Although yours has failed far more spectacularly than mine (my casing was fine). I guess this does illustrate just how weak the rear diff casing is.

Gutted for you mate, esp at this time of year,

So whats the plan then nev another standard or you going on the sayc?

[mesobitchy]

get some chemical metal round it and cable ties, that should do the job

[Turbo_Steve]

SAYC! SAYC!

Nev.....

As miller says, if you're doing this on a week night (which I am sure you are!) then I'm around and have (some) tools with me.
We could probably even car share if Miller can hide his face whilst in the volvo.


Just a thought: is it possible that the bolts were loose....first?

[miller]

As miller says, if you're doing this on a week night (which I am sure you are!) then I'm around and have (some) tools with me.
We could probably even car share if Miller can hide his face whilst in the volvo.

Ill dig the balaclava out

[Wodjno]

This should be S-AYC

As S-AYC started from EVO 8 onwards.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/144-2004-Mitsu...item53de71505e

But best confirm 1st..

Cheers

Wodj

[elnevio]

Just a thought: is it possible that the bolts were loose....first?

I did think this initially, but it looks relatively obvious that the case has flexed, perhaps by a broken diff piece inside being wedged/trapped, and pushed those bolts out. I pushed the lower bolt back in slightly by hand, without turning it...


SAYC is a possibility, as I am looking at keeping the car for some time. Although I have a slight timescale issue, as the RVR is off for its new exhaust Saturday, so possibly down to just one car for the week! Even though that one car IS the Swift of Justice...


Either way, I'm doing my utmost to try and arrange this for Friday morning.

[pezza]

Gutted for you mate... That rear clunk that ends up under you right foot and the seat is truly horrible!


take comfort knowing that a few of us have been there and there will be enough parts around to get you back on the road. S-AYC is def worth a shot...

Always get you thinking 'did the car really just get round that bend/roundabout that easily?' It's great when being pursued!

After minor cosmetic work to the AYC diff, the only awkward thing is the filler for the gear oil!

It's definitely the way to go tho!

[chris g]

If you want a std diff from 2002 estate, Nick should have my old one...

Arrange to collect and its yours...

[Spirit]

Gutted for you mate.....bad at anytime, really bad this time of year. Good luck sorting it out mate

[bradc]

That sucks Nev! When you last changed the diff oil was there any red oil in the gear part of the diff?

[Ryan]

Bit of a bummer for you Nev but can take solace in the fact that you have a CVR-4 pit crew on standby

S-AYC wouldn't be a bad upgrade either

[aboo]

Gutted for you Nev. Hope you get it sorted with out to much hassle. Sounds like you have no shortage of help.

[psbarham]

gutted dude, but i do have a diff sat here awaiting a new home if you want it

[Nutter_John]

Spoke to Nev earlier and he was on his way to collect an AYC diff , sure he will update more later