My MY2011 Freelander 2 has gone through its third rear differential in 135 000km.
The last time the pinion bearing was replaced (with Timken bearings) the Haldex wasn’t filled adequately and gave trouble (clunking when reversing and turning).

This was rectified by cleaning the filters and pump and filling it correctly. The Gen 4 ECU was updated with the latest software.
That was 30000km ago. Now the Rear differential has gone againa ndvthere amid metallic shavings in both the Haldex and differential oil.

So I feel I should replace both the Haldex and the differential.

I know Bell Engineering has been upgrading the pinion bearing with bigger bearings.
Bristol Transmissions also say on their site that they put in bigger bearings which they tell me are 5mm deeper bearings accommodated by a smaller spacer.

Can someone please tell me if this is necessary and what is meant by “bigger bearings”. Also are there any haldex mods that are necessary.

I don’t want to change the differential every 30000km!!!

Simply put, a bigger bearing can carry a larger load. Like the difference between a match stick and a 6" branch. MY13 Santorini Black SD4 HSE

I believe I read the updated bearing installed by Bell Engineering is 30% stronger/more durable etc. Regards

David

Lovely i6 has now gone, but not me......

Please let me know if anything in my post offends you, as I may wish to offend you again......

Thanks - the pinion “bearing” is a circular based prism with a hollow, somewhat like a donut.

What I am asking is whether the upgraded bearing is larger in diameter or in thickness.

I am also asking whether Bell Engineering and Bristol transmissions are doing the same thing.

Bristol transmissions have told me they put in a thinner crush sleeve to accomodate the larger bearing, which is 5mm thicker than the original. I am wondering if this is the same as what Bell do?

If it's just "bigger" but the same type i.e. single row ball bearing, then it'll be bigger in all dimensions except the internal diameter.
https://www.nbcbearings.com/common/images/...iagram.jpg

If they've just gone wider then they might be fitting a double row ball bearing.
https://www.bearing-king.co.uk/data/images/38881.jpg MY13 Santorini Black SD4 HSE

What are the key signs of the bearing going?

Humming, rumbling, what should one look for?

blacktiger wrote:

If it's just "bigger" but the same type i.e. single row ball bearing, then it'll be bigger in all dimensions except the internal diameter.
https://www.nbcbearings.com/common/images/...iagram.jpg

If they've just gone wider then they might be fitting a double row ball bearing.
https://www.bearing-king.co.uk/data/images/38881.jpg

Cobramark wrote:

What are the key signs of the bearing going?

Humming, rumbling, what should one look for?

Yeah, but that means using the search function and asking the right questions. Some people just want everything given to them on a plate.
A plate of my reply follows!
Symptoms are road speed variable droning that can come and go. Can be confused with noise from part worn tyres, wheel bearings can give noise dependant on loading with no apparent play.
Even Austen from Bell Engineering wasn’t sure about the state of my diff’ bearing until he’d dismantled said diff’ and showed me the uneven wear in the bearing.

Last edited by BossBob on 17th May 2019 7:48 pm. Edited 1 time in total

The easiest way to confirm if the diff or wheel bearings are shot, is to use a set of chassis ears, these will identify a faulty bearing in an instant. (Now Sold). 2008 Freelander 2 (Nazca Sand) SE TD4 Auto. Statutory write off & on WOVR for hail damage but still road legal.
171037Km as of 09/05/22
Superchips Bluefin Flash
Nanocom Evo II (also sold)

^^ what he said. Preferably Steelmans (wireless) MY13 HSE Lux.......faultless since new.

Badger51 wrote:

blacktiger wrote:

If it's just "bigger" but the same type i.e. single row ball bearing, then it'll be bigger in all dimensions except the internal diameter.
https://www.nbcbearings.com/common/images/...iagram.jpg

If they've just gone wider then they might be fitting a double row ball bearing.
https://www.bearing-king.co.uk/data/images/38881.jpg

The diff bearings are taper roller bearings, not ball bearings!

Badger51 wrote:

blacktiger wrote:

If it's just "bigger" but the same type i.e. single row ball bearing, then it'll be bigger in all dimensions except the internal diameter.
https://www.nbcbearings.com/common/images/...iagram.jpg

If they've just gone wider then they might be fitting a double row ball bearing.
https://www.bearing-king.co.uk/data/images/38881.jpg

The diff bearings are taper roller bearings, not ball bearings!

Thank you all for your answers.

I am going to get the differential modified with bigger bearings and replace my probably faulty Haldex, keep my fingers crossed and hope that I don’t have to replace to diff every 30-50000 km!!

To install a wider bearing, the housing need to be modified to accept the wider bearing together with a smaller crush spacer. Austen does this modification. Its a misunderstood thing that you can just install a larger/wider bearing into the unit as-is.
Seems to me that the later diffs with a wider bearing also fails.

You may find some usefull info regarding the rear diff rebuild here: http://www.freel2.com/forum/topic29814.html