So my FL2 has a whining noise from the rear. Car was serviced today and mechanic said it was coming from the rear diff. Especially on over run. Didn’t state the rear diff needed replacing as yet, as no evidence the bearing had completely failed as the oil in the diff was clear. My FL2 is 2011 model with 70K miles on the clock.

So how long should I leave the diff? Until the whining gets louder?

Or take the financial hit at Bell Engineering for a refurbished rear diff. I only do 5K miles, but the FL2 is in regular use towing a horse box.

Any advice would be grateful. Thanks in advance.

Phil

Give Austen a ring at Bell. He’ll put you straight without any bs.

Well driving home from work, heard a loud “twang” from front left of the FL2. On advice from Bell Engineering had to find some mud to play in. Front wheels were spinning up, until traction control kicked in. Then attempted to tow a friends horse box out of a field, again no power to rear wheels! Took the car to Candy’s 4x4 who confirmed the splines in the PTU had failed 😞 so waiting for the car to be fixed and the big bill.

What is a PTU?!

Power transfer unit, AKA "front diff".

Yes, sorry a Power Transfer Unit, pricey! £620 + VAT and fitting.

Mmm, sorry to break this to you, but it sounds like you're also going to have to replace that rear diff front pinion bearing as well...

I'd replace the diff if it's noisy. Mine seized solid just before Christmas, locking the rear wheels while I was going round a bend, which was rather scary.

To be fair, my diff had no oil in it, but that doesn't mean a noisy diff can't simply lock solid at some point too. Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate. The family car.
2009 Rimini Red SE TD4. Gone.
2006 Tonga Green i6 HSE. Gone.
Audi A5 convertible, my daily driver.
1972 Hillman Avenger GT, the project.

DorsetPhil wrote:

Yes, sorry a Power Transfer Unit, pricey! £620 + VAT and fitting.