Metal in the Diff - '06 MKiii

[jh.]

Still trying to find the fiance a proper Rover....do I run away from an '06 MKiii with 61k priced at $20k if they say there was metal shavings in the diff?

I know a simple fluid swap may clear that out...but should I be prepared for future issues? Wasn't there a diff recall on these?

Thanks.

 

[David Harris]

There were problems with the front diff, but I thought those were cleared up by '06.

 

[jh.]

I'm 5 hours away from this one and the closest Rover dealership to them is even further than that. Would metal in the diff scare you away from driving 5 hours for a test drive?

 

[David Harris]

I would just find one nearer that checks out OK. What led them to check for metal in the diff?

 

[jh.]

Problem is "nearer" out here rarely exists. I grew up in Chicago and at the time thought Champaign was southern illinois and years away. Now the closest Wal-Mart is 90 miles and the closest Rover dealership is 5 hours. I bought my Disco from 8 hours away.

Long story short, this is "close."

I believe they were doing routine 60k mile service and swapped the fluid. Not sure though. Good question.

 

[zelatore]

When I lived in the mid-west and played with Alfa Romeos, I found I was regularly traveling multi-state to find the cars I wanted. Being rural is great but there are some disadvantages.
I'd ask how much further are you willing to travel? I'd say any major city would have a much better selection than WY and at some point it might be worth doing a fly-n-buy just to open up your options. Or consider U-ship to have it brought to you if you don't have the time for a road trip. You would have a better selection, likely better pricing due to compititon, and more mechanics/dealers to handle an inspection for you.

 

[spikemd]

I find metal 'dust' on the magnetic drain plug in my diff every time I change it. Unless there are metals bits, I think it is normal. Have a pic? At least they are changing the diff oil!


From an LR3 diff change:

 

[jh.]

When I lived in the mid-west and played with Alfa Romeos, I found I was regularly traveling multi-state to find the cars I wanted. Being rural is great but there are some disadvantages.
I'd ask how much further are you willing to travel? I'd say any major city would have a much better selection than WY and at some point it might be worth doing a fly-n-buy just to open up your options. Or consider U-ship to have it brought to you if you don't have the time for a road trip. You would have a better selection, likely better pricing due to compititon, and more mechanics/dealers to handle an inspection for you.

I have looked at Uship and am surprised by the low cost nowadays. Shipping from Florida was only $1,300ish. We are open to flying out and doing a roadtrip as well...as soon as we find the right Rover we'll grab it. One big problem I've found with white rovers (her ideal color) is that they seem to have a propensity for 20"+ chrome wheels. That's an immediate deal breaker. This one isn't perfect for her (red), but has extremely low mileage for an '06. Also a 1 way car rental is only about $80...not terrible.

I find metal 'dust' on the magnetic drain plug in my diff every time I change it. Unless there are metals bits, I think it is normal. Have a pic? At least they are changing the diff oil!


From an LR3 diff change:

Thanks...that helps a lot. I asked if he had pics - highly doubt it but it's worth a shot.

 

[KyleT]

I paid a little more than that for my 06 hse luxury pkg with 64k and apco extended warranty in 2010...

I would offer way less.

 

[zelatore]

I'm in CA where everything costs more and paid about that for my '07 HSE/Lux/HD w/more miles from a local dealer right after Christmas '13. I felt like I probably over-paid but A-it had the HD package, B-although it wasn't white like the wife wanted, it wasn't black which was a deal-killer, C- the dealer just performed/updated all the major service work, and D-did I mention the wife wanted it?

 

[unseenone]

I wouldn't let it scare you away from the deal, just price it accordingly. The diffs eventually will need replacing, it's pretty standard. They develop rust due to moisture contamination, as well as coating separation internal to the diff. I can get you fixed up when the time comes, drop me a pm w e-mail.

You can see a picture of the bearings when worn out due to the above mentioned issues on this page.

It would be worthwhile to ignore the dealer service recommendations and change your differentials fluid every 30k miles, transfer case and transmission every 60k miles.

 

[jh.]

I wouldn't let it scare you away from the deal, just price it accordingly. The diffs eventually will need replacing, it's pretty standard. They develop rust due to moisture contamination, as well as coating separation internal to the diff. I can get you fixed up when the time comes, drop me a pm w e-mail.

You can see a picture of the bearings when worn out due to the above mentioned issues on this page.

It would be worthwhile to ignore the dealer service recommendations and change your differentials fluid every 30k miles, transfer case and transmission every 60k miles.

Thanks! I agree with the last sentence completely...but I'm at the mercy of the dreaded "previous owner" as LR has sufficiently priced their newer models completely out of my range. I'm pretty excited for LR4s to drop down to the $20-$25k range...but that may take another 2 years or so. In another thread I learned that an LR3 may be better for what I'M looking for (cargo space - I had discounted it because that's what I'm missing in my D2 and assumed that the LR3 would be smaller than the MKiii) but she still prefers a MKiii to a LR3...we both agree on the LR4.

 

[NCLRbear]

I have a '06 LR3 and I had the rear diff fluid changed at the dealer because I felt it was time. They said they found metal in the diff and that it needs to be replaced(over $5k). I disagree entirely. I feel a small vibration but it feels like its coming from the front right. Low and be-hold I have a front CV shaft that is a little loose there. They didn't say if the metal was found on the magnet either. She runs great. I think its pretty common thing and personally I wouldn't think much of it but every vehicle is different. I'm sure you could use it to knock a few bucks off though. If you're really worried ask if you can take it to the dealer and have it looked at. I know its really far for you but I think it would be worth it. My Land Rover dealer has a free 23 point inspection. I don't think that would be worth your time so I would make an appointment and have them do that as well as look at the diff. Good luck!

 

[spikemd]

The other thing to consider if you want an L322, is that LR came out with an electronically locking rear diff in 2007 as an option on HSE and standard on the supercharged. Similar to the HD package on an LR3/4. You can check the rear diff for the electronic actuator or call the dealer with the VIN. ARB is coming out with a true locking rear diff for the LR3/4 but don't expect that for the L322.

I am looking to replace our 4Runner with an L322 or LR3/4 for the wife this year. I also am looking ahead for it be my next overloading vehicle. There are very few aftermarket offroading accessories for the L322 but it is a great vehicle and I am partial to the full-size.

 

[unseenone]

I have a '06 LR3 and I had the rear diff fluid changed at the dealer because I felt it was time. They said they found metal in the diff and that it needs to be replaced(over $5k). I disagree entirely. I feel a small vibration but it feels like its coming from the front right. Low and be-hold I have a front CV shaft that is a little loose there. They didn't say if the metal was found on the magnet either.

Try Lucky8llc or British4x4outfitters at a fraction of the cost. I know Justin from lucky8 is a sponsor on the forums. Get a good independent.

We'll have to see how the ARB turns out when it materializes, and what the prices are like, but it is interesting for off road guys.