New/2nd hand reco'ed lsd diff

[CommieKal]

I'm having issues with my reco'ed hsv diff in my V6 99vt. I't had a bit of diff whine to start with but then my father borrowed it to go down to melbourne and had a rear right blowout at 110kph on the hwy narrowly missing 2 semi's and another car while getting from the right lane over to the shoulder on the left. now the diff sounds sick and even worse at anything over 65kph.

I'd like to know where i can buy a new or reco'ed LSD diff for my car. I've just got my license back (my bad) and found i do NOT want to drive it as it is.


Cheers

[scvs6]

Did you put the correct oil in the diff? LSD's need a special LSD oil and an additive. If you don't put LSD oil in, then it will damage the diff. I put LSD oil in my diff and its not even a LSD diff, I just don't put the additive in.

[CommieKal]

Fark me ! You see this is why i joined this site because i never would have known about putting oil in the diff. FYI I bought the car as it is. I don't know jack about the bigger mechanical things to do with cars except to say 'yup that don't sound right' etc etc. But I CAN troubleshoot and fix the minor easy stuff.

So, No i did not know that the diff needs to have it's oil lvl checked.

How do i check the oil lvl ? ( what part of the diff do i have to physically get to to check it ? I have the info the diff etc. I'll post it up when i find it.

What oil do i need ?

Should i drain the old oil and refill with new ?

Suttons is just down the road from me, should drop in and get the oil from them since its an hsv diff ?


Thanks for your help mate.

[CommieKal]

Hsv gts hydratrak lsd

[scvs6]

It all depends on how far the car has been driven. The damage could already be done and you might have to replace/reco the diff.

Anyway, to check the oil level in the diff, there is a check plug (30mm socket or spanner to undo it) located on the back of the diff towards the right hand side, half way up. When you take out the diff plug, oil should start coming out, and if it does, then there is enough oil in it, if not, then you need to top it up.

If you jack the back of the car up and put it on stands, then remove the diff check plug, then just stick your finger in and see if you can touch the oil.

The oil you need is SAF XA and you also need Sturaco 7098 additive and if you plan on changing the oil, then you will need at least 1.7 litres. You will probably only be able to buy it in 4 litre containers.

[DAKSTER]

You may find this thread useful. There is even a pic with fill and drain points.
Basically to fill a diff you just pump oil into the fill hole till it can hold no more, then stick the plug back in again.

VT SS DIFF PROBLEMS

EDIT: oops as above, posting at the same time I was.

[CommieKal]

Thanks a lot fellas. I'll get this done on the weekend and see how it goes.

[CommieKal]

Right... Well i checked the diff oil and there was heaps in there but figured id change it anyway since i bought the oil (and additive).

I had a good look at the oil that came out and it looked a bit too metallic for my looking. LOTS of metal shavings in it and it sounds just as bad. I'm now at the point that i don't want to drive it. no point in doing more damage.

Suttons Holden at Arncliff recommended a mob called 'Diff Technics' or 'Differential Technics' ( got it written down on my pad in the car) at Kogarah. I'm told they do new, recoed, and can reco my diff if it's salvageable.

Have you heard of them ?

cheers & thanks

[Dr HaxZaw]

Havent heard of them but then i've never blown a diff so i wouldnt have needed too

Must have been pretty bad to start getting metal shavings in the oil

[DevilDRake]

I got a guy down here that builds reco'd diffs with whatever gears you want and LSD for $950 and he posts them. My diff is awesome.

[Camerand6909]

My VU SS has done 470,000 km and had 2 diff rebuilds. Each time we found that the gears were OK, we just needed to replace the bearings.

Hope this helps a bit.

PS. The Engine has never been touched!

[CommieKal]

Thanks. I phoned Diff Technics and he said it sounds like the bearing is buggered. told me it would cost about $700. $800 if need to replace the bearing. I'll go down there today and get some more info from him before i go ahead with it so i know how much money i'm gonna be throwing at it and to make sure i've got the money before i hand the car over lol.

thanks again for the help... Cheers

[CommieKal]

Ok... Its gonna be $730 for a full service and to replace the bearing or $1015 for a worst case scenario if the diff is too shagged and i need a replacement.

I think that's pretty fair and the spare parts guys at Suttons Arncliff recommended them so i went with it. Dropped the car in today, should be ready on Thursday.