Is buying a used diff a gamble???

[M100]

Hi all,

I have an 04, VY2 V6 wagon with 216,000kms. When I drive at any speed, I can hear the rear diff area howling, and whirring and it just sounds bloody awful. Ive looked around for diffs online and that and currently you can buy a 3.89 diff for about $950 fully reconditioned on Ebay. While this sounds good, with a baby on the way I don't have the $$$ to spend on that.

What I would like to know is, Im a bit weary of buying another diff from a wrecker because i dont know if im getting the same thing. I just want a quiet car again.

Have most you had good luck buying a diff from a wrecker? Ive changed the oil recently and its a tad quieter but not much really.

Thanks

 

[Sabbath']

It's a gamble yes. But you can generally pick them up for $150.

But...how many $150 diffs do you need to go through before you rebuild one so you know it's right?

I went through 6 diffs on my VT

4 rebuilds and 2 second handers. For the price of getting mine rebuilt i could have gotten a Reco one and probably with a warranty. Do it once, do it right.

 

[tim005]

I'm no expert on diffs mate, but I guess this goes for all things mechanical that can't be tested until installed.
You really don't know what you're getting until it's all fitted up to the car. Sure, the diff could be well and truely in good shape or if you luck out it could be the same or worse then your current set-up.
I had to re-built my LSD in my ute about a year ago. I considered buying a 2nd hand diff but I couldn't justify the risk associated with doing so.
I bit the bullet and forked over the cash to get it reconditioned properly and I haven't looked back !
Not really helpful advice, just my opinion.

 

[M100]

Thanks for the quick replys, its just what I was looking for. Ive seen diffs for sale for $150 up, usually with the with the notation of "comes from a low k car" etc. But then again who knows... I was thinking of a way to try and save some cash but then again id hate to have one fitted and it be the same or just a bit better. Seems like ill have to bite the bullet!

 

[SavVYute]

Hi all,

I have an 04, VY2 V6 wagon with 216,000kms. When I drive at any speed, I can hear the rear diff area howling, and whirring and it just sounds bloody awful. Ive looked around for diffs online and that and currently you can buy a 3.89 diff for about $950 fully reconditioned on Ebay. While this sounds good, with a baby on the way I don't have the $$$ to spend on that.

What I would like to know is, Im a bit weary of buying another diff from a wrecker because i dont know if im getting the same thing. I just want a quiet car again.

Have most you had good luck buying a diff from a wrecker? Ive changed the oil recently and its a tad quieter but not much really.

Thanks

Why not take it to a mechanic or diff joint and get a quote first.
The noises you're hearing might be wheel bearings centre bearing or uni joint.

 

[M100]

Ive taken it to my mechanic who reckons diff. But ill take it to a diff specialist also before I do anything. Although, I called up today and was quoted $800 for new bearings in my diff.

 

[Super_Low 91]

I gambled a wreckers diff in my VN, never had a problem with it, Was an LSD to an was factory tight right up until the day the car died, In future tho i will be buying new for the warranty and the fact that you can get far better diffs then the factory ones.

 

[vyseriesII]

I'm considering the second hand diff too. I look at it as you get what you pay for. And just keep fingers crossed lol