My RR has been running really nicely, now at 128k miles, and the only issue with it (at the moment, it is a RR after all) is a whine from the rear diff from 40mph under load.

I have been looking for a low mileage used rear diff to become available and found one from a 60k mile car so I have ordered it and it should be here tomorrow.

I was just wondering if there is anything I need to know before changing it over?

Should you disconnect the battery etc. when doing work like this so it doesn't effect suspension level sensors? Or leave it connected?

Has anyone done one of these and know how long it should take?

Any special tools needed?


Sorry to ask what probably sound like basic questions, but I'm a clothing retailer not a mechanic. But my father in law has a garage and does lots of Isuzus 4x4s etc. and will probably ask me all these questions when I get there, so thought it best to ask beforehand.


It is a regular diff and not the e-diff btw.


Thanks all! Porsche 911 (996)
2015 BMW 5 Series Touring
Not got a LR of any kind at the mo, and got itchy feet.

here is the howto from RAVE for earlier models

http://www.fullfatrr.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10584/diff~0.pdf

Can't be that much different  .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

Cheers for that Joe, looks like it can done during lunch break!!  Porsche 911 (996)
2015 BMW 5 Series Touring
Not got a LR of any kind at the mo, and got itchy feet.

Might also be worthwhile getting new bushes for the diff, while you have it off, and of course some lovely new rear axle fluid. Make sure you can undo the filler plug before undoing the drain plug and draining it though. .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

Yeah, good idea.

I always check I can get the fill plug out before undoing the drain plug on everything. You only make that mistake once!  Porsche 911 (996)
2015 BMW 5 Series Touring
Not got a LR of any kind at the mo, and got itchy feet.

those few pages dont seem to mention the halfshafts out (or did I just not see that bit ? ) They'll need to come out the sides of the diff too.

The process doesn't look much different from the freelander 2 method. I was able to change the diff in that on a driveway using just a couple of jacks and axle props.

Hardest part is supporting the weight of the diff. They are heavy. for the freelander, I made a wooden bracket that spread the support of the jack to a few places on the diff, which kept it much steadier. V8 or else ...

Cheers for that.

I have a ramp and decent jack to drop it onto, so that should help.


I used partsgateway, and asked for any rear diffs from cars with less than 60k on them and got one for £330 delivered, so fingers crossed it is OK. Porsche 911 (996)
2015 BMW 5 Series Touring
Not got a LR of any kind at the mo, and got itchy feet.

Pulling the half-shafts back far enough with the hand-brake cables still attached was quite a struggle when my son and I swapped mine's open diff with an e-diff.
I made-up a lever for the initial release of the half-shaft clips.

Thanks for that. Porsche 911 (996)
2015 BMW 5 Series Touring
Not got a LR of any kind at the mo, and got itchy feet.

@ fisha, it is there, Page 2 items 12-14 and an image (only talks about one though ) .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

Ah ha! so it is! I was looking for pictures where the halfshaft slides right into the diff. Didn't realise the driveshafts just bolted onto the diff a bit like a propshaft. V8 or else ...

No they don't! Page 2 steps 17 and 18 refer to the half-shafts but no picture other than of the lower wishbone bolt to be removed.

We are all wrong!

Page 2, Steps 12-18  .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999