2016 KUN16 diff replacement

[pawnii]

Hi all,

I have a noob question.
How hard is it to replace a full diff assembly?

I've blown my diff, according to Lubemobile anyway, and am wondering if it's easy enough to replace myself if i source a used one somewhere?

I'm not bad with mechanical work. I do my own servicing and have installed an aftermarket turbo before.

Do you need any special tools to replace a full diff assembly?
Can it be done on a driveway without a hoist?
Looks as simple as dropping the old one out and installing the new one then doing the brake lines???

I've seen full diff assemblies on ebay, they include the brake drum even.

Thanks all

[Hilux Max]

you blew the 8.8" diff? How'd you manage that?

[pawnii]

i have no feaking idea mate. I've been hearing a bit of a noise around the wheel, it sounded like a wheel bearing was on its way out. The noise comes and goes so I didn't think much of it.
Then yesterday I went around the corner and i heard a massive grinding noise. I thought the brake pad exploded or something. when i stopped and looked under the car the inside of the rim was full of oil. I thought it was brake fluid but today the mobile mechanic took the wheel off and it was diff oil coming out of the end of the axle. he wiggled the axle and it was loose as. it moved about and inch in and outwards.

He told me the whole diff need to be changed.

I'm just trying to find out if i actually need the whole diff assembly changed or not. Or if i can replace it myself?

cheer

[Hilux Max]

That scenario sounds like a wheel bearing has let go. ive experienced the same thing on my N70 in the past. i doubt that it is the diff center that has let go.

just pull that axle out and take it to a shop to get new bearing pressed on. will be alot cheaper than changing the whole diff for nothing.

if the diff center let go, you'd know...it'd be banging and clanging and maybe even locked up. it wouldnt make your axle loose as it was.

[pawnii]

Thanks Hilux Max.
Would that also explain why the diff oil is leaking out of the axle into the brake drum?

[Hilux Max]

Yep.....blown wheel bearing will leak diff oil through the brake drum assy.

The wheel bearings themselves act as a seal between the inner axle seal. If your mechanic couldnt spot or know the difference, Id consider finding a new one.

[john253a]

Idd do both if the funds are there, that way you can drop the centre out and give it all a good clean,
You don't want the steal from the wheel bearing floating around the centre doing more damage then needed