Differential Unit Replacement

[philthetorque]

I would just like to say a big hello to all menbers staff as I have just recently joined Two-Sixties and therefore new to this forum.

I have a differential unit that whines and clunks and decided it was now time to replace the irritable whaling thing. I have acquired a new diff and need to know the quickest/easiest way of wiggling the unit away from the sub-frame without having to remove the whole subframe etc as explained in MGR CD workshop service proseedure - ref Rear Axle & Final Drive - if any you have this proceedure to hand, as you know these proceedures can be a little ambiguous.

I believe that from recent forums one or two of you have attempted to replace the unit or had it replaced for you and if you can offer some sound advise on this subject it would be much appreciated. Although I may not attempt this proceedure myself, I would like take your advise along to a garage friend of mine that would be more qualified with the right tools to do the job.

Thanks,

Phil.

[Tim]

Guy has been the most recent and had to do his a few times as the first replacement was a duff unit. He'll be along to help I'm sure.

Welcome along Phil

[colintf]

Hi Phil and welcome.

Good luck with the Diff

[Herman]

Here's the link to Guy's post, but as the pictures show, the sub has to be dropped.

https://www.two-sixties.co.uk/mgoc26...highlight=diff

[philthetorque]

Ok, thanks for that guys, a start at least.
I notice from the pics in the posted link https://www.two-sixties.co.uk/mgoc26...highlight=diff that Guy virtually carried out a rear-end overhaul and obviously the diff was the main feature, so hopefully my actual diff proceedure wont be as comprehensive as Guy's. Look forward to Guy's imput when he arrives on the forum.

Phil.

[SVR]

I replaced the diff without removing subframe.Have to remove dampers etc and a bit of a wiggle but it will come out.bear in mind it weighs nearly 30 kilos

[philthetorque]

F.Y.I.
Differential replaced today in 2 1/2hrs @ £50/hr - no more clonks & clunks, appears to be a job well done. Not sure if the mechanic took the easiest route, but probably the shortest, by removing all drive and prop-shaft, Front & Rear Mounting plate bolts and finally manipulating the 30 kilo diff out of the Sub-frame.
The trick now is to be patient and meticulous with the running in period of 1500 miles with 1000mile oil drain-off and replenish with, I think, the Morris Lube Lodexol XFS 80w -140. And then continue with bed-in process for the next 500miles but with careful and varying amounts of speed and acceleration.

If any you are thinking of taking this on in the near future it?s not as daunting as you think and you don?t want to pay a certain OEM price from a well known part supplier, there is an alternative one, but I?m not sure how many units are still available, probably very few as these were on eBay recently.
Contact details as below:

Mark (Manager)
Mark (Parts Person)
South Lakeland Mini Centre
Barrow-in Furness
Tel: 01229 836638
mark@southlakesminis.com

If they want to know how you contacted them just say Phil bought one recently and gave me your details ? its ok guys, I?m not commission here.

Anyways, thanks to all for your advise/experiences/contribution ? every little helps.

Phil.