Disco 2 Diff Question

Is there an easy way to tell if a diff is worn out?

Shimsteriom said:

Is there an easy way to tell if a diff is worn out?

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1/ it becomes noisy.
2/ it becomes rough in operation.
3/ excess backlash between crown wheel and pinion.
4/ by speaking the words "this diff is worn out" and pointing in the direction of the diff, to another person.

So following on from the OPs question, if you jack up one wheel, how much free rotation of that wheel is acceptable before the propshaft rotates?
I recognise that this is a measure of total wear in one side of the axle not just the diff. So is there anyway other than stripping down to identify which element is worn?

Si Click said:

So following on from the OPs question, if you jack up one wheel, how much free rotation of that wheel is acceptable before the propshaft rotates?
I recognise that this is a measure of total wear in one side of the axle not just the diff. So is there anyway other than stripping down to identify which element is worn?

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You could jack up one wheel, chock the others put transmission into neutral and rotate the wheel feeling for roughness and listen for odd noises. Backlash is easier detected by just leaving transmission in neutral chocking wheels, climb under and grab hold of the driveshaft to whichever diff and rotate back and forth feeling for bearing roughness and check the rotation angular movement. As you have said this only gives the total drive slop but will still give an idea of bearing condition, e.g. really free movement of the pinion/drive shaft indicates loss of pinion bearing preload which can cause driveline noise and upset the pinion/crown wheel running clearances.
If it appears to have problems, the only certain way to check a diff centre for set up and worn parts is to pull it out and inspection on the bench ultimately.