F1: leaking rear diff - repairable?

2006 (56) Freelander 1 TD4. 185,000 miles, purchased new.

Hope you all can help.

Have had a leaking rear diff (seal) as an advisory for ages now. A pre-emptive top up every so often kept things in order.

More recently, had a grating/ chugging noise from the back and, luckily being near home, a top up did the trick.

Unfortunately, the grating/ top ups have increased in frequency - with only two weeks between the last two. So I'm thinking we must be close to the point of no return.

Happily, it's booked in for service/ MoT on October 23rd, and I can avoid driving it until then.

My question is:

Can a typical garage/ workshop replace the diff seal or will it need a new (or reconditioned) replacement unit?

Cheers,

Jack.

Hi and welcome.

Ar that mileage the cost of a remove and replace for a seal, depending which one, pinion at front is harder, would outweigh a good second hand or recon unit.

With the noises too it sounds like all is not well. Syphon out some oil and inspect it. Any signs of metal is a confirmation it is worn out.

If you do buy second hand and intend to keep the vehicle worth getting seals replaced before fitting. Nearly 20 yrs old from the latest of vehicles. Try to get lower than 100k.miles unit too.

Many thanks for the advice, and many apologies for the tardy response.

I've whacked a load of Lucas Heavy Duty Oil Stabiliser in there, which appears to be holding the fort at the moment, but it looks like I'll have to bite the bullet and source a reconditioned item (and VCU) for its appointment in October.

It's been a great, essentially trouble-free old bus, and I intend to run it to the death.

Thanks and apologies again.

Jack.