Rear Axle Overhaul

cormie

I got my mechanic to check my van after a whirring sound started when I'd been driving. I was writing different bits down as the mechanic was talking to me over the phone but I think it was something to do with the differential bearing on the rear axle and it will need a complete overhaul or a 2nd hand axle, which I've been told there's no way of knowing what issues could lie with a 2nd hand one so it's probably best to just overhaul. There are metal shreddings going through the oil or something along them lines. The front axle is fine.

Unfortunately he can't do such a job and has told me to look around for somebody who overhauls them. Is it a big job (could I wait while it's being done?) and what kind of cost would I be looking at would anyone know?

Any suggestions as to where to go to get it done appreciated!

cormie

Just posting back here to recommend Active Transmissions/gearbox.ie in Rathcoole. They squeezed me in at very short notice to get this sorted on time for a long trip. It was all done in a day and ready for collection the same evening. They even let me know that the ratio on my van was set for city driving from Factory to see if I wanted to change it given my usage, which I ended up doing so will save me money in the long run. I offered them a bit extra for fitting me in on such tight notice which they refused. Seems like a good honest set up and well run.

Was having trouble finding who does that kind of work so hopefully this will help anyone else in the same situation.

visual

What type of van was it ? And what was the cost ?

cormie

Ford Transit 2002 LWB High Roof RWD.

€650+VAT. Mechanic who diagnosed it and my other mechanic said it could be about €1K and that was just to fix it and not change the ratio issue.

visual

Seems like a good price

I would guess the parts used was a rebuild kit and they changed the axle ratio to suit.

cormie

Haven't a clue on that Sound seems to be gone, there was a howling wind reverberating off the roof rack on the drive home so can't be 100% sure just yet

visual

When I had bearing issues in a HI ace rear axle
The noise was most noticable decelerating in gear.

hi5

Did they re-calibrate the speedo too?

cormie

I'm not sure? What would not having that done mean?

Esel

hi5 wrote: »

Did they re-calibrate the speedo too?

cormie wrote: »

I'm not sure? What would not having that done mean?

I'm guessing it might be inaccurate?

cormie

Was thinking that myself as I saw ratio's and everything mentioned before with speedo accuracy but I think that was more to do with changing the radius of tyres used.

I was told I'd be able to get a higher top speed but from my driving since having it done, it doesn't seem to have changed much. Must give it a bit more testing.

Esel

You could check the speedometer against GPS.

cormie

It's funny the simple things you don't think of when you've 2 customers and their 3 dogs and 2 gerbils in the van with you on a move to France! Will do that later, cheers for the reminder