[AlexGSI2000]

Hi,

Ive recently purchased a 2.0D Xdrive F25, unbeknownst to me when purchasing (private sale), the front differential was bad.

I noticed I could smell gear oil after an hour of driving, on further inspection it turned out to be from the front differential.

I drained out the remaining fluid - around 100ml and topped off, the leak looked like it was coming from one of the output flanges.
I replaced the seal, but the leak was still just as bad.

I think the previous owner will have known about this and the diff is more than likely damaged. Im topping it off every couple of weeks for now.

My intention was to purchased a used diff, but they must be a common failure as used items are upwards of £1k.

As the car is relatively high mileage, Im trying to find a cheaper solution - Im not bothered about the front wheels being driven, so was wondering if I would get away with removing both front driveshafts and the propshaft from the transfer case?

Im assuming this could trigger all kinds of errors, so taken a look at the XDelete app from XHP.

Do you think this would work as a solution? Could do without needing to spend upwards of a grand on a used part.

Thanks.

[thetyrant]

Removing driveshafts and propshafts would be only way to isolate the diff fully from rotation.

You will need to check the wheel bearings are supported enough without the shafts in them though, some cars use the shaft to hold the assembly together, i guess you could take the outer CV joints off the front shafts, clean out all the grease and refit them into hubs etc though if that was case, you need to be sure wheel isnt going to fall off!

I dont think you would get any errors as pretty sure there is no sensors on the diff to confuse the ecu, only way to know is try it though.

Good luck