Diff replacement - quoted $7000!?!?

Josh.wk · Post by **Josh.wk** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 12:38 pm

Hey all. New member here, I own a Subaru Impreza 2007 luxury edition (manual) now there's a few cosmetic modifications on it and it does look and sound very nice.

I took my car for its service to Subaru Wangara here in WA (only got 92k on the clock) and they said there was some diff noise and I was quoted $6,800 to get it replaced. WHAT THE EFFF!! I'm not a mechanical genius but surely not?

They also suggested replacing my rear right wheel bearing which I had done this morning but I can't believe how much they quoted me for the diff? There's an almost unnoticeable vibrating/humming sort of noise coming from the rear. How soon would you say I'd need this fixed if at all and am I mad for thinking the nearly $7k is ridiculous?

Any of your knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

Josh

EDIT: it's also to be noted that it is currently getting 4 brand new tyres on it and I haven't driven it again since the wheel bearing has been replaced so I am unsure if that has fixed the noise or not. I will let you know when I find out.

AndrewT · Post by **AndrewT** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 1:01 pm

I would say:

- Get a second opinion. At 92k I'd be surprised if a diff was worn enough to make noticeable noise.
- Call up Subaru spare parts and find out how much a replacement diff costs retail from them. it might cost that much...sometimes brand new parts just cost a fortune.
- If you really do need a replacement diff and buying one for 7 grand isn't an option, maybe a wrecker will have a good used one available for a reasonable price.

Post by **TOONGA** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 2:15 pm

that is ridiculous a top of the line lsd from the usa costs a third of that quote and probably a third of that quote in labour to install.

TOONGA

d_generate · Post by **d_generate** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 2:47 pm

If you have an R180 diff (not sure if only WRX have them) my son has an excellent R180 LSD sitting in his shed in Forrestfield you could probably have for $600, he was talked into buying it for his WRX when it was being re-built but is happy with the R160 LSD that's in it, if it's a 160 you should be able to pick a good one up for $250ish, just drive it till it starts getting noisy and have a replacement ready to pop in, should only be about $150 - $200 to fit the replacement.

Pretty unusual for an Impreza rear diff to go before they hit the 400,000k mark, serviced and treated ok they are pretty bullet proof unless you've been out there doing roll backs but even then there are two more diffs and a clutch to share the load.

Davidov · Post by **Davidov** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 2:52 pm

You can get a brand new from dealer EJ257 block for 3k from a dealer...there is no way in hell a diff will be anywhere near 7k surely.

Deffinately get it checked somewhere else. A diff shouldn't be close to needing replacement at that low kms.

Although for clarification was it front center or rear diff?

If it is front diff that makes sense as the gearbox needs to come out and be opened- very labour intensive so mega costly from a stealership.

Post by **yarney** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 7:08 pm

Welcome to the forum Josh
If you have done one bearing i would do the other
Most noises that come from the rear are bearings that i have found anyway

Jan

Post by **TOONGA** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 7:22 pm

I thought by now RSR555 would have made a post in this thread, as you are in WA I would get him to have a look over the car before you take it to anyone else.

The drive to Rockingham is well worth it.

TOONGA

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 9:01 pm

Hi and Welcome Josh

Holy snapping duck crap batman.. $7k for a diff.. is it Gold Plated LSD with Air Locker as well.

I think they are having a lend of you. If you're ever up for a drive, pop down to Rocko and I'll put your car on my hoist and let you know if I think you really need one.

I too recommend that you look at the other side wheel bearing, as they both would have done around the same amount of work. With my time with Subaru, I found that it's usually the LHR bearing that goes before the RHR but saying this, I haven't seen to many under 100,000kms have this issue.

Vibration can come from a number of things and the most common problem is tyres. I'd definitely look at the age and condition of your tyres, then go from there. I can also check this for you if needed? Remember that these models require all 4 tyres to be the same in every aspect of them.. i.e. size, wear and age. Even same size tyres but different brands can cause issues.

Let us know how it goes after you've had the new tyres fitted.

Cheers,
Paul

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 9:37 pm

Which diff are they talking about?

I'd wait until the tyres are swapped to see if there is any noise or vibration there - tyres can do all sorts of things and is usually the first place to look when talking about a vibration or sometimes a rumbling noise.

Paul will sort you out if you can visit him

Cheers

Bennie

NachaLuva · Post by **NachaLuva** » Mon Mar 03, 2014 5:02 pm

RSR 555 wrote: Holy snapping duck crap batman.. $7k for a diff.. is it Gold Plated LSD with Air Locker as well.

I think they are having a lend of you. If you're ever up for a drive, pop down to Rocko and I'll put your car on my hoist and let you know if I think you really need one.

I think it must be one of those "we don't want to do it so we'll charge like a wounded bull & if he bites then we'll be happy to do it for that price...& hit the casino as well!" type quotes

I too recommend that you look at the other side wheel bearing, as they both would have done around the same amount of work. With my time with Subaru, I found that it's usually the LHR bearing that goes before the RHR but saying this, I haven't seen to many under 100,000kms have this issue.

yep thats what happened with mine

I've always thought with bearings, brakes, etc, you always do both sides at the same time

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 9:14 pm

NachaLuva wrote:I've always thought with bearings, brakes, etc, you always do both sides at the same time

I certainly do this up front with bearings and brakes. I also try to do the same with balljoints, tie rods and tie rod ends.

The rear I'll do brakes together for pads/shoes, but if push comes to shove I've replaced one bearing or one slave cylinder (drum brakes) at a time.

Cheers

Bennie