So it turns out to be my differential that's on the way out

SamWise · Post by **SamWise** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 12:01 pm

My sense is that for a £300 car, that means the whole car is, really. Is there anyone here who would bother to replace a diff on an otherwise sound car? If so, I may have a cheap BX for you! I need to use it for a couple of weeks, but I think it's time to drive something different.

jonathan_dyane · Post by **jonathan_dyane** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 12:48 pm

Are you *sure* it's the diff? If it were me I wouldn't hesitate to fix it; what a car cost to buy and what it is *worth* are very different equations!

Why don't you have a shot at fixing it?

I have a BE3 gearbox shortly to become available which you are welcome to for nowt, but given that it will be out of a 306 TD you would have to swap the diffs not the whole box. (Unless you can convert a pull clutch system to conventional, I know not).

Not a terrible job surely!

DLM · Post by **DLM** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 12:56 pm

Sam - apologies if it's already been stated in an obvious place, but whose diagnosis is that? I've been offline a few days and can't see a reference to this diagnosis on the thread you started below, unless you took it to a trusted independent garage as suggested.

On the subject of the desirability of repairing, well usual bangernomics rules apply (including the use of used parts that aren't safety-critical), but for many owners of a BX diesel estate the utility aspect is seen as far more important than the purchase price or perceived value of the car.

Post by **mat_fenwick** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 1:12 pm

I'm with Jonathan on this one. I can't stand seeing things, which are repairable, go to waste. That said, if time and money (and experience) rule against the repair it's fair enough...
(I tend to be irrationally sentimental about vehicles I've had for a while - your choice!)

SamWise · Post by **SamWise** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 1:19 pm

I took it to a reliable Indy. They would have been happy to have some work fixing it, and they charged me nothing for the diagnosis. I think they're right.

I could keep it and change the diff, but it won't happen. I don't really have the skills, and I definitely don't have the time. Those who read the thread know I've been planning to trade over to a 106 diesel for the long distances anyway, but would have sold the BX. I'd much much much prefer not to scrap it, and it is driveable now, so if there's someone who can do the job and wants either the car or the £300-400 that it'd fetch working, I'd be happy to let them have it for scrap value.

I'm going to have to drive it for a little while as it is (it's seen getting on 4000 miles like this, so it'll go longer) as I don't have the cash for a replacement yet, and I need to estate capacity/roof bars for a camping trip week after next, so there's no immediate rush.

Kitch · Post by **Kitch** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:20 pm

I can't see how it's the diff. You've discounted the shafts, but never actually changed either of them, and I've encountered an identical problem on my own car since swapping the N/S shaft for a supposed 'good' one.

If it was the diff, you'd have creaking noises and possibly a reluctance to steer under heavy load. It's also worth noting the diff is easy to change....it can be done in situ.

Thirdly, and not intending to tell you what to do etc, but a 106 diesel on long trips? A bigger diesel car like the BX would not be much worse on the trips, it's around towns that the TUD's murder everything else for economy.
And then theres the fact you'd have to take a 106 diesel on a long trip! You've more patience than me

SamWise · Post by **SamWise** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:41 pm

Remember I had an AX diesel, and was happy with that, apart from the headroom.....

It'll get me up to 20 mpg more, and when you're talking about 3000 miles a month, that's a significant amount.

Kitch · Post by **Kitch** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:43 pm

Like I said, more patience.

Which garage did you take it to?

SamWise · Post by **SamWise** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:47 pm

Shirley Garage. Decent guys, and have done me proud with more than one bodgey repair to keep the cost down. If it was a driveshaft, they'd have said so and taken the money. There's no play in the driveshafts, they checked the wheel balance, and they drove it. I agree, I don't know what else it can be.

Kitch · Post by **Kitch** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:52 pm

Ah yeah I know them. Having no play in a shaft doesn't prove anything though...wobbling suggests it's out of balance due to being bent, or maybe a CV joint has failed and partially dislodged?

Could be diff, but I'd put my money on a shaft. The stresses of day to day driving over a long period of time can finish them off.

DavidRutherford · Post by **DavidRutherford** » Sat Jul 04, 2009 8:58 am

I have to say, I've never heard of a differential causing the symptoms you're describing. The only thing I can think that would cause vibration like you're describing is indeed a driveshaft.

I'd love to look over this car and work out what's up with it, but I don't have the time to come down to you, and I doubt you've the time to bring it up here...

SamWise · Post by **SamWise** » Sat Jul 04, 2009 6:21 pm

Actually, there might be a half chance next weekend, if that worked for you.