Has anyone had the dreaded transaxle/diff failure? | FerrariChat

Has anyone had the dreaded transaxle/diff failure?

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by stevel48, Dec 12, 2006.

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  1. stevel48

    stevel48 Formula 3

    Jan 4, 2005
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    Steve (85 308 Owner)
    Has anyone replaced theirs in advance of a failure?
     
  2. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
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    Many have had the failure and Im considering the upgrade prior to the grenade going off.
     
  3. stevel48

    stevel48 Formula 3

    Jan 4, 2005
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    Is it the 512 diff that goes in or some aftermarket one? Is it actually going to cost 15k?
     
  4. ferraripete

    ferraripete F1 World Champ

    i had it! hated it...would not want to do it again!!
     
  5. PINNIN512

    PINNIN512 Formula 3

    Aug 30, 2002
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    David
    Same here . Definatly a time bomb ready to go off !!!!! A must do on all Boxers.
     
  6. Drew Altemara

    Drew Altemara Formula 3

    Feb 11, 2002
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    I had it at 5mph. Prior to the 512M (or maybe 512TR, not exactly sure), the differential was a two piece welded unit. The weld breaks, taking the differential side carrier with it and allowing the gears to walk around inside the case.

    The new unit is a single piece unit, I believe, updated to the 512 specification. I do not think it is aftermarket but am not sure.

    Rod Drew in CA , who T Rutlands uses do well over a dozen a year.

    That being said, I would not go out today and just have the differential repalced. You may want to consider it with the next engine out service.

    You will replace other stuff, like syncro rings, while you are in there. Yes it is around $15K with the engine out.

    Drew Altemara
     
  7. J.P.Sarti

    J.P.Sarti Guest

    May 23, 2005
    2,426
    does anyone know if you can inspect the diff via drain plug holes`or other methods to see the condition of the diff for any cracks or if it has been replaced?

    my car was modded to some extent mechanically by Zender so who knows what was done exactly
     
  8. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
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    The carrier has a bolt on end plate to access the internal gears and posi clutches and on the other end it has the welded end cap with bearing snout. what a crap design. The new design eliminates the welded end cap making a carrier like every other car design out there that doesnt fail. If someone has a borescope I think some inspection can be made but aside from that taking the back off the case or the side bearing support cover are the only other ways. Certianly something to inspect during an engine out. The aftermarket unit from Modena engineering in austrailia is $8500 cdn taxes in then you do the labour. Hurts either way.
     
  9. Simon^2

    Simon^2 F1 World Champ

    Oct 17, 2005
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  10. buzzm2005

    buzzm2005 Formula 3

    Aug 23, 2005
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    I just had one AFTER reading it.

    I'm having a major done on the BBi next month. Anything that can be examined to determine if a preemptive strike on the diff/trans should be performed?
     
  11. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    With the motor out the rear housing comes of easily. That gives good access for an inspection. Even getting the diff out at that point for a mag check is easy.
     
  12. testarob

    testarob F1 Rookie

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  13. Simon^2

    Simon^2 F1 World Champ

    Oct 17, 2005
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    Oh I remember well Rob. Did you go the the FofCF Holiday party? I was only there for about 30 min.
     
  14. bigme

    bigme Karting

    Nov 24, 2006
    98
    Illinois
    did the 92TR's clear the Differential issue or is it still a problem with those too?
     
  15. ferrarifixer

    ferrarifixer F1 Veteran
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    #15 ferrarifixer, Dec 14, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  16. poppy84

    poppy84 Formula Junior

    Oct 19, 2005
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    Andrea
    I've broken a transmission joint (I don't know exactly the word in English) on my BB Carb on last January. Replaced four joints for a total cost of about 1200 €.
     
  17. ferrarifixer

    ferrarifixer F1 Veteran
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    I believe 512M has the best diff... but on all the models they're weak around the bearing carrier journal... a 550 broke in same spot here in oz... lots of track/dyno work and on slicks though...
     
  18. Sean F.

    Sean F. F1 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2003
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    Does somoene have a diagram of this? I kind of have a picture in my mind but I'm not sure it's correct.
     
  19. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
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    I have a factory parts book that I can scan if someone else doesnt step up. I cant until tonight or tomorrow.
     
  20. Drew Altemara

    Drew Altemara Formula 3

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  21. Sean F.

    Sean F. F1 Rookie

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    Yes thanks. Which part is the welded part that fails? The left half?
     
  22. Drew Altemara

    Drew Altemara Formula 3

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    #22 Drew Altemara, Dec 14, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Yes, the left half. You can see this somewhat in the second picture of my prior post.

    You can also see a piece of the differential side carrrier (right side) that is blown out as a result of the pressure that is exerted on it when the weld breaks. Attached is a picture of the side carrier. Notice there is a chunk of it sitting at the bottom of the differential in the prior picture.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  23. testarob

    testarob F1 Rookie

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    Missed it. Maybe next year.
     
  24. Sean F.

    Sean F. F1 Rookie

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    Can one not remove the old one and have a piece cast and machined to replace it?
     
  25. stevel48

    stevel48 Formula 3

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    I had the same thought. I have a small foundary near me that I have used before on other non auto projects. it's possible. you jsut need a donor part to cast the mold.
     

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