Has anyone had the dreaded transaxle/diff failure?

Has anyone replaced theirs in advance of a failure?

 

Many have had the failure and Im considering the upgrade prior to the grenade going off.

 

Is it the 512 diff that goes in or some aftermarket one? Is it actually going to cost 15k?

 

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

 

Same here . Definatly a time bomb ready to go off !!!!! A must do on all Boxers.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

you may want to have a stiff drink before reading this...

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=112201

 

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?

 

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.

 

As you can imagine, I had many stiff drinks ... before, during AND after !

 

Oh I remember well Rob. Did you go the the FofCF Holiday party? I was only there for about 30 min.

 

did the 92TR's clear the Differential issue or is it still a problem with those too?

 

quill shaft from 512BB...
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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 €.

 

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...

 

Does somoene have a diagram of this? I kind of have a picture in my mind but I'm not sure it's correct.

 

I have a factory parts book that I can scan if someone else doesnt step up. I cant until tonight or tomorrow.

 

Does this help?
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Yes thanks. Which part is the welded part that fails? The left half?

 

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.
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Missed it. Maybe next year.

 

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

 

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.