Craddocks fitted a reconditioned diff about 10 days ago to a Freelander I was buying. I collected it last week to be greeted by what I thought was the sound of a failing bearing. Whines at slow speed, resonates at about 35-40 and you need ear plugs at 50mph! I called them and they said it was tyres. I was a little sceptical but changed the tyres as they are a fairly well respected independent land rover specialist.

https://www.johncraddockltd.co.uk/

Incidently, if anyone needs tyres, General Grabber GT's are on offer-£103 fitted at the moment for 235 60 R18 at my local tyre fitters, which is less than I paid 4 years ago!

Picked up the car after changing the tyres-no difference. I popped it over to the Independent I use and he suspects the diff has failed. He couldn't believe Craddocks had suggested it was tyres. I called Craddocks and there was no apology, they just agreed to change the diff if it has failed-they pretty much suggested it is a reconditioned part what do I expect? Has anyone else had a diff from them? They are having them shipped by the lorry load apparently which makes you wonder where they are getting them from.

Clearly I am pretty off with the service and shelling out for a set of tyres I didn't need (the fronts had 6mm on them and the dealer put a pair of part worn off another Freelander he was selling with 5mm on them-all pirelli scorpions). I asked if they test drove it prior to handing it back and they said they did. I questioned this given the level of noise, and they conceded it was only on local low speed roads. To be fair to them, they have got the Freelander back in for repair tomorrow but it is the hassle and unnecessary expense I am unhappy with. If it does turn out to be the diff, is it worth pursuing them for the cost of the tyres?

You have nothing to lose, make a big enough noise and they may agree, or at least pay something towards them.
Dont suppose you kept the tyres that came off? I'm guessing not? Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

2014 Orkney grey Freelander SD4 GS.
2004 Zambezi silver Discovery 2 Td5 (Gone)
1963 Surf blue Morris Mini Minor Super de Luxe (my little toy)

Has the wheel bearings been checked?.
Also if you have just bought this vehicle this problem should be sorted by them under warranty.

Unfortunately I didn't keep the tyres although the tyre fitter did comment on them being changed with so little wear. The car is under warranty so no expense to me-just a load of hassle. I knew there was a problem with the original diff as it hadn't been changed when I test drove the car. Post diff change it actually sounds worse-almost like an air-raid siren. It could be another bearing-my independent suggested that to-but he qualified that with it being highly unlikely and he was almost certain it was the diff.

The dealer I bought it from is standing by his reputation and will do whatever is required to sort the car out. To be fair to him, this wasn't his fault but, as with all used cars, you have reasonable rights for a refund now, even as a used buyer. I am well within my rights to reject the car and ask for a refund if the problem can't be resolved. I would obviously rather not do that, particularly as I have just put 4 new tyres on it.

I'm sure it will turn out well in the end , I've not had any diff issues with my two but chasing noises on my wife's has been fun , tyres , wheel bearings etc .

Mark 2009 FL2 TD4 SE (Sadly gone)
2007 FL2 TD4 GS (The wifes , gone after 8 great years)
2012 FL2 SD4 SPORT LE(Gone and missing it)
2015 DISCOVERY SPORT 2.2SD4 HSE (For now ?)
2014 Ford Bmax 1.0 ecoboost ( Gone but what next )
2014 Ford Focus 2.0tdci Zetec S

Labradorslave wrote:

Craddocks fitted a reconditioned diff

Craddocks have a service centre attached to their car sales/spares business. I have never used them for service work but they have been going for years so you would assume they are reasonably competent. The Freelander is with them at the moment so I should know tomorrow. The dealer I bought it from has a good reputation but purely sells cars and farms out the car prep to a local garage. They didn't fancy taking on the diff hence it going to Craddocks.

Well, every day is a school day. Ive bought spares from Craddocks for 20 years and never realised they did servicing as well.

In fact I was there last week buying a clutch bearing for my S3 Jules