3.2 V6 Blown Diffs

Originally Posted by 147owner

Here's an interesting read on this issue:
http://www.austlii.edu.au//cgi-bin/d...ml?query=ATECO.

Some more detail on the diff problems, as explained to me: "One of the issues is that most open diffs have four planetary pinions. GTV / GTA diffs have only two. So when you light up a wheel there are only two planet pinions which can/may lead to inadequate lubrication of the planet pinion shaft. Once the chrome surface treatment on the shaft wears away it allows the planet pinion to "rattle' eventually leading to death of said diff."

I'm nearly positive I've seen a pic of a blown GTA diff on here with the remains of 4 planetary gears evident.

Originally Posted by DrLupo

Also I don't believe 147 GTA sold new anymore in Oz but 3.2 GT is. Haven't seen Q2 offered yet.

Q2 is available to order from any Alfa dealer but I was quoted A$1000 for one which is double the UK’s price. That’s why I will pick one up when I’m over there next month. Will I be the first car to have Q2 in down under?

that'd be cool. first in Oz.

do you have any idea on how much it would cost to fit the Q2. i'm curious, cos if i ever go down that pathway, the diff is gonna cost me AUS$1000 (not as lucky as you to be able to go and pick one up ) plus fitment. probably another $1000 through my alfa dealer.

It is true, there are more instances of this in Oz than the UK, it only seems to afflict the 147 and GT, despite being identical to the 156.

People use these diffs in race situations and they do not break, so I am leaning towards the fact that the quality of lubrication and the temperature is paramount to longevity of the unit.

Does the Quaife unit replace the parts identified as faulty? (I dont do gears!)

Originally Posted by cj romeo

Does the Quaife unit replace the parts identified as faulty? (I dont do gears!)

Yes.

Apart from heat and lubrication, I was also thinking VDC... GT 3.2 & 147 GTA has VDC, 156 GTA doesn't. Could there be any connection?

whats vdc?

Vehicle Dynamic Control

The 156 GTA only has traction control.

The diff will do a bit more work with VDC than just traction as spinning wheels are grabbed by the brakes - but not much.

I am thinking of one 147 GTA owner that tracks and drags his 147 to death and all he breaks is cluches, not diffs - so its not that weak

It's not uncommon for diff's to go under seemingly very stress free situations. This goes for clutch type diffs too, which f.ex have exploded in a supermarked car park.

Originally Posted by Peter K

Yes.

Apart from heat and lubrication, I was also thinking VDC... GT 3.2 & 147 GTA has VDC, 156 GTA doesn't. Could there be any connection?

I understand that there have been cases of 156 GTAs having the same issue. The problem is the design of the diff. Other factors may exacerbate it, but the diff design is marginal for the application.

Originally Posted by Chris155

I'm nearly positive I've seen a pic of a blown GTA diff on here with the remains of 4 planetary gears evident.

The gentleman concerned has the remains of his diff in his garage. He says there's just two.
My memory of seeing an exploded diagram of the diff only showed two also.

Originally Posted by shiny_car

that'd be cool. first in Oz.

do you have any idea on how much it would cost to fit the Q2. i'm curious, cos if i ever go down that pathway, the diff is gonna cost me AUS$1000 (not as lucky as you to be able to go and pick one up ) plus fitment. probably another $1000 through my alfa dealer.

I was quoted by my friendly service manager for around $700. Which dealer do you use Shiny?

Speaking to a mechanic friend who used to work for an Alfa dealership/service center in Australia, he said that there wasn't enough oil in the g'box, and this is one of the main problems which exaserbates the poor design. I think that's an interesting point.

Originally Posted by ABYSS

I was quoted by my friendly service manager for around $700. Which dealer do you use Shiny?

ok, not as bad as i'd thought.

i have bought and serviced my alfa's (156 and now GT) with Lance Dixon, Doncaster.

Originally Posted by 147owner

The gentleman concerned has the remains of his diff in his garage. He says there's just two.
My memory of seeing an exploded diagram of the diff only showed two also.

Nah, that's balderdash. They have 4. Definately.

ePER isn't too clear.
It lists two for the 2.5V6
A different shaft is listed for the 3.2, but no planet gears (although obviously it has them!)

Originally Posted by Chris155

Nah, that's balderdash. They have 4. Definately.

What Planet are you on?

Originally Posted by shiny_car

ok, not as bad as i'd thought.

i have bought and serviced my alfa's (156 and now GT) with Lance Dixon, Doncaster.

We are in the same boat mate. Talk to Damon about this. I used them for more than 6 years. Great service department.