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My diff has gone BANG!!

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2K views 21 replies 10 participants last post by  Jam5k1 
#1 ·
Evening folks,
I'm after some friendly advice regarding a suspected diff failure….
I pulled out onto a dual carriageway this afternoon, in first gear, put my foot down and BANG! I lose all drive and the car jolts a couple of times quite violently as I come to a stop. I turn the engine off and call the recovery guys. My car is a 156 GTA, Would you agree it sounds like my diff has just exploded??
I have read that this is not exactly rare on the 156 GTA's with the standard diff being sub standard.
What damage am I looking at? Both to the car and to my wallet!!? I'm devastated :depressed: The car has been dropped off at my local specialist so hoping they can look at it at this week. I know they are always busy though.
Just looking for any advice from you like minded Alfa maniacs please??
 
#2 ·
Sounds exactly like the diff.

Did the engine still fire up but no drive?
when mine went it fired the diff through the casing.

Box out job. Maybe weld up the hole and a replacement diff. Lsd to stop it and clear out the box.

Else replace the gearbox.

Either way if it is that its going to hurt the wallet even if you did it yourself.

Really sorry to hear. The diffs are made from cheese. More like when they go rather than if.
 
#4 ·
I didn't. I never paid much for it in the first place. So it got sold for spares as I needed the cash to do up the house. I regret selling it.But someone else ffitted a new box and thus its still on the road. Infact It was on ebay not long ago.

Really wish id just fixed it myself and kept it.

Yours us a gta though so worth more. Find a new box.
get a quote for a bew clutch and have rhem out in the replacement box.

If you can afford it have the q2 or equivalent fitted.

It'll cost alot. But will be worth it.
 
#5 ·
If it is the diff and its knackered the gearbox with a big whole , i have a 6 speed 2.5 gearbox which other gta owner's use for £100 + postage . could get it delivered straight to your garage.

See how it goes fingers crossed things won't be too bad , but just shout me if in need

good luck
 
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#8 ·
Jam5k1, If your budget can't stretch to an uprated diff then I have a used stock diff for sale. See my thread in the GTA lounge. It is in good condition in so far as it hasn't failed and there appears to be no signs of internal fatigue. I can send pics if needed. £110 and that includes delivery.



Because the Q2 didn't exist when the GTA came out!
 
#14 ·
They usually get fired through the casing.
If its inside it'll have chewed up the gears in the box...

Least in some ways when it does go it flys through the metal box. Taking the oil and swarf with it.
 
#17 ·
My 3-liter 166 did this last year, and you can be fairly sure there is a hole in the gearbox casing as well. I put in a Q2 diff in the replacement gearbox..

Had starter and alternator replaced as well, now they had things apart anyhow..

Alternator just died, but supplier is paying for initial install, replacement alternator and install, and return shipment!
 
#20 ·
All might not be lost, mine went last year, although the inside diff casing was scored there was no holes and damage to gearbox, the bigger bits of broken bevel gear were at the bottom of the casing and smaller bits of metal were stuck to the diff casing magnet. I replaced it with a Quaife diff (similar to Q2) and never looked back.
 
#22 ·
I've picked my beloved machine up today, new diff, new clutch, a couple of other bits that got done whilst the old girl was in bits and I'm one happy man! :biglaugh: I'd just like to thank evryone above for all your input and advice, much appreciated.
The car feels amazing absolutely believe the hype about the Quaife diff, stunning.
The biggest shout goes to Heath Road Garage in Sandbach, a great bunch of lads, especially Alfie :thumbup: Excellent service, so confident in taking my car there, they are a great garage and true enthusiasts, top work lads!!! :thumbup:
 
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