I bought my X308 a few weeks ago and had a 3hr drive home to get acquainted with her and any issues she had. One thing I noticed was if I pulled up and then immediately accelerated there was a big jolt from the rear, as if all the power came in at once.

i did some research and it appeared the first thing to do was to have a gearbox oil change. So I set about buying 7l of Mobil Esso LT71141 and a new filter & gasket. My local mechanic carried out the works as I wanted him to have a good check of the car while he had it as I also have a knock on the front suspension.

So the gearbox oil and filter have now been changed (and I have parts on order for the knocking, appears to be the anti roll bar links and bushes) so I decided to take her out yesterday on a good country Lane run as I live 10mins away from the Peak District.
the gearbox is running much, much better but the jolt is still there. I’ve spoken to my mechanic and he says that there is play in the diff and this is definitely what’s causing the issue and he knows someone who overhauls them for around £400.

Has anyone else had their differential overhauled or is it a case of maybe looking for a good used part?

 

the x308 diff is garbage and not worth rebuilding in any capacity. probably a
broken or heavily worn pinion

find a 3.27 diff out of an XJR6 and rebuild that

 

What do you mean by play exactly? Where was this play found

 

Hello Ashley,

I Purchased a beautiful 2001 XJ8, 114 K miles, perfect in every way except a bad diff. The car jerked and made klunking noises, badly.

The lubrication leaked out and the input pinon shaft (like Xalty said), and bearing surface wore out.

Several "expert" shops were not up to to do a rebuild. They also said that replacement parts were non existent.

I ended up getting a used differential from e bay for like 250 dollars. I installed it myself and changed the lubrication. (big job but not overly complex) (there's a lot of while I'm here I should stuff).

I have driven the car about 25 K miles over about 3 years with no problems.

I guess anytime you install a used part there is something of a gamble. I wonder if there is a way to test a dif before installing it.

Anyhow, used dif worked out for me.

jeffxj8

 

I've tracked down a guaranteed as working differential for £150 so this may be a big saving. I suppose its just another gamble, pay £400 and be ensured that the differential has been refurbed correctly or pay £150 and take a gamble on a scrap yard stating 'in perfect working order'!

 

What did you end up doing?

Isn't Sheffield known for metallurgy?:

and the Human League?

Jeffxj8

 

Unfortunately, nothing! I'm still waiting for my mechanic to let me know when he's free.