[SOTIRIOS]

Hello again,
i have sorrento 2005 Diesel XE Auto/Low, i live in Belgium and as i went to KIA service to fix one noise i had from the front they told me that there is a damage to the point where the front differential connects with the front shaft propeller and they have to replace the front differential with total cost 2200euros.
Please GEE6 or someone else can you tell me how can i find a cheaper way to solve my problem?
Do they sell used front differentials?
Meanwhile can i drive the car (the front shaft propeller is out) with safety?
Do i have also to pull out the fuse TCCS for the transfer case?
I am looking forward your answer:

 

[SOTIRIOS]

i found one used!!

i have been registered in "Choice 1" obviously a UK address and i found until now the cheapiest used front differential 400pounds,delivery 80,vat 96 total 576 pounds.Is it good price?What i have to be careful in order to buy the correct one?How much do you think they will ask for labour the enginner?

 

[gee6]

Get them to tell you exactly what the damage is that requires the front differential to be replaced.

Find a diff specialist .... not that Kia dealer - they apparently only know how to replace complete units. (It's easier for them and more cost to you and more profit.)

iirc the 'point where they connect' is a flange that can be removed from the diff and replaced. The flange shaft has bearings that can be replaced. Inner diff bearings can be replaced. Ring gear and pinions can be replaced. Unless the diff is taken apart, can't see how they can determine what is broken 'beyond repair' - complete replacement is their simple choice. BUT you don't want to pay dealer prices to find out what is broken inside!

 

[gee6]

?What i have to be careful in order to buy the correct one?

Don't reference 'XE'. UK XE spec is only manual transaxle, is substantially different, and you have TOD according to other posts. Make sure it is for TOD equipped pre-facelift and has 6 bolt flange as for your (missing) prop-shaft.

Don't know answers to your other questions.

 

[SOTIRIOS]

thank you again

gee6 i really appreciate your help to Greek person in North Europe.
Tuesday i have a date with a new engineer and i am going to explain to him if we can just replace what you described in order to avoid additional expences.

 

[jabermazzida]

Gee6... I just came across this and thought maybe you could help. My 2007 sorento with part time 4WD has had a problem with the front differential due to activating the 4WD accidentally while th ecar was doing over 70 mph. The diff blew the oil out but the car was still ok after my brother filled the diff with the oil.

The front wheels never engaged after that, it engages in the dashboard, but never on the front diff. We all were pretty sure it was a problem inside the differential and something was either broken or needs fixing.

Then, my brother decided to take the diff apart. He found that that part thats connected to the air pump s somehow not functioning. He suggested over the phone to reinstall it and the car will have a continiuos 4x4 that cantr be disengaged by the 4x4 switch.

He is going to send it to me so I try to find some specialist to fix it.

What do you think happened in the first place?

Thanks. Long story but more details.

 

[gee6]

1. You cannot drive your Sorento in continuous 4x4 mode. You will do more damage.

2. As to your original problem, I think you explained the cause.

3. I have only ever heard of the actuating diaphragm inside the diff failing (it's rubber type material and can tear), but that can be replaced. Otherwise you may have sheared something which might require a rebuild ..... don't know.

 

[jabermazzida]

Thanks Gee6. As soon as I get the differential, I will take a picture and post it here to help others.

By the way, I found a used differential for around $750. Kinda expensive but will keep looking and trying to fix this problem.

 

[LittleViking]

I am pretty new to the KIA 4x4 scene. I have owned 95 Suzuki, 81 Jeep CJ5 and an 81 Toyota Pick up (all 4X4's). I don't know if KIA offered different gear ratios for their differentials? If they did, you "MUST" make sure the gear ratio in the rear differential is the same as the gear ratio in the front differential you are replacing. Here is a great video to help you figure out what gear ratio you have.