hmmm... well did the quote include replacement of the ring and pinion... I assume not... because I understand that they are expensive... 

----- Start Original Message -----
From: John Bange <jbange@GMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Differential cost of replacing seals....

> > Anyone have any idea how much it should cost to have differential seals replaced and the bearing replaced... I have a quote for the AT part (rebuilding..) but the shop sends the diff out to someone else...,
> 
> I got a quote for $300 from German Transaxle in Oregon for a complete
> rebuild of the final drive unit, so I definitely wouildn't pay much
> more than that. It might not be much less than that either, though, as
> changing the pinion bearing races requires removing the pinion shaft,
> which requires pretty extensive disassembly.
> 
> > 
> > Also, am I right in thinking that you have to remove the transmission to remove the diff???
> 
> Indeed. The final drive/differential unit is that 100 pound cast-iron
> monster between the engine and transmission where the axles attach.
> You have to separate the diff/tranny assembly from the engine and drop
> it as a single unit, then separate the differential and transmission
> later, after you drag it out from underneath.
>  
> On a side note, while the transmission is out is a good time to go
> underneath there with a work light and inspect all those coolant hoses
> you can't normally get at.
> 

----- End Original Message -----