Differential problems.

[FujiwaraTofu]

The diff on my 94 Corolla LE is making noises, vibrating, and has excessive play. The lady that owned it before me had two different tire sizes on the front, pretty sure thats what caused most of the wear.

A lot of local shops say that they only replace the diff and tranny as a whole unit and will not replace just the diff, and I was told that I would need to take the engine and transmission out to access the diff, so I can not do it at home. Just wondering if any of you guys have any helpful suggestions, I don`t want to replace the tranny as it works fine, and I don`t really want to try to pull the engine by myself in my driveway.

[Dirty Dude]

Well, the transmission has to come completely apart in order to replace the differential and the engine has to come out to get the transmission out, so your options are limited.

[speedy25]

Trans and engine do NOT have to be removed as a unit.

With the price of parts and labor for a diff repair, a used unit would make more economic sense.

Two different size tires did not cause the problem.

-SP

[FujiwaraTofu]

I can get a new or used diff or a bearing kit for the one I have, but I can't pull the engine by myself, which is why I was considering getting a shop to do it. Problem is, most shops would charge more than the car is worth in labour charges. If there is some way that doesn't require pulling the engine/tranny that would be awesome, but I don't see how?

Sometimes I really miss working on the old beater RWD Celica with a 22R/5spd I used to own... so much easier...

[Dirty Dude]

Originally Posted by speedy25

1.) Trans and engine do NOT have to be removed as a unit.

2.) Two different size tires did not cause the problem.

1.) To pull the trans alone, doesn't the front crossmember and front suspension have to come out too? I had assumed that going through the bottom wouldn't really save any time or trouble, but maybe (hopefully) I'm mistaken. Still learning after all.

2.) I tend to agree.

Originally Posted by FujiwaraTofu

Sometimes I really miss working on the old beater RWD Celica with a 22R/5spd I used to own... so much easier...

That's one reason I don't have FWD vehicles as toys. I drive 'em for the economy and only turn wrenches for maintenance or repairs.

[speedy25]

Originally Posted by Dirty Dude

1.) To pull the trans alone, doesn't the front crossmember and front suspension have to come out too? I had assumed that going through the bottom wouldn't really save any time or trouble, but maybe (hopefully) I'm mistaken. Still learning after all.

I didnt. But of course all the write ups say you have to. I left the crossmember in and used a piece of wood to support the engine since the mounts attach to the transmission.

I think they say you have to remove the crossmember for the rear mount. I found a better way to remove it so you dont have to. Look for my DIY if you need that tip.

As the OP has noted the cost of work necessary may be much more than the worth of the car if he has to pay someone.

-SP