Failure of Differential

Danger Phoenix · 14 Jan 2011 at 13:44

I have been told that the Differential on a Automatic Transmission Toyota Corolla has is failing after 36,000 miles.

What is the average lifespan in miles for an automatic transmission, and is there anything I could have done in terms of how I drive that could cause it to fail after only 5 years and 36,000 miles?

Confused · 14 Jan 2011 at 14:11

Do you keep putting the box between Drive and Neutral every time you come to a stop?

I've known a person who did this, and ended up destroying 3 gearboxes on 3 cars...

However, it could be any number of things, and maybe not even that (if you do it)

JRS · 14 Jan 2011 at 14:21

Danger Phoenix said:
What is the average lifespan in miles for an automatic transmission

Depends really. Some manufacturers (Chrysler for one, with the TorqueFlite 'box) can make an auto 'box that lasts for decades if the fluid is changed once in a while. Some (looking at you, Vauxhall....) can't even make one hold together for 30k.

Danger Phoenix said:
and is there anything I could have done in terms of how I drive that could cause it to fail after only 5 years and 36,000 miles?

Again, depends really. How have you driven it?

markweatherill · 14 Jan 2011 at 14:21

Confused said:
Do you keep putting the box between Drive and Neutral every time you come to a stop?

I've known a person who did this, and ended up destroying 3 gearboxes on 3 cars...

However, it could be any number of things, and maybe not even that (if you do it)

Hey, I do that! And never destroyed any of my transmissions.

I think the life of a modern automatic gearbox is at least that of a modern engine, but I do recall a thread from last year in which some eminent persons did say that small automatics are hugely unreliable. So this vindicates them!

What are the symptoms in this case please?

tigerstyle · 14 Jan 2011 at 14:26

markweatherill said:
Hey, I do that! And never destroyed any of my transmissions.

But you're totally ruining them in the process!

Shifting out of D all the time is what hurts the things, leave it in and be done with it, the makers of the box know more than someone who thinks shifting into N coasting to traffic lights is 'saving money'

To OP, could the diff be semi separate from the auto box? Another issue?

markweatherill · 14 Jan 2011 at 14:52

thepedster said:
someone who thinks shifting into N coasting to traffic lights is 'saving money'

...and I don't do that! Only go to N at a stop. And that hasn't totally ruined any of my cars.

Danger Phoenix · 14 Jan 2011 at 17:46

I don't change it to neutral when I come to a stop, so it can't be that. I would say I drive normally... don't drive too fast or accelerate like a lunatic.

I am not sure if the Transmission and the Differential are one unit, but I am guessing they are because the mechanic said that it will cost around £1500 plus labour, which is about the normal cost of a new Automatic Transmission.

4T5 · 14 Jan 2011 at 17:50

I can't believe that Toyota would just hang you out to dry when the cars only done 36k, I'd be having the car back to Toyota asking what the **** is going on.
Need more info!

DM · 14 Jan 2011 at 17:54

If you have serviced that car at the main dealer i would be camping out for a good will gesture.

Danger Phoenix · 14 Jan 2011 at 17:55

Well as soon as I noticed the problem I took it to the nearest Toyota Service Centre and they charged me £30 to tell me that they didn't know what the issue was. A local mechanic didn't charge me a penny for a test drive and a quick examination, and told me that it was the differential.

When I get home from holiday, I am going to take it to my local Toyota Service Centre and if they find out the issue is the Differential then I am going to demand the £30 back.

Danger Phoenix · 14 Jan 2011 at 17:57

DiamondMark said:
If you have serviced that car at the main dealer i would be camping out for a good will gesture.

Yes, the car was bought from Currie Motors in Twickenham in June 2005, and has been serviced there every year... we have even taken out 2 year service plans.

4T5 · 14 Jan 2011 at 17:57

Never mind the 30 quid, Demand they sort your Motor out, As Mark says if it's been dealer serviced no way should the box or diff be fubared in 36k.
Toyota pride themselves on After sales so use it.

DM · 14 Jan 2011 at 18:00

4T5 said:
Never mind the 30 quid, Demand they sort your Motor out, As Mark says if it's been dealer serviced no way should the box or diff be fubared in 36k.
Toyota pride themselves on After sales so use it.

See that s how i view these things but you are at the mercy of a good will gesture.

If you get no joy with the place you bought it, you need to get on to Toyota UK and present your case to them.

markweatherill · 14 Jan 2011 at 18:25

Danger Phoenix said:
Well as soon as I noticed the problem

I'd assume whatever the problem is, the level of transmission fluid has been checked by both Toyota and your mechanic. As well as the kickdown cable adjustment.

What exactly are the symptoms of this problem please?

jamoor · 14 Jan 2011 at 19:07

who told you this? a general mechanic?

Lashout_UK · 14 Jan 2011 at 19:27

thepedster said:
But you're totally ruining them in the process!

Shifting out of D all the time is what hurts the things, leave it in and be done with it, the makers of the box know more than someone who thinks shifting into N coasting to traffic lights is 'saving money'

To OP, could the diff be semi separate from the auto box? Another issue?

You shouldn't coast with an autobox but a short coast down to a set of lights isn't going to do it any harm, but it is a bad idea in general (loss of control, etc).

Confused said:
Do you keep putting the box between Drive and Neutral every time you come to a stop?

I've known a person who did this, and ended up destroying 3 gearboxes on 3 cars...

Shifting into neutral at the lights actually prolongs the life of the box (it cuts the heat generated by it when you're sitting on the brakes and in drive) and many owners handbooks recommend it.

If someone suffered three failures it was unreleated to that particular driving habit.

Danger, was the symptom that it feels like your slipping the clutch? A differential is a pretty simple thing and it usually either works, or it doesn't - usually nowhere in between.

Fr0dders · 14 Jan 2011 at 19:32

I'd consider complaing to Toyota directly if i were you.

Details here

http://www.toyota.com/help/contactus.html

The manufacturer can usually over rule the dealer in the event of disputes like this. See what they have to say.

Danger Phoenix · 14 Jan 2011 at 20:00

The exact issue is described in this thread:
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18228941

The summary is below:
As I was driving from London to Gloucester I noticed something under the bonnet sounding louder than it should. When I got to Gloucester I got the RAC to come out and have a look and they said it sounded like the clutch was slipping and checked the transmission oil levels which all looked alright.

The next day I took it to Toyota who had a look (lifted the car up and everything) and came with me on a quick test drive. They said that there was a sound, which could be coming from the Transmission but they couldn't be sure, so they referred me to a specialist. The specialist and I went on a quick test drive and he said he wasn't sure either but it sounded like the front left wheel bearing.

I then took it to a local mechanic who took it on a test drive and said he thought it was the front left wheel bearing too. Back at the garage they lifted the car up and had a look around and said that the bearings looked fine. Then one of the other mechanics noticed something under the front axle and as he spun the front right wheel it made a weird sound. They all came to the conclusion that it was the Differential and that it would cost around £1500 plus labour to replace. They also said that there was no way that it should have failed within 36,000 miles... if it was nearer 80,000 then they would understand.

I have booked the car into my local Toyota Service Centre for next Friday. Should I contact Toyota in advance in case they say we won't replace it free of charge, or shall I wait and see what they say?

Danger Phoenix · 15 Jan 2011 at 19:29

So... what do you guys think I should do? Take to Toyota and see what they say or contact Head Office in advance?

To make matters worse, I got a puncture on the way home which ripped into the side wall, so now I need a new tire too

DM · 15 Jan 2011 at 19:42

See if you have any joy at the dealers giving you a goodwill gesture towards the cost, if not then contact Toyota.