Mazda CX-5 Rear Differential (Diff) Replacement

Navigator on 03/07/2018 - 20:20

Hi we have been having some noise in my wife’s car. Mazda CX-5 AWD 2012 70,000km on ODO. Upon investigation by two different mechanics we have been told that the rear differential needs replacement. I have been quoted $1800 ($1400 for second hand part) and $2600 ($2100 for second hand part with low kms). I’ve been also told that the brand new part would be $8k installed.

The questions I have are;
1. Do the above quotes sound right (I am in Sydney Hills district). The quotes are from reputed mechanics.
2. Given Kms and age what are my chances of making a successful warranty claim with Mazda.
3. What’s the risk of delaying this repair and running the vehicle a bit more.

Thanks in advance.

Automotive Car Mazda SUV

Comments

  • pegaxs on 03/07/2018 - 20:46
    +5

    1: The quotes sound about right for used parts and the labour to fit them. Stealership price for a new one sounds about right…

    2: If you are the first owner, or owned it while it was in warranty, then hell yeah, take that up with Mazda. You have nothing to lose but your time and dealing with some morons who are only there to deny you your warranty concerns. It’s always worth a try.

    3: The risk of delaying the repair is that it could fail completely and leave you stranded a long way from home, and this could involve a tow truck home. The longer you leave it, the larger the possible problem could be with it and the potential costs involved. While I think it should last a little bit longer, I would not delay it indefinitely. Diffs are usually noisey for a reason, alignment internally or imminent bearing failure…

  • hasselbladsnapper on 03/07/2018 - 20:49
    +1

    The age is a problem, but the low km's is another thing. I used to be in the local industry,and IF the manufacturer has a FREQUENT known issue with a specific component they MAY come to the party with some sort of deal. This could be from full free replacement- most often with steering or brake's, and things like airbags!. Just talk directly to the importer - Mazda. IF they will consider some sort of support, it could be along the lines of a %50 discount on the parts, as for installation cost try but don't get your hopes up!!!.

    • Vieira4 on 03/07/2018 - 21:40

      What is the service history on the car? If not good I wouldn't count on Mazda to come to the party.

      • Navigator on 03/07/2018 - 21:48

        The car has been log book serviced.

        • spackbace on 04/07/2018 - 02:08
          +1

          Through Mazda or someone else?

          Car is 6yrs old. If Mazda did all the servicing you'd probably stand a minute chance, if it was someone else I doubt it.

  • salmon123 on 03/07/2018 - 21:22
    +1

    I have been quoted $1800 ($1400 for second hand part) and $2600 ($2100 for second hand part with low kms). I’ve been also told that the brand new part would be $8k installed.

    Is 8k what the dealer would charge?

    How come there's a big difference in what the 2 mechanics quoted? Ask them to break it down by parts and labor. Google says is a 3-5 hour job, so there's probably $500 in labour. Does a used part from a wrecker really cost $900?

    • Navigator on 03/07/2018 - 21:31

      Hi yes the $8k is from the dealer. The labour is $500 for the other quotes the difference being in the price of the part. $1400 vs $2100.

  • PerthectDeal on 03/07/2018 - 23:51

    Check your tyre sizes are same as manufacture supplied. I have heard of a few cases were diffs are AWD system fail in a short space of time where tyre fitter accidentally replace the tyres with a slightly different size.

    AWD systems is very sensitive, by just replacing the front tyres (that generally wear faster than the rear) and not the rears at the same time can cause drive train damage as the circumference difference.

    Lots of stuff on the Internet about this.
    https://www.lesschwab.com/article/replace-all-4-tires-on-you…

    • Euphemistic on 04/07/2018 - 07:05
      +1

      Different tyres front to back is likely to wear the Centre diff. This is also only likely if the vehicle is a true AWD that drives all wheels all the time. Many AWD vehicles actually only send power to the rear wheels when they sense slipping at the front, which is uncommon in normal driving conditions. I’m not familiar with the AWD system that Mazda use so it could be either.

      The rear diff is only likely to suffer if the rear tyres are different size which is petty uncommon as most people would replace tyres in pairs.

  • jeeg on 04/07/2018 - 09:22

    To Op. sorry to hear you have this issues with your CX5. I hope you have this sorted out.

    I always thought Mazdas are reliable vehicles. Maybe not…..

    • Euphemistic on 04/07/2018 - 09:27

      they are, but not perfect. All makes and models will have some problems, some more than others (Great Wall vs Toyota)

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