2007 X5 3.0si - front differential removal/replacement DIY advice needed

[h1psi]

I am confident the very noisy front differential is the culprit, and am in need of DIY advice to replace the front differential on my 07 X5 6 cylinder. I have searched, but can't seem to find any direct comparison.

Are the 6 cylinder E70 X5's easier to do than the 4.8 E70 V8 X5?

Does the front subframe need to be lowered, or can it be squeezed out?

I will replace the leaky lower oilpan gasket at the same time.

Anything else I should do while in there?

Any help is much appreciated. Thanks

[SF2000x5]

just curious how you figured the diff needs replacement from noise.

first thing i would do is check fluid level.

[h1psi]

thanks. fluid level checked, and fluid replaced. 2 different experienced Tech's at the same shop listened and drove it....both said it was front diff that needed replacement.

Originally Posted by SF2000x5

just curious how you figured the diff needs replacement from noise.

first thing i would do is check fluid level.

[ard]

little bits of metal in that fluid or not


www.newtis.info for factory replacement procedures....

[h1psi]

Originally Posted by ard

little bits of metal in that fluid or not


www.newtis.info for factory replacement procedures....

Yes, some metal was found in the fluid that was flushed out. I don't know how old the fluid was though....it did not appear to be original or too old looking. Perhaps the previous owner changed it out already, and who knows what they put in??