Whining diff - BIG repair quote

[funkyspider]

2003 A4 Avant 1.9 TDI 130

Has developed a whining noise with pitch related to road speed. It's been diagnose as the diff bearings.
I've been quoted 475 for the diff rebuild and about 300 for dropping the box out and sending it to the specialist for the rebuild.

This is a small independant garage which has always been OK in the past. Is this price taking the 'P'. Are there any alternatives - how much would a recon box cost ?

I'm in Northwest UK - Lancaster district, but regularly travel to Accrington area if anyone knows any alternative, recommended garages for a quote.

Also how urgent is the repair.

Thanks for any advice
Martin.

 

[scott b]

labour charge is about right, we are paying £250 plus parts to have the clutch changed on one of the vivaros at wotrk and thats a cheap cash cash price

and the price is about right i would of thought, i had a diff insert fitted on my old almera gearbox plus new diff seals and that was around £200 cash.

 

[Broken Byzan]

Sadly thats about right, thi pinion bearing have a tendency to lunch themselves and whine. To fit a new diff and pinion is a box out and almost complete strip down to do.

A used less mile box maybe an option, but no guarantee it won't happen further down the road sadly

 

[funkyspider]

Would I expect any other symptoms to confirm it is that before dropping the box out.

It's only done 75,000 miles, full Audi SH.
How annoying.

 

[Broken Byzan]

Has developed a whining noise with pitch related to road speed

Nail on head sadly !