Front axle problems

[bigfatsi]

OK. So now I've bought my 90, have got the car back, washed it and had everyone I know come and oooh and aahhh at it.

Unfortunately the honeymoon must come to an end as I now need to fix the damn thing!

So where do I start? I have drive to the rear because of the diff-lock, although I have to lay on the floor and reach up under the car to engage it as the little gearstick doesn't seem to work. The front prop is moving so it is obviously something in the front axle that has gone t!ts up but how do I find out which bit? I take it I have the choice of:

1: Diff,
2: Either Half-shaft,
3: Either CV joint.
4: Dunno, but there is bound to be something. Best leave options open!

I have jacked the front nearside up with all the other wheels on the ground and in diff-lock. The wheel span freely the prop didn't move. I don't know if this tells anyone anything but I was fairly stuck for ideas!

I've also looked for spare axles/diffs etc but have no idea what type mine is - Salisbury or Rover? How many splines etc etc. How the hell do I find out?!
Could anyone please set me off in the right direction? I'm not a numpty but struggling with the sheer number of options!

Cheers!

Simon
______________________________________________
1989 F 90 2.5TD Silver

1999 T Discovery 4.0 V8 XS LPG Blue

"I am standing here, beside myself..."

[davidlandy]

its not a salisbury, they have a bolt on diff cover

and the diff should be a 10 spline for an F reg unless somebody has fiitted a later 24 spline from a mid 90s (or so) motor

[mudplugger01]

you may as well remove front prop and both ring of bolts  by swivels and also calipers ,draw  both hubs out..remove diff (probably diff gone ) work from there  if its a shaft you will see when removing hub assemblies ( but probably have to remove diff to get busted bit out if it is ).watch driving it until you know whats gone as diffs have a habit of making holes in your casing..

[bigfatsi]

Gonna order a diff now. Is there any seals etc I'm gonna have to replace?

Simon.

[Range Rover Blues]

If you can lift the complete swivel and hub then you just need the diff gasket, oil and the 2 swivel to axle gaskets.

I like to smear mine with grease and use no silicone sealer etc.

[bigfatsi]

If you can lift the complete swivel and hub then you just need the diff gasket, oil and the 2 swivel to axle gaskets.

I like to smear mine with grease and use no silicone sealer etc.

Cheers, mate. I'll get 'em ordered today.

Simon.

[bigfatsi]

Right, then. Tonight is the night. I can't get hold of a 52mm spanner (as yet) but I've been told I should be able to manage without it. Ordered a diff gasket and three drive flange gaskets (1 weeping on rear) Tried and failed to get the swivel to axle gaskets so I'm just gonna wing it/use sealer. Ordered 10 litres of EP90 (gonna drop all axle and box oils) nipple grease and copper grease. Time to go exploring!!

Does anyone use molyslip in their axles/boxes? I was thinking of dropping some in.

Last question: Anything missing from the above? (apart from replacement parts as required ie halfshafts, diff, CV's etc)

Cheers!

Simon.

[bigfatsi]

UPDATE:

I've just come in from stripping down the axle and found out it IS the diff after all. Pin in the middle has disintegrated into 3 or 4 bits. I've got another diff to put in but I've had enough for tonight. Unfortunately I can't fit the 90 in the garage so I've been doing it on our sloping drive in the dark and pouring rain! Now I'm cold, wet and tired  :( . The oil in the diff was not in a good state - brown and muddy with water in, so I'm guessing this hasn't helped. Same with the oil in the swivels. Half shafts and CV joints look OK though so will be refitted. I've also got to go back to LR 'cos I've got the wrong swivel to axle gaskets  :oops:

Am I best to put 'one shot' swivel grease in?

Cheers!

Simon.