Another vibration question

[Leigh]

I'm trying to find the souce of a vibration under the car. To start with it was like a droning noise not too different to mud tyres but its now developed into a metal sounding rattle. I get the droning noise when I push the accelorator and then get the rattle when I release it but stops completely when I push in the clutch. It only happenes when I'm moving and at all speeds. Could this be the bearings in the UJ?

I've checked the props and there is some movement in the UJ at the transfer box end. I can also turn the prop a little by twisting it before it engages. The rear doesn't have any movement at all.

While under there I also noticed what looks like an drain plug missing in the gearbox bellhousing. There is oil in the hole. I've taken a piccy to show you where I mean. Any idea what this hole is for and should it be blocked?



Cheers

[Budgie]

The hole is to drain any oil etc from the bellhousing, it only needs to be plugged when you intend to go playing in the water.
You'll also find one on the underside of the timing belt casing, which should also be open.

If you don't have any plugs then you can get them from most Land Rover parts places.  

Like I said in the PM, I think you've got a U/J gone on the front propshaft.  

[Range Rover Blues]

The rear prop doesn't move because of the handbrake, the front one does because of the play in the front axle.  That's normal.  Think you might have a UJ going though, it happens when you lift them, probably the gearbox end.

[Leigh]

For a minute I thought it might have been a drain plug fallen out and I'd lost all gearbox oil and the moise I could hear was my gearbox grinding away  :lol:  :oops:  :lol:  :lol:

Thanks for the help, I'll order a new UJ tomorrow. The movement is on the gearbox end of the prop. Is it a good idea to replace both ends at the same time??

Cheers

[Budgie]

Is it a good idea to replace both ends at the same time??

If the other end is nice & tight then I'd leave it be for now, no point in changing it if it's still good and it could last another year or two before it needs doing.

I would grease it & the centre splines tough.  

[robbie]

If you are ordering the UJ's I have them here for a '98 300TDI which I ordered. When I took the prop off though, one of the UJ's had worn to an oval and I ended up having to buy a new prop shaft complete....

PM me if you are interested. They are of the greasable type from Paddocks

[Leigh]

Pm on its way

[davidlandy]

the fluids that can come out of the hole in the bell housing are either:

 engine oil - from the crank rear oil

 ATF from the gearbox oil seal

 clutch fluid from a leaking slave cylinder

if its not dripping out then leave it for now and keep an eye on it.

sometimes a dunk in the water (without a wading plug in) can cause a discoloured fluid to come out of there also.


--if u need any help doing the UJs bring the prop round I can do em in my sleep now!!

[Leigh]

Nothing dripping out of there at the moment. Thanks for the offer, I'll give it a try first and if I have any problems I'll give you a shout. Always like to have a go first  

Thanks again

[Mace]

--if u need any help doing the UJs bring the prop round I can do em in my sleep now!!

I'll be round at 3.15am Dave, is that OK with you?

[davidlandy]

erm.. yes, thats fine Andy, just fine.

 :shock:  

[Leigh]

Eventually changed both UJ's on the front prop shaft, one was definitly on its way out and it has now improved things, but noise described above is still there. Also noticed that its not there in first gear. Could it be the clutch as it stops when I engage it?

Cheers,
Leigh

[chuggaman]

thrust bearing ???

[PUX]

i agree thrust bearing mine has been like that for a year now lol :lol:

[Leigh]

Whats the long term damage if yours has been like it for a year? A few people have told me about the thrust bearing now. Guess its still ok to take off road then?

Cheers

[Range Rover Blues]

Has it happened since it's been dunked in the water by any chance?

[Leigh]

Yep, started after my last trip to Tixover which involved a few dunks  :oops:

Any guesses?

Cheers

[Range Rover Blues]

Could be a bit of grot or water has found it's way into the bearing or the surface it runs against on the clutch, or the same has washed away the grease from the surface, or most likey it's all got a bit damp in there and the surface has rusted.  Turn the radio up a bit for a few weeks and hope it goes away.

[Leigh]

It'll be good if thats all it is, although this was a last month. Fingers crossed  

Cheers