Thread: PUMA drivetrain replacements

Originally Posted by 4runnernomore

Hi all,

Seriously been considering a PUMA 110 as my next replacement vehicle however I am very concerned about longevity of the drive train components.

Lots of threads of people having diffs, transfers etc replaced under warranty and not operating correctly (i.e. noisy) right from the moment they pick them up.

The transfer case issue seems to be solved by the fact the front prop shaft needs a double cardon joint on it even from factory as it binds especially after lifting it.

What is the issue with the noisy diffs?

Is it bearings, incorrect backlash, ring and pinions not meshing? It never seems to elaborate what the noisy diff is apart that it was replaced under warranty.

There are a few saying that the PUMA is the best vehicle ever and others having gone through the warranty windmill to come out the other side with now it is as it should have been from the factory. Are these people concerned that it will start all over again or are they still happy now their PUMA I what it should have been out of the factory.

Can anyone shed some light?

Cheers, Chris

CHRIS.......
this is a commercial box IMO.....i .drove roadtrains/ trailers may years ago for tnt so i know a g-box ,,,it cannot be rushed nor can the clutch ,i suspect some of the tranny /d/train probs are due to operator error,,,,it takes a focused foot to get a silky smooth engadgement -dis engadgement of the clutch,,,,,failure to do this will shockload the drivetrain ......due to low 1st gear its a busy box with plenty of shuffling ,therfore plenty of ops for abuse ......the g-box i find is not unlike a 18 speed roadranger and on some occasions i find my self double shuffling,old habits die hard

i,ve only done 4000k in my new puma wagon ,,,,,,but have many many hrs up in rugged and very rugged terrain ,,,,,,,, spent in the low box,,,,, at the extreme end of suspension / drivetrain / articulation and have had no issues with the vehicle whatsoeva,,,,,,,,,but it has also become plainly apparent to me that the truck like nature of drivetrain /gbox will only accept very positve input from the driver and any lazyness with selection or clutch use will be rewarded with crunching and shockloads ....be aware some of the shockloads are very suttle and imo opinion will not be noticed by many or even thought of as normal,,,,,where a trained ear will pick it up,,,,to get a silky smooth clutch operation requires definite focus ,but the rewards are long drivetrain-clutch life.......

the puma is an awsome machine and its a testimony to it that those that have had major issues with theres have soldiered on and sorted them.

i believe there is nothing else out there in the market that offers such a capable machine,,,for the asking price.

Hi Chris,
I'm currently going through the noisy diff scenario at 500 K,s. Apparently the crown and pinion angle is incorrect in a batch of diffs. The cure for LR is a new diff which they have no qualms about replacing once the problem is identified. My LR service manager had issues also with the replacement diffs which are a service diff ( repaired old diff). One customer went through 4 diffs before he got a brand new one and then no more problems. You've come to the right place as the guys here have great knowledge on the current issues and fixes. However, don't be put off buying a defender due to these problems. My last car was a brand new rodeo and I had constant issues including a replaced gearbox costing $12000(under warranty thankfully) and go and have a browse on other forums like the navara forum and see the problems those guys have. As for the lift, there's no need. I agree with trailcutter 100% these vehicles are awesome off road and conquer at crawling speed what other vehicles with momentum and lift can't. I've got no regrets.
Cheers

Originally Posted by sooly

Hi Chris,
I'm currently going through the noisy diff scenario at 500 K,s. Apparently the crown and pinion angle is incorrect in a batch of diffs. The cure for LR is a new diff which they have no qualms about replacing once the problem is identified. My LR service manager had issues also with the replacement diffs which are a service diff ( repaired old diff). One customer went through 4 diffs before he got a brand new one and then no more problems. You've come to the right place as the guys here have great knowledge on the current issues and fixes. However, don't be put off buying a defender due to these problems. My last car was a brand new rodeo and I had constant issues including a replaced gearbox costing $12000(under warranty thankfully) and go and have a browse on other forums like the navara forum and see the problems those guys have. As for the lift, there's no need. I agree with trailcutter 100% these vehicles are awesome off road and conquer at crawling speed what other vehicles with momentum and lift can't. I've got no regrets.
Cheers

just as well i have industrial deafness and cant hear my diffs singing

My rear diff has developed a noise on overrun at 110 kph.

I'm waiting until the new improved replacement diff is available before I press the point under warranty.

The rest is all better than good. The Disco was a real clunker.