Thread: Puma Drive Flanges

Just to follow up, There is still a fair bit of slack in the driveshafts. You sometimes get the occasional clunk, but that's if you're a bit lazy with the clutch work. Is this anything to be worried about? The diffs don't seem to be making any noise. Is this normal for the P38 diffs and transfer diff? The play is much more than you'd get in RWD vehicle for instance (Old Volvo 240 for reference). It doesn't seem like it's gotten any worse over time...At 30,000km now.

Originally Posted by ExtinctPuma

Just to follow up, There is still a fair bit of slack in the driveshafts. You sometimes get the occasional clunk, but that's if you're a bit lazy with the clutch work. Is this anything to be worried about? The diffs don't seem to be making any noise. Is this normal for the P38 diffs and transfer diff? The play is much more than you'd get in RWD vehicle for instance (Old Volvo 240 for reference). It doesn't seem like it's gotten any worse over time...At 30,000km now.

Following on from the previous reply, here is what my flanges looked like...20170415_142434.jpg20170415_142454.jpg

Originally Posted by ExtinctPuma

Following on from the previous reply, here is what my flanges looked like...20170415_142434.jpg20170415_142454.jpg

Just buy aftermarket flanges and be done with it,if you don't the axle splines will also wear resulting in them also needing replacing.Do it once properly. Pat

Originally Posted by ExtinctPuma

Yes, the flanges are as soft as an aged cheddar, but they are supposed to be sacrificial.

No, they're not. It's just cheap arse engineering from Land Rover.
4340 flanges and Hy-Tuff axles just don't have issues.
Install an RTC 3511 hub seal, remove the axle tube seal and you'll never have to lubricate a flange or axle spline ever again, never have water ingress to the bearings during the worst river/creek crossing nor adjust a wheel bearing. Ever. (almost )

Disco 1's never really had this issue as far as I can tell, and they were basically the same design and all greased.

Nope, different design in the rear, one piece axles.

Thanks for the tips. As it was a warranty issue, I didn't have to pay a cent. If it happens again, then I'll change. Should failure occur now that the splines are properly lubricated, the true nature of cheap design will be revealed! As for the Disco 1's, I only popped the front axle caps, as the fronts are an identical arrangement of a separate drive flange. All of these junk-yard cars were well greased, and in good condition. One even had almost half a million kms and it looked good!

Yep, the front's don't give an ounce of trouble and they don't seem to need much lube.

To many have been left stranded when the splines finally shear on the rear. One old acquaintance had to be rescued from the Simpson when the splines finally let go.

Originally Posted by ExtinctPuma

Thanks guys for the input.
Thankfully, I have a very good relationship with my dealer and had the whole set of flanges were replaced and properly greased with Castrol LMM. The bearings were not seated from factory, and had play, despite the new spacer (ironic). These were seated and retorqued. No discernible wear was evident, so all ok at 30000km. The vehicle was becoming undrivable and a really bad to drive. I hated it. I really hated it. Now it is as smooth as melted butter, on silk, on a baby's bum. I am amazed. It is just so easy-going and plods along. Yes, the flanges are as soft as an aged cheddar, but they are supposed to be sacrificial. Axles are ok (thank-goodness!). If the proper assembly and lubrication lasts, I'm laughing. Disco 1's never really had this issue as far as I can tell, and they were basically the same design and all greased. If warranty will cover it, you're winning. Bearings weren't contaminated so I'm doing well. With any luck, I'll have one of the most reliable Defender's around. I'll be sure to regularly inspect and repack with LMM.
I suggest you spread the word to all Defender Puma owners, particularly with the influx of recent owners like myself. Get those flanges attended to. LR will come to the party. Credit where credit is due, LR have been very accommodating. See you all on and off the beaten track!

That sounds like good Dealer Service, which Dealer looked after you?
Pickles.

Originally Posted by ExtinctPuma

Thanks for the tips. As it was a warranty issue, I didn't have to pay a cent. If it happens again, then I'll change. Should failure occur now that the splines are properly lubricated, the true nature of cheap design will be revealed! As for the Disco 1's, I only popped the front axle caps, as the fronts are an identical arrangement of a separate drive flange. All of these junk-yard cars were well greased, and in good condition. One even had almost half a million kms and it looked good!

Mate,just spend the 100 bucks and fix the problem once and for all . Pat