Backlash advise

[KeithMac]

I am writing looking for some help with the above subject. I am wanting some advise of where to get this fixed in Perth.

I have a '94 Defender with, what I think, is a pretty sizable backlash problem - I am worried that one day it will go BANG and then stop. I am getting pretty good at moving off fairly smoothly, but my sweet lady has a really hard time with it.

I have read a lot on this forum (this is just the best for info) and have narrowed it down to the front prop shaft area . I am thinking that the problem is either in the front diff or transfer case - the prop shaft seems solid.

I am willing to tackle smaller jobs on "Hector" but not confident with the diff or transfer case.

So, who would be good to take it to in the Perth area (oh, the transfer case also has a sizable leak in it).

Thanks in anticipation.

[AussieAub]

If it's not too far, Steve at Lifestyle4WD in Morley is highly recommended.
He looks after a lot of our clubs members Land Rovers and really knows his stuff.
He won't rip you off with duff advice.


Lifestyle4WD (http://www.lifestyle4wd.com.au/)

Cheers,

[ted44]

Hello, I had a backlash problem/clunk, if I where you, I would start with the drive flanges, and then axles/half shafts. Then start on the other components, if that doesn't sort it out.

[BilboBoggles]

... Or buy a really loud radio....
You can spend a lot of money chasing clunks in a Defender...

[KeithMac]

Thanks guys, I will try and get a price from Steve at Lifestyle4x4.

I am a bit worried about chasing rabbits down holes, but I want to keep this beast for a long time and want to make sure it is as strong as can be.

As I said, I am not confident doing it myself - I have not done a lot on the Defender, but I am learning. Currently I am changing the clutch master cylinder. That is going well, but I think it is fairly basic.

Any hints would be REALLY appreciated!

Keith

[KeithMac]

If it's not too far, Steve at Lifestyle4WD in Morley is highly recommended.
He looks after a lot of our clubs members Land Rovers and really knows his stuff.
He won't rip you off with duff advice.


Lifestyle4WD (http://www.lifestyle4wd.com.au/)

Cheers,

Thanks, I'll give them ago and see what they say.

K

[KeithMac]

... Or buy a really loud radio....
You can spend a lot of money chasing clunks in a Defender...

Haha! a new sound system is on the list - I hadn't thought of it to fix the backlash! (good one!)

[BilboBoggles]

;-)

It can actually be quite hard to drive a Defender without clunking it on each gear change. Some days everything just flows and others one is not as one with the Defender and it clunks it's nuts off. I've posted previously that my Wife can clunk both of my Defenders, and indeed on occasion so can I. But it's much easier to avoid clunking on the TD5 and PUMA models as the throttle is artificially damped during gear changes so that it's a little bit harder to clunk them. But there is no throttle damping on a 300tdi or indeed anything prior to that - so you do need to adopt a more sensitive driving technique.

But having said that - As mentioned in a post above the drive flanges in the axles are an excellent source of clunk, and will give you hours of clunking joy if worn. I found on my TD5 that those axle flanges were lasting 40,000k's before the splines flogged out enough to clunk really nicely.. ;-) Anyway a set of aftermarket fake Maxidrive flanges from the UK has lasted a very long time now on that TD5.

Another excellent source of clunkiness is the ball joint at the top of the A Frame - this tends to make clunkiness as you take up drive in each gear and can sound rather nasty. Replacing this can be a swine of a job or it might just fall out in your hands. But putting in an adjustable greasable unit will last a very long time.

I've not owned a 300tdi yet - but I understand there isa common failure point on the output of the gearbox caused by a lack of lubrication on that era gearbox. Something about a cross drilled output gear was often installed to rectify this issue, but if it's worn then too late to fix except with a rebuild.

One way to look for clunky things in the drive train is to park it on a flat surface, in gear and gently rock it backwards and forwards. Then try the same with the handbrake on. You will easily see if anything is flapping around on the axle, particularly on the A Frame. Just be careful and perhaps put some wheel chocks 6" in front and 6" behind the wheels just in case you are superman and push it over the engine compression.

[Wildcard8]

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/174019-defender-puma-2-2-voice-your-issues.html

Backlash discussion in here with some good information.

[jimr1]

Hi Keith , if you want do do It your self , and the clunking is as bad as you say , you should be able to track It down without to much difficulty . Don't be surprised if you find that there is wear in more than one place , as wear in the drive chain , has a knock on effect . If I were you get someone , as has been suggested with a knowledge of Defenders to have a look for you , then take It from there , It may well save you a lot of time , and money , Jim ..:)

[PAT303]

Thanks guys, I will try and get a price from Steve at Lifestyle4x4.

I am a bit worried about chasing rabbits down holes, but I want to keep this beast for a long time and want to make sure it is as strong as can be.

As I said, I am not confident doing it myself - I have not done a lot on the Defender, but I am learning. Currently I am changing the clutch master cylinder. That is going well, but I think it is fairly basic.

Any hints would be REALLY appreciated!

Keith

Keith,my Tdci has just developed backlash,the axle drive members are worn,check them first.Is it your defender parked at the walking trail building?. Pat

[firsttracks]

Check your a frame ball joint, had mine replaced today, made a huge difference to my disco. Also a gopro helps for diagnosis if you or a mate has one. Like this guy http://youtu.be/cXVdjay870s

[KeithMac]

Keith,my Tdci has just developed backlash,the axle drive members are worn,check them first.Is it your defender parked at the walking trail building?. Pat

Hi Pat, If you mean in Jarrahdale, yes! Explian to me what the "axle drive members" are, if you will. I am not really sure.

[KeithMac]

Hi Keith , if you want do do It your self , and the clunking is as bad as you say , you should be able to track It down without to much difficulty . Don't be surprised if you find that there is wear in more than one place , as wear in the drive chain , has a knock on effect . If I were you get someone , as has been suggested with a knowledge of Defenders to have a look for you , then take It from there , It may well save you a lot of time , and money , Jim ..:)

Thanks Jim, While I have not done anything with the drive train yet, but...

So here's asking.

Is there anyone in the Perth area with "a knowledge of Defenders" who would be willing to have a look to my Defender and give me suggestions of where to go next?

[PAT303]

Kieth,jack one of your rear wheels up and remove the wheel,there is a rubber cap that covers the axle,remove it with your fingers and rotate the hub forward and back,watch the splines for movement between the axle and drive member.West Coast Land Rover have new hardened steel ones for $66 each,they never need replacing. Pat

[Cracka]

I think Pat's referring to 'drive flanges' https://www.google.com.au/search?client=safari&rls=en&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=HrnzU5CyEo-cugSjqIKIBQ&ved=0CFYQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=738&q=landrover%20drive%20flanges.

Pat, is yours still under warranty. I recently had both rear half shafts, drive flanges and the gearbox/transfer in/out shaft and associated seals replaced under warranty due to backlash.

Mick

[Brett1066]

Keith, I have a 94 Defender also, and have recently changed the front diff, wheel bearings, stub axles and still have a backlash problem, though not as bad as before. Welcome to take mine for a drive to compare to yours - you might find yours isn't too bad. No expert on Defenders, but have done a lot of maintenance on mine, am happy to catch up and give you some pointers and explain what bits and pieces I know if you want.

[KeithMac]

Keith, I have a 94 Defender also, and have recently changed the front diff, wheel bearings, stub axles and still have a backlash problem, though not as bad as before. Welcome to take mine for a drive to compare to yours - you might find yours isn't too bad. No expert on Defenders, but have done a lot of maintenance on mine, am happy to catch up and give you some pointers and explain what bits and pieces I know if you want.

Thanks Brett, would love to catch up. PM sent

[KeithMac]

Kieth,jack one of your rear wheels up and remove the wheel,there is a rubber cap that covers the axle,remove it with your fingers and rotate the hub forward and back,watch the splines for movement between the axle and drive member.West Coast Land Rover have new hardened steel ones for $66 each,they never need replacing. Pat

Tanks Pat - with Craka's photos this ignorant guy cant tell you I already have the steel ones fitted - thanks for that though

[PAT303]

No worries,as posted above the A frame ball joint is next suspect. Pat

[PAT303]

I think Pat's referring to 'drive flanges' https://www.google.com.au/search?client=safari&rls=en&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=HrnzU5CyEo-cugSjqIKIBQ&ved=0CFYQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=738&q=landrover%20drive%20flanges.

Pat, is yours still under warranty. I recently had both rear half shafts, drive flanges and the gearbox/transfer in/out shaft and associated seals replaced under warranty due to backlash.

Mick

Stuff it,I'll just fit steel ones,problem solved. Pat

[KeithMac]

OK, so can any one out there explain this one to me.

I just replaced my clutch master cylinder (fluid has been oozing for a while). When I drove it today the backlash seemed quite a bit better! How could that possibly be? (unless I overnight have become a much better driver haha)

[PAT303]

Probably find your clutch is now engaging and releasing properly. Pat

[KeithMac]

Probably find your clutch is now engaging and releasing properly. Pat

I guess so Pat, but I can't still see why? Oh well, I guess I can't complain!;)

[KeithMac]

An update. Yesterday I visited Steve at Lifestyle4X4 and called in to see Brett - both great guys and really helped me a lot. Thanks guys.

Steve suggested that together with the transfer case leaking like a sieve, that that was where the problem likely was. He suggested a recondition Ashcroft transfer box. What do you all think?

Brett showed me around his workshop and I was able to see for the first time a lot of the inside workings of the diff etc.

A good day!

[jimr1]

Hi Keith , an Ashcroft recon trans box ? what's wrong with your's , ? Most of us will agree that the Rover trans box's are just as good as any other makes , and a lot usually give good service . I suppose you have to way up if yous can be repaired , ( oil leak ) ( back lash ) At the end of the day It is down to how much you want to spend . At the end of the day you need to find out were the back lash is . I would start at the rear , check flanges at wheels ,then on diff , then check the front , feel for movement on the output flanges front and rear of you gearbox . After that look at bushes , and rear ball joint , Try to find out were you problems are first , before you go buying this and that hoping to cure your problem . As I said before this will save you a lot of time and money . good luck Jim

[KeithMac]

Well its been a while but I have the answer. About a month ago while enjoying a weekend in the bush the Hector just stopped on me. Engine fine. Gearbox appeared fine. Transfer box apparently fine. After a 500 km tow (you got to love RACWA) it turned out the clutch had killed itself. It had just collapsed. Steve from Lifestyle 4X4 asked me if I had been dropping the clutch! I assured him I was well passed that! There was a of of wear on bush going into the engine and now its all fixed the backlash has almost gone. Changing gears is a dream now - this has been the problem I think since I got it.

Very pleased to have the Landie back and enjoying the driving.

[dawsey]

The back lash on my puma was a bit annoying for the first 6 months, then over time it just decreased to a point where it very rarely could be heard or felt..Then last week a lady friend of mine drove it with me in the passenger seat and from out of nowhere it was back, louder than ever..Strange I thought I hopped in the drivers seat and it disappeared again.. Funny thing these defenders..

[Brett1066]

Good to hear you got it sorted, hopefully you don't have any other problems develop anytime soon...

[KeithMac]

Good to hear you got it sorted, hopefully you don't have any other problems develop anytime soon...

Thanks for that Brett. I am enjoying it now. Don't want any more problems for a bit.