Haunted Series III?

[Leo109]

Hi All,

Ever since I rebuilt the gearbox in Leo the SIII last year, there's been this mysterious noise emanating from under the floor. I think from towards the front of the vehicle. Sounds for all the world like a couple of heavy chain links hanging down and clanging against the chassis. :woot: It's an irregular noise, not a steady or speed-related rhythm.

Well, I've looked numerous times and there are no heavy chain links dangling down that I can see. A bit more methodical testing reveals that it happens in 2 and 4WD and in high and low range. BUT, it stops when I disengage the front free-wheeling hubs. This suggests to me that it's coming from the front drive line, between the transfer case and the front hubs? The front prop shaft and uni-joints are in good condition and well lubricated, and all the flange bolts tight. (The front prop shaft was removed when the gearbox/transfer case came out.)

Any clues?

[mick88]

A. Have you got the front drive shaft around the correct way? I assume this noise has only come about since you had the driveshaft off.
B. Is the noise there if the hubs are disengaged, but you still leave 4WD engaged?
C. Not some sort of object like a lump of weld or metal rattling inside the driveshaft is it?
D. Is the pinion nut on the diff and the transfer case drive flange nut tight?
E. Not the uni'es on the front axles is it? .... does turning exacerbate it?
F. Oil levels all good in the GB, TC and Diffs.

Good luck.
Cheers, Mick.

[86mud]

just adding to Mick's diagnosis, check the handbrake mechanism too

[Wraithe]

Also, check that free wheeling hubs are lubricated... A bloke replaced his gearbox because of a noise that sounded like in the transfer case... I found the hubs dry, a bit of grease and he spat it that he had spent 5,000 on another box when it cost 2 dollars for grease...

[Leo109]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have a few things to check now - I'll get back to you if I find anything.