Slack in the drive train - where do I look?

[Carslil Jim]

It seems to me that there is a bit of slack in the drive train when I release the clutch. Obviously universals would be worth a look. What else should I check?

Can you tell if the universals are worn without removing them?

The LR has done 225k.

[Psimpson7]

Also worth checking the splines on the rear axles/drive flanges as these can wear quite badly.

[malsgoing130]

ive been through this nightmare (infact still am)
1. half shafts(side shafts) and flanges
2. uni joints and slip yolk on prop shafts
3. back lash in rear diff ( my issue, and seems expensive to get reset?)
4. diff in the transfer case
5. CV joints front axle
6. front half shafts and flanges
7. suspension bushes
8. shock absorbers

This entire list and I may have missed some thing all contribute to the "play"
I am 3/4 way through this list, but i have been told that all defenders have a bit of play- yet to quantify this though.
Regards
Mal

[flagg]

The input shaft on the transfer box can wear as well. (or is that the output shaft of the gearbox? :angel: )

[Carslil Jim]

Thanks for those responses.

I will do a test. I will jack up the back on one side, and with it in gear see how much of a turn I have in the wheel. Ditto for the front.

Next will be to determine what is making the biggest contribution to the slack.

I think the axle splines look good so universals will be the first port of call.

[Carslil Jim]

I jacked up the back and found I could rotate the wheel 150mm with it in gear. The front was even more...170mm.

Does anyone know what is "normal"?

[Didge]

Hi Jim, so you too have the dreaded clunk which is a topic of conversation in this section. I think we all have it a bit. Also check the ball joint on top of the rear diff. I had mine replaced a 202,000km and it removed a fair bit of it. From what I've read on this forum, PSimpson7's advice is on the mark. The diffs have been quoted here as being quite robust and most people point at the axle and hub splines as being the likely culprits. My def rolls about the same after the handbrake is on and I take my foot off the brake. Don't forget that only the tiniest bit of slack in the splines will be magnified by the time its extended to the running radius of the tyre.
cheers gerald

[Didge]

I spoke to a bloke the other day who said some people actually weld the hubs to the axles on the rear to take out any play. Heard of that one before?
cheers gerald

[Psimpson7]

Ive heard that before but its only really a temporary get you out of trouble solution and means that you end up having to replace the entire rear setup rather than just the flanges.

the weld will likely crack aswell.

[Carslil Jim]

All interesting advice guys. Thank you muchly.

I suspect the smart thing to do is not drop the clutch with that much play, so for the moment I will do that, as there are more pressing problems to fix!

Thanks again for responding.

[flagg]

yeah a bit of sensible driving goes a long way. I didn't realise how loose my drive train was until I let a mate drive it.. he would pretty much dump the clutch with each change (as I guess you would with a 'normal' car..) I'm so used to the friction point that it is totally silent when I drive it because I ease it in an out at the right place so it takes up the slack very gently.

Once you get a tiny bit of play, each 'clunk' is going to wear it more and make it worse...

[Freestyler]

If I remember correctly you had the LT 85 box? If so check the spline on the output shaft on the gbox, easy to do just remove the PTO cover and bearing plate and the gear will come out the back. The 2nd place I found with my box was the trust washers in the centre diff which you have to remove the transfer to do this. Mine has very little backlash although had alot more before rebuild.
Tim

[Didge]

Thank Psimpson7, I thought it might have been a bit of a old bushie's type of trick. Bit of band aid treatment. Carslil - sounds like we're in the same boat so to speak.
cheers gerald

[Carslil Jim]

Freestyler,
That is very useful information. At first I thought I had a vicious clutch but moving the LR last night I now realize its all slack in the drivetrain. I have other problems to fix first, but I will have to attack this as soon as I can.

[JDNSW]

The other thing to look at is the handbrake.

If this is dragging, it will make sure all the slack is used every time you put your foot on the clutch. Dragging may be due to it being adjusted up too tight, due to mud in the works, due to a rusted up expander or handbrake cable, or due to oil leaking onto it.

Makes a big difference.

John