Thread: Help to pinpoint a strange noise.Diff or transfer case?

Drop the rear prop off & see if the noise is the same. Make sure the handbrake drum won't fall off first (or leave it off).

If yes, possibly transfer. If no, then possibly rear diff.


A dry bearing sound is rather unusual though. Have a look at the mudshields on the flanges & make sure they're not rubbing.

Im about to go and drop the rear props shaft now.After i take it off and drive it should i leave the transfer case in normal high or should i lock it in 4wd?

check the oil first and yes you have to lock the tcase center diff.

OK.I dropped the rear diff oil first.Doesnt look good.I changed the oil in the rear diff about 2 weeks ago.So its done less then 500-600km.When the oil was coming out it wasnt clear and was a little grey.When i put my finger in the oil to check it,there was silver sparkles in it.I couldnt feel any flakes of metal but there was a definate silver sparkle look to it..I think i may have put the wrong oil in there as well.It was 85w-140 Hypoid gear oil Penrite.
Any thoughts?

I drained the transfer case as well and there was metal filings on the magnet I dont know which one to get fixed first.Or if its only one of them making the noise.

Originally Posted by SPROVER

I drained the transfer case as well and there was metal filings on the magnet I dont know which one to get fixed first.Or if its only one of them making the noise.

Don't get to alarmed with the "flakes" on the transfer magnet plug. That's pretty normal to see some, unless of course you have lots of broken bits stuck to it.

fine particals on the tcase plug are ok thats normal wear (unless youve only just cleaned and changed its oil). The diff oil shouldnt be contaminated yet but that depends on how well you let it drain from the last time around.

ID say that the results from your oil alone are inconclusive and you still need to take it for a drive.

Ive had and inch long "spire" of stuff on a magnetic plug out of an lt230 that I was striping for inspection and rebuild and all it needed was new seals and orings (bearings were done anyway) so long as when you mush it out on a clean white rag its not hiding any chunks its ok.

as a side note, how are the UJ's in the propshafts?

Ive gone and started taking the rear diff center out.Im not 100% if that is it but by the look of the oil and the fine sparkly metal shavings i thought it would be the first to try.I only changed the oil 2 weeks ago so it shouldnt have looked like that.It wasnt clean at all.Very grey.Will let you know how i go once i source another diff center.Any one in Melbourne have one for a 95 Disco?

Thanks
Chris