Thread: Diagnosis please !

Besides the obvious ones of uni joints etc, there is an issue with the Discos where the diff pinion shafts can wear the their locating hole in the differential case to be an oval rather than a round hole. I've been told its due to the traction control loading up the diff pinions as it stops the wheel spinning.

I've got a photo of one where the shaft has 1 mm on each side of slop. Mainly occurs on the front diff, due to wheels breaking loose on a turn and TC locking them up. But can also occur on the rear.

If there is a clunk when accelerating, even at highway speeds, then points to this issue, especially if no obvious signs of a problem elsewhere. Drain the axle oil - if lots of metal on the magnetic sump plug, then its a prime indicator of this issue.

Getting a good second hand one, preferably with the bearings replaced, is the cheapest option if this is the issue. Apparently same diff ratios for v8 and TD5 etc.

I have checked the uni's and they are fine rear and new front . I will drain the oil in the morning on the diff . I have a couple of spare complete axles inthe shed .
Would this also cause the clunking on the bumpy tracks?
Thanks for your input...

Checked your 'A' Frame ball joint and bushes?
Disregard above, just realised it's a Disco 2.

Unbolt the front driveshaft from the transfer case so that you can properly feel the double cardan joint as they are prone to siezing then failing with drastic consequences.

PS. D2s don't have a rear A-frame nor ball-joint.

I had the front prop shaft out the other day . I had it replaced a while ago for an upgraded greasable set up and it is still good and well greased. Yesterday i jacked up the rear end and pulled out the shocks and tried to find anything loose or worn out but the only thing i could fault was the shocks had zero resistance for the last 2-3 inches of the stroke when extending .Felt like they had air in them or something if that makes sense?Also slight oil leake from the diff pinion seals front and rear.
It has airbag susspension at the rear with 40mm spacers and 50mm lifted front with bilstien shocks .
I guess i could swap the axles and see if that fixes it but i would like to avoid any unnessesary work .

Didn't try this, but rather than dump the oil you could try undoing the coupling to the diff and see how much noise, clunks etc?

Maybe the sway bar bushes if it has ace

Maybe the sway bar bushes if it has ace