Puma transfer Case / Drivetrain Lashing

[Green Elephant]

110 my12 Puma - during my 12,500km service my fantastic independent LR specialist mentioned that he thought the drivetrain lash was significant. I have always felt there was some drivetrain lash, but coming from an old Hilux 4x2 with a detroit locker in it, the Puma seemed somewhat civilised.

The LR specialist had another 110 puma in the workshop with close to 25,000km and it had considerably less free play than my rig. Experiencing the difference in the 2 trucks confirmed what the mechanic was saying.

He also picked up some other minor warranty items. So off to Austral I go!

Austral were quick to repair the A/C fan, but said they could not fault the transfer case or notice any signs of drivetrain lashing at all... Im not sure exactly how they came to this position. They said that if I felt the problem was still there, to arrange another time and we could take it for a road test to show the mechanic what I was talking about.

My question is, is a road test the best way of identifying the fault? Do I simply take the mechanic out and kangaroo hop the truck until it sinks in? I would have thought there may be a more scientific way of ascertaining what is wrong. Or maybe I just keep driving until the problem is irrefutable? This is the 4th vehicle that has been purchased from Austral in my family, and warranty has never been a simple and easy process, so I would like to avoid going back and forth multiple times if I can get away with it. What have other Puma owners that have been through this process done to get a satisfactory outcome?

Cheers!

[Marty110]

I took my Puma in at 5,000k for some minor warranty issues and happened to mention that I thought there was a clunk in the drivetrain. They gave me a new Freelander 2 for the day and when I picked the Puma up they had put a new front diff in it!! No way I thought it was the diff but what do you know - the clunk was gone. Didn't have to fight them and didn't expect them to do this. I think it really depends on the individual dealer and their attitude. With a different person at the same dealer I had to fight tooth and nail to get rear pinion seals replaced - even got an RAA assessment which backed me up and no difference in attitude. Very frustrating. Good luck with them and dont give up.