Backlash advise

[KeithMac]

I am writing looking for some help with the above subject. I am wanting some advise of where to get this fixed in Perth.

I have a '94 Defender with, what I think, is a pretty sizable backlash problem - I am worried that one day it will go BANG and then stop. I am getting pretty good at moving off fairly smoothly, but my sweet lady has a really hard time with it.

I have read a lot on this forum (this is just the best for info) and have narrowed it down to the front prop shaft area . I am thinking that the problem is either in the front diff or transfer case - the prop shaft seems solid.

I am willing to tackle smaller jobs on "Hector" but not confident with the diff or transfer case.

So, who would be good to take it to in the Perth area (oh, the transfer case also has a sizable leak in it).

Thanks in anticipation.

[AussieAub]

If it's not too far, Steve at Lifestyle4WD in Morley is highly recommended.
He looks after a lot of our clubs members Land Rovers and really knows his stuff.
He won't rip you off with duff advice.

Lifestyle4WD

Cheers,

[ted44]

Hello, I had a backlash problem/clunk, if I where you, I would start with the drive flanges, and then axles/half shafts. Then start on the other components, if that doesn't sort it out.

[BilboBoggles]

... Or buy a really loud radio....
You can spend a lot of money chasing clunks in a Defender...

[KeithMac]

Thanks guys, I will try and get a price from Steve at Lifestyle4x4.

I am a bit worried about chasing rabbits down holes, but I want to keep this beast for a long time and want to make sure it is as strong as can be.

As I said, I am not confident doing it myself - I have not done a lot on the Defender, but I am learning. Currently I am changing the clutch master cylinder. That is going well, but I think it is fairly basic.

Any hints would be REALLY appreciated!

Keith

[KeithMac]

If it's not too far, Steve at Lifestyle4WD in Morley is highly recommended.
He looks after a lot of our clubs members Land Rovers and really knows his stuff.
He won't rip you off with duff advice.

Lifestyle4WD

Cheers,

Thanks, I'll give them ago and see what they say.

K

[KeithMac]

... Or buy a really loud radio....
You can spend a lot of money chasing clunks in a Defender...

Haha! a new sound system is on the list - I hadn't thought of it to fix the backlash! (good one!)

[BilboBoggles]

;-)

It can actually be quite hard to drive a Defender without clunking it on each gear change. Some days everything just flows and others one is not as one with the Defender and it clunks it's nuts off. I've posted previously that my Wife can clunk both of my Defenders, and indeed on occasion so can I. But it's much easier to avoid clunking on the TD5 and PUMA models as the throttle is artificially damped during gear changes so that it's a little bit harder to clunk them. But there is no throttle damping on a 300tdi or indeed anything prior to that - so you do need to adopt a more sensitive driving technique.

But having said that - As mentioned in a post above the drive flanges in the axles are an excellent source of clunk, and will give you hours of clunking joy if worn. I found on my TD5 that those axle flanges were lasting 40,000k's before the splines flogged out enough to clunk really nicely.. ;-) Anyway a set of aftermarket fake Maxidrive flanges from the UK has lasted a very long time now on that TD5.

Another excellent source of clunkiness is the ball joint at the top of the A Frame - this tends to make clunkiness as you take up drive in each gear and can sound rather nasty. Replacing this can be a swine of a job or it might just fall out in your hands. But putting in an adjustable greasable unit will last a very long time.

I've not owned a 300tdi yet - but I understand there isa common failure point on the output of the gearbox caused by a lack of lubrication on that era gearbox. Something about a cross drilled output gear was often installed to rectify this issue, but if it's worn then too late to fix except with a rebuild.

One way to look for clunky things in the drive train is to park it on a flat surface, in gear and gently rock it backwards and forwards. Then try the same with the handbrake on. You will easily see if anything is flapping around on the axle, particularly on the A Frame. Just be careful and perhaps put some wheel chocks 6" in front and 6" behind the wheels just in case you are superman and push it over the engine compression.

[Wildcard8]

Defender Puma 2.2 - voice your issues

Backlash discussion in here with some good information.

[jimr1]

Hi Keith , if you want do do It your self , and the clunking is as bad as you say , you should be able to track It down without to much difficulty . Don't be surprised if you find that there is wear in more than one place , as wear in the drive chain , has a knock on effect . If I were you get someone , as has been suggested with a knowledge of Defenders to have a look for you , then take It from there , It may well save you a lot of time , and money , Jim ..