Thread: Is it backlash

i was putting up with all sorts of noises in mine and was hoping it all was not back lash, i bit the bullet a couple of months ago and changed all the suspension bushes. the whole car is quiter now

It is probably backlash, and how easy to fix it is will depend on where it is. However, a dragging handbrake will make whatever slack is there seem a lot worse than it really is. Make sure that the handbrake is not dragging due to mud or oil in it or rusted up actuator or cable.
John

Being a '99 TD5 I'm going for front tailshaft.

Check this ASAP before it lets go taking your sump/gearbox with it.

Let us know how you get on.

Hmmm, will watch this one with interest as i have the same ('99) model and same symptoms. It is very noticeable when pottering along on a level track with no load on and in low-range. Does the same in high-range as well but not as bad.

Originally Posted by x-box

Hmmm, will watch this one with interest as i have the same ('99) model and same symptoms. It is very noticeable when pottering along on a level track with no load on and in low-range. Does the same in high-range as well but not as bad.

Mate... Dont watch....

Get on your back under the front of the vehicle and check out that DC joint...

If its worn/has play... I suggest you waste NO time getting it fixed.

Not next week etc... Now!!!! They let go without warning and the bill can be hundreds more than the fix.

You guys are getting met nervous, I drive 180 km every day, including up and down a pass…..
I need new shoes on the hand brake as they are worn to the bone.
How do I check the front DC?
Thanks for all your help so far!!!

Yes ditto that, i'm not quite the motor mechanic yet, i'm a dental mechanic

the cheap things it could be are easy to check, grab a 2 to 3 foot long pry bar and start jamming it along side the following bushes in the suspension

1. the big one on top of the diff that holds the apex of the a frame.
2. the arms on the axle that go forwards to the chassis both ends.
3. same for the front axle as well as the lateral locating arm.
4. the shock absorber mounts
5. any other place where a piece of metal that can move on another piece and is seperated by rubber.

it may help to jack up the chassis of the vehicle for those ones..

to check the prop shafts grab hold of it at the slip joint, on on the longer side of the slip joint and shake...

then grab hold of the prop shaft near the UJ and shake...

any movement by hand in any of these places on the prop shaft is bad.

fortunately they are cheap and easy to fix if you know one end of a spanner from the other.