P38A Clunk-click, oh sh!t!

Seeing as the rain finally stopped and the temperature hit double-figures I thought I would open a window. It was then I noticed a sort of clunk each time the slack in the drive-train was taken up, usually as I let the clutch up at a junction. Arse!

As soon as I got back I had it on stands and was checking the UJs and trying to find what was causing it. That's where the confusion starts. It is coming from the driver's side (off-side) rear wheel. I removed the brake pads in case they were shot but still the same clunk. It isn't loud (cannot hear it with window shut) and it doesn't do it every time but it is there and the other wheels don't do it. Film of me testing it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0By7n3F7TXDU8c1Y3NDJKS2s5dTA/view?usp=sharing

Any ideas what could cause a clunk? No odd wear on the tyre. As far as I'm aware there's only the half-shaft, isn't there?

When you said "OK stop" did it? soz......

Dopey said:

When you said "OK stop" did it? soz......

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That was me instructing my little helper who was operating the camera. He's keen to help but I need to get him some gloves before I let him near grease or automotive fluids.

Dopey said:

When you said "OK stop" did it? soz......

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No, more's the pity!

My fear is that the off-roading may have damaged the diff in some way. Why just that side though? You can make the sound happen from wriggling any end of the axle / drive-train but the noise is definitely from that driver's side rear.

It will pick the side thats weakest and the one with the most pressure on it, only thing to do is take the shaft out and look

Dopey said:

It will pick the side thats weakest and the one with the most pressure on it, only thing to do is take the shaft out and look

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So my fat arse put too much strain on the half-shaft?!

I'm going to try watchful waiting and hope it doesn't suddenly disintegrate. Slight worry is that I have a coupe of long journeys planned!

Dopey said:

It will pick the side thats weakest and the one with the most pressure on it, only thing to do is take the shaft out and look

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Actually, the missus normally sits in the back on that side. I'll pass on your suspicions.

Grrrrrr said:

I hope it doesn't suddenly disintegrate. Slight worry is that I have a couple of long journeys planned!

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Ah well, sit in the passenger seat and get a small driver ----

Id be thinking halfshaft splines to diff....also how old are your bushes?

Saint.V8 said:

Id be thinking halfshaft splines to diff....also how old are your bushes?

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:-o

Not done any bushes on the rear yet so not sure. Don't look bad. Don't think they would be affected when I had it on axle stands turning the wheel by hand?

TBH for the next wee while I would keep the window up until you hear it thru the window

Had another look this evening. Definitely not the diff. Got my endoscope in there and my ear against it. Definitely the rear offside wheel. If I turn the wheel until it stops and then give it some more force it moves a little more (handbrake on and in gear) and clunks from inside the hub. Does it both directions. Got to be either the bearing jamming and then moving round or some wear in the half-shaft.

Sounds like its dirty hands time, I would be putting money on worn shaft, good luck.

Those bushes have a lot of play for just you wiggling it by hand :/

have you done the old screwdriver trick to locate exactly where the noise is? (Put screw driver on part and listen to other end)

Anthony Day said:

Those bushes have a lot of play for just you wiggling it by hand :/
have you done the old screwdriver trick to locate exactly where the noise is? (Put screw driver on part and listen to other end)

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No but I had my ear on it during the week! Definitely coming from that rear right hub. I think either the teeth on the end of the half-shaft are worn or what they go into. I'll try to have a look tomorrow but I've got elderly relatives in hospital and a load of other crap to deal with so finding time difficult. Just had a look in RAVE but cannot see how it comes apart. This has some pictures:

http://workshop-manuals.com/landrov...spension/repair/drive_shaft_and_hub_assembly/

Anthony Day said:

Those bushes have a lot of play for just you wiggling it by hand :/

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You think so?

The whole car was jiggling as the rear was solely supported on stands. The suspension was jiggling a little as I wriggled the wheel. I have done the front bushes this year to be fair but I didn't think the rears were too bad?

Best pictures so far: http://www.rangerovers.net/repairdetails/drivetrain/hubs.html#remove

I think it can only be early signs of bearing failure (scary) or wear in the outer half of the hub where the splines engage. That's pretty scary too as the splines will eventually strip off and leave me stranded. I'm guessing just getting hold of the outer half of the hub will be tricky? And seeing as you'd have to pull it apart you'd do the bearing anyway. So either way it is looking expensive.

Grrrrrr said:

Best pictures so far: http://www.rangerovers.net/repairdetails/drivetrain/hubs.html#remove

I think it can only be early signs of bearing failure (scary) or wear in the outer half of the hub where the splines engage. That's pretty scary too as the splines will eventually strip off and leave me stranded. I'm guessing just getting hold of the outer half of the hub will be tricky? And seeing as you'd have to pull it apart you'd do the bearing anyway. So either way it is looking expensive.

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Get it done sooner than later mate,may only be the price of a bearing if you have access to a press.