Propshaft woes

300Tdi with 2" lift, no corrective radius arms.

I noticed about a month ago that the rear propshaft coupling had started to shred (I'd had the car a while and driven 4k+) so as it was on the ramp, I had a new one fitted.

Going to work this morning, things didn't feel right with quite bad vibrations and rumblings. Part way home I called the RAC out and they brought me home on a recovery vehicle.

The new coupling in less than 500 miles was torn apart and the bolts on the propshaft and rear diff had locked together bending the six bolts

For a while now I have thought the transmission had been 'Winding up' and I think destroying the donut confirms this.

The tyres have less than 2k miles on them and none of them appear worn although one was running slightly low and they are all back up to 35psi.

I have removed the rear propshaft until I can pinpoint the problem but I guess running a two wheel drive may improve the fuel consumption

So, any thoughts what may be causing the problem?

Cheers
Rob

The 2" lift adds alot more articulation, therefore strain on that rear donut.

If you want to future proof with the 2" lift then you need to convert that rear coupling to a UJ from a 200 series. Not really any other way around it unless you put your suspension back to stock

Cheers Dude,

Is it a big deal convert the coupling to a UJ or is it easier to get an articulated propshaft?

Cheers
Rob

AFAIK you need a 200tdi rear 24 spline differential and a 200tdi prop shaft. or you can buy a specialist wide angle prop from somewhere like mm4x4. The latter being 160 quid though.

Iv seen the job done in a couple of hours. Not a major task to do

fit a spacer or change the output shaft.

But does changing to an articulated p/shaft or changing to a 200tdi diff etc. only sort the donut shredding issue out? I can't see how this winds up the transmission.

get yourself a rear prop shaft from a 200tdi with 4 bolts on the UJ side.....then a 4 bolt flange kit....and a pinion spacer (some vehicle required them)......fit them on...job done....did that on mine a few months back

4 Bolt Flange Kit

Pinion Spacer

Note that removing a prop shaft means you have to drive with difflock on which will damage the transfer box

pauli said:

Note that removing a prop shaft means you have to drive with difflock on which will damage the transfer box

Click to expand...

Are you sure it will damage the transfer box?

damage is probably the wrong word...

Pretty sure.Had a 200tdi once that had a knackered front prop shaft-PO drove with difflock on and destroyed the transfer box.Difflock is only designed for short periods off road.Driving on road will kill it

How long (in miles or time) should it last then? Given that its a viable temporary option, to "get you home" etc.

To be honest Paul I cant put a figure on it.I suppose if you were stuck and had no choice you would have to do it.
Im sure some of the more experienced o the forum can throw some light on it

it's like saying i've lost all gears apart from second, can i drive my car home in second gear?

the answer is yes you can.

normally at redline my car will do 60mph in second, but if I plan on driving it at 60mph for two hours on a motorway in second gear then the chances are high, it's gonna give up.

same applies to difflock, if you decide to use it to get you home, thats ok, provided you understand the bias on the diff and the extra strain on the mechanisim and are sympathetic to all conditions including the fact that a major part of your transmission is simply missing, and you wanna haul ya two tonne truck along on half its drive train.

Personally I would use the AA and get recovered, but I would use difflock if faced with no other option or a short haul home.

Makes sense Battenberg

pauli said:

Note that removing a prop shaft means you have to drive with difflock on which will damage the transfer box

Click to expand...

If the front prop is removed then yes the diff lock is required as the primary traction goes through the front and as the front and rear ends of the transfer box are not spinning fast enough or running at varying opposing speeds then damage is doubtful.

Does this happen on every disco that has a lift kit fitted ?

Im thinking of putting a 2 inch lift kit on mine at some point,
Other than longer brake hoses, would i need to do anything with the prop ?
1998 disco 1 v8 auto.

Hunty said:

Does this happen on every disco that has a lift kit fitted ?

Im thinking of putting a 2 inch lift kit on mine at some point,
Other than longer brake hoses, would i need to do anything with the prop ?
1998 disco 1 v8 auto.

Click to expand...

dont fit your longer brake hoses to your prop, that just wont work!

There are a few threads on here.

I think there is a big thread somewhere called "something to think about before lifting" or ssomethin along them lines. If i find it i will link it in.

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f38/thinking-lifting-your-landy-read-first-66840.html

saved me a trouble lol

kingsonlim said:

get yourself a rear prop shaft from a 200tdi with 4 bolts on the UJ side.....then a 4 bolt flange kit....and a pinion spacer (some vehicle required them)......fit them on...job done....did that on mine a few months back

4 Bolt Flange Kit

Pinion Spacer

Click to expand...

Nice links eh!!

OldDiscoMan