Gear lever vibration

[lightning]

My TD5 Defender has always suffered from a loud buzzing vibration when in third or fourth gear at higher RPM.
So today l finally decided to take a look at it.
After removing the rubber cover and gear lever, l found that there are two bolts for setting free play of the gear lever ball joint.
LR suggest putting it in fourth then adjusting the bolts so there is about 0.05mm free play on each side.
l tried this and it still buzzed. So l adjusted it for no play at all, and the buzzing is silenced.
ls it OK to leave it with no play? When in first, second and fifth gear the lever is held against the spring anyway, so it can't be a problem as far as l can see.

 

[Turboman]

My TD5 Defender has always suffered from a loud buzzing vibration when in third or fourth gear at higher RPM.
So today l finally decided to take a look at it.
After removing the rubber cover and gear lever, l found that there are two bolts for setting free play of the gear lever ball joint.
LR suggest putting it in fourth then adjusting the bolts so there is about 0.05mm free play on each side.
l tried this and it still buzzed. So l adjusted it for no play at all, and the buzzing is silenced.
ls it OK to leave it with no play? When in first, second and fifth gear the lever is held against the spring anyway, so it can't be a problem as far as l can see.

It probably isn't. Landrovers are known for vibration and strange noises.

 

[bluedog333]

How were LR expecting you to measure 0.05mm of movement? I’d be amazed if any part of a Landy has that little movement!

 

[lightning]

hahaha yes it shows a feeler gauge in use but the only thing l use my feeler gauges for is to scrape the moss out of the rear window channels.

 

[bluedog333]

hahaha yes it shows a feeler gauge in use but the only thing l use my feeler gauges for is to scrape the moss out of the rear window channels.

Be sure to use genuine LR feeler gauges, I buy them in packs of 50...

 

[jamesmartin]

My TD5 Defender has always suffered from a loud buzzing vibration when in third or fourth gear at higher RPM.
So today l finally decided to take a look at it.
After removing the rubber cover and gear lever, l found that there are two bolts for setting free play of the gear lever ball joint.
LR suggest putting it in fourth then adjusting the bolts so there is about 0.05mm free play on each side.
l tried this and it still buzzed. So l adjusted it for no play at all, and the buzzing is silenced.
ls it OK to leave it with no play? When in first, second and fifth gear the lever is held against the spring anyway, so it can't be a problem as far as l can see.

its the bias spring you can have it as tight as you like as long as 3rd 4th alignment is kept, theres a spring and pad in the ball ,plus the housing will be worn

 

[lightning]

Thanks for the advice, yes it's done 93,000 so a few gear changes in that time.
lt feels a lot more refined without the road drill noise in third and fourth.