Prop Shaft on the Way Out - how long have I got?

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Al2O3

Al2O3

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A week or so ago the Landy developed a squeak. Initially, I thought it was the fan belt as the sound was very similar to the belt slipping across the tensioner a smidge. Then I realised that the squeak stopped immediately I took my foot off the gas or put my foot on the clutch. Drive train I thought! I regularly grease the props, but got under it tonight with the grease gun. Did the back and moved on to the front to find one of the UJ's had a ring of metal looking as though it was coming away from one of the joints.
My props and joints are original and at 207K miles they've done well, so I'm not going to muck about and I'm going to buy new props (not just joints) I'll order them straight away.
Question is, how far can I drive it like this?
The reason I ask is that I use it every day. I need to get some diesel tomorrow, which will include about 4 miles on the A1. The rest of the driving will be slow at about a max of 30mph. Or, on farm tracks and across fields in 1st and 2nd. I'm hoping I can drive it until they turn up. Never had a prop problem, so no experience with this.
 
I probably wouldn't. If its bad enough then get it replaced ASAP. I've had one go on a dual carriageway, come up through the drivers floor and punch a hole in the chassis rail. Not fun
 
the_wolf said:
I probably wouldn't. If its bad enough then get it replaced ASAP. I've had one go on a dual carriageway, come up through the drivers floor and punch a hole in the chassis rail. Not fun
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I know you're right really. Did you have any symptoms? I've read about people driving on them knocking on for ages.
 
Al2O3 said:
I know you're right really. Did you have any symptoms? I've read about people driving on them knocking on for ages.
Click to expand...
Ive driven with them squeaking but I generally don't let it continue for long. I've had a rear one go as well in my last 90 but thankfully wasn't going fast at all so there was no damage. The time it happened on the dual carriageway it had basically sheared the yoke at the transfer box end and there was no warning beforehand. I most likely did have the usual squeaking but had ignored it up to that point. I don't now lol
 
the_wolf said:
Ive driven with them squeaking but I generally don't let it continue for long. I've had a rear one go as well in my last 90 but thankfully wasn't going fast at all so there was no damage. The time it happened on the dual carriageway it had basically sheared the yoke at the transfer box end and there was no warning beforehand. I most likely did have the usual squeaking but had ignored it up to that point. I don't now lol
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I think my strict greasing regime must have done a good job.

I've had a thought! I can buy 5 litres of diesel to keep me going locally (very slowly) until the props turn up!
 
The way i see any issue, whether car, bike , house etc. Once you know about it, get it sorted. Things have a habit of ticking along nicely until you notice something, then it breaks in no time.
 
kermit_rr said:
The way i see any issue, whether car, bike , house etc. Once you know about it, get it sorted. Things have a habit of ticking along nicely until you notice something, then it breaks in no time.
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I agree. I was hoping to use it locally, but the consensus is indicating otherwise. Sensible :(
 
Al2O3 said:
I agree. I was hoping to use it locally, but the consensus is indicating otherwise. Sensible :(
Click to expand...
I learned the hard way when i was new to biking.
What IS that intermittent squeak!?
Had someone's check it over.. is the chain ok, i asked.. fine, was the reply.
Not long after, chain snapped and broke the gearbox :(
 
I had a squeak from mine last year, traced it to the prop shaft could see a bit of red rust in there. Bought two GKN bearing yoke assemblies, it's a very easy job to do them and didn't take long.
But you need the prop shaft bolt tool.
 
raywin said:
I had a squeak from mine last year, traced it to the prop shaft could see a bit of red rust in there. Bought two GKN bearing yoke assemblies, it's a very easy job to do them and didn't take long.
But you need the prop shaft bolt tool.
Click to expand...
How many miles did they have on them?
Is that tool the thin ring spanner?
 
Thanks for all the sensible advice gents. I've order Hardy Spicer, front and back, from LR Direct. Two business day delivery so should be here by Friday.
 
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