Is my transfer box buggered?

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Pedrover

New Member
Posts
93
Location
Portsmouth, Hants
I have been concerned about the amount of play in my 200tdi's drivetrain since i bought it but have never actually got round to doing anything with it. Its pretty jerky while driving-when letting on & off the accelerator, and the whole car can move 5-6 inches when stationary in gear or with handbrake on. Normal?

Both diffs wined like a bugger when I got it but a quick oil change sorted the front out lovely - but the rear diff is still a screamer(had also noticed it covered in oil but levels fine........)!!
Am I right in thinking I read somewhere that the rear diff is a 'weak point'?

Today I noticed a horrible grinding noise when de-accellerating coming from (I think) the transfer box. This is most obvious in 1st and faint in 2nd.

Ive noticed this kind of noise before off roading down steep banks and sounds similar to a 'knock' i get when I first start and stop the engine. Sounds like the transfer box jumping and/or tapping next to the drivers seat.

So.....I checked the oil in there and sure enough she was very low. Replaced oil only to find it came ****ing back out the rear seal (.......explains the oil covered rear diff).

*Ive read its not a majorly difficult job to change the rear seal, right?

*Also-could having a buggered whiney rear diff be the cause of the play in the drivetrain, or is it more likely problems elsewhere?

*Anyone know what the 'knock' next to my seat is when starting/stopping the engine?

Thanks in advance!!:)
 
I would have a look/check your universal joints first....they prob could do with the greasegun at the nipples if theyre not totally knacked
 
Ha ha, The first part was meant to.

As for my leaky rear seal.........I'm on tablets :D



Excellent reply, I really did laugh out loud:D:D:D

As for your transmission and engine noise problems:

1. Engine knock on start and stop - put both gearboxes in neutral, then start and stop the engine. If the noise is till there it has nothing to do with transmission.

2. Rear transfer box seal - is an easy job.

3. Play in transmission when parked up - perfectly normal. It's due to the fact that the handbrake works on the transmission rather than the wheel hubs.

4. Don't forget to check the breathers on both diffs, the transfer box and gearbox. If these are blocked oil can get blown past the oil seals.

5. Re knocks from transmission when selecting gears. Check the A-frame ball-joint above the rear diff - it's most likely shagged. Bit of a sod to get off, needs the rear chassis/body lifting (to give clearance) and a small angle grinder to cut the bar steward off!! Installing the new one is a piece of cake. Good idea to replace the A-frame bushes while you're at it.

Good luck

Dave
 
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I've got to the stage now where mine doesn't drip oil anymore, even when all the levels are correct.
I'm not saying there aren't any leaks, just that they are all so small that all they do is provide a thin layer of corrosion inhibitor for the underside.
To paraphrase Al Murray's the pub landlord "It's 'bin a year"
 
Excellent reply, I really did laugh out loud:D:D:D

As for your transmission and engine noise problems:

1. Engine knock on start and stop - put both gearboxes in neutral, then start and stop the engine. If the noise is till there it has nothing to do with transmission.

2. Rear transfer box seal - is an easy job.

3. Play in transmission when parked up - perfectly normal. It's due to the fact that the handbrake works on the transmission rather than the wheel hubs.

4. Don't forget to check the breathers on both diffs, the transfer box and gearbox. If these are blocked oil can get blown past the oil seals.

5. Re knocks from transmission when selecting gears. Check the A-frame ball-joint above the rear diff - it's most likely shagged. Bit of a sod to get off, needs the rear chassis/body lifting (to give clearance) and a small angle grinder to cut the bar steward off!! Installing the new one is a piece of cake. Good idea to replace the A-frame bushes while you're at it.

Good luck

Dave

Great advice, cheers dave!! ;)
 
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