R380 3rd gear grind

Hi,
I've got a 1990 defender 90 with a disco 200tdi with r380. Recently, only when turning left, in third gear and low revs, it creates a horrendous grinding noise. This stops when either pressing the clutch in or letting the throttle off.

To make things worse, just did a gear and transfer box oil change and the magnetic plugs are covered in metal swarf.

I know this is quite specific and there's obviously something wrong, just any ideas on what it could be before trying to lift the heaviest thing known to man from the underside of my landy would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks

Hi Fergus,

How long have you had this problem? Is it a new problem?

Can you identify where the noise is coming from in general terms, front rear gearbox / tbox area?

Also, Only when turning left???

Cheers

Hi, thanks for the quick reply!
Had the problem for a couple of months now and only getting worse.
The noise is coming from under the drivers floor/footwell so probably the transfer.
I've only noticed the problem when turning left, I've tried to recreate it turning right but to no avail.
Thanks

Hi Fergus.

I know this is probably a stupid thing to say, but it is not the tyre catching is it?

Cheers

Hi,
Hadn't thought of that but I'm not on full lock and it's a highish pitch noise, like an angle grinder.
I will check however if it is a simple as a tyre catching.
Thanks

HI

Does not sound like a tyre catching, but worth checking anyway.

Hopefully someone else will come up with a more intelligent response to help you out.......LOL

Cheers

fergus98 said:

it's a highish pitch noise, like an angle grinder.

Click to expand...

Is this noise really only 3rd gear ?? or is it steering position which produces it - note the speed, and do the same speed in another gear - you could also try 3rd in low range...

The high pitched nature of it makes me thinks you might have gained an extra bit underneath, I.E. picked something up off the road unintentionally.... and this is pushing the brake dust guard(s) into the disc or the wheel...???