Steering - Transmission Problems

Hi Everyone

Please has anyone got any ideas? P38 4.6

The steering started to vibrate slightly and wonder especially on uneven roads.

Changed the damper (no improvement)
Adjusted and then changed the power steering box (no improvement)
Thought I could hear the vibration on the right hand side so changed the drive shaft (no improvement)

I then noticed that the old oil which I had drained from the diff when changing the drive shaft had fine bits of steel in it so I cleaned out the axle casing and changed both drive shafts and the diff

This stopped the vibration but there is still a slight wonder on the steering. I have also noticed that the wheels seem to be winding them self’s up as if stuck in 4 wheel drive

So I am now thinking the problem is the viscose coupling which has worn the diff out.

Can I run the car without the front prop shaft just to prove that the front end faults have gone?

Anyone got a suggestions on the viscose coupling or transfer box should I just change both?

Thanks

All Range Rovers are permenant 4 wheel drive - so yes it would be stuck in it!

As for the Viscous Coupling try this test....

Jack up ONE wheel, handbrake off, gearbox in Neutral
Using a breaking bar on one of the wheel nuts, turn the wheel using the bar - it should be very stiff....if you can't move it at all VCU is locked up and duff....if it is loose, suspect Diff/Drive Shaft/Prop Shaft

It is possible to drive with a Prop Shaft removed, but don't hoon about and don't do excessive mileage a few miles will be fine to test your theory!

Hi
Thanks for your reply. You have solved the problem I have put it in neutral and jacked up a front wheel it is solid will not turn.

I have a spare Transfer box in the garage with a viscose coupling on it and with a standard size ½ knuckle bar holding the brake drum and just a ½ racket on the viscose nut I can only just turn the viscose but it does turn. Is this normal or is this one on its way out as well ?

Farmer Fred said:

Hi
Thanks for your reply. You have solved the problem I have put it in neutral and jacked up a front wheel it is solid will not turn.

I have a spare Transfer box in the garage with a viscose coupling on it and with a standard size ½ knuckle bar holding the brake drum and just a ½ racket on the viscose nut I can only just turn the viscose but it does turn. Is this normal or is this one on its way out as well ?

Click to expand...

Never tested a unit that wasn't on the vehicle so couldn't comment on if that is normal....

A knowledgable member on here called JamesMartin is clued up on the Gearbox/Transfer Box so he will no doubt know more...but I can only assume if it turns it could be OK....

OK Thanks
I do have two and both are the same so as at the moment it’s my only option I am going to fit one of them. I will let you know outcome.

Farmer Fred said:

Hi
Thanks for your reply. You have solved the problem I have put it in neutral and jacked up a front wheel it is solid will not turn.

I have a spare Transfer box in the garage with a viscose coupling on it and with a standard size ½ knuckle bar holding the brake drum and just a ½ racket on the viscose nut I can only just turn the viscose but it does turn. Is this normal or is this one on its way out as well ?

Click to expand...

Normal

Yup, sounds like your spare is a good one.

Hi All t
Thank you for your advice I put a VC on at the weekend which cured the steering vibration and the tyre grabbing (What’s left of the tyres) I managed to get the old one off and the new one on without removing any of the gearbox mounts.

I now seem to have a different vibration which starts after travelling for around 20 mins still scratching my head as to where this is coming from. Producing a small vibration on the steering. Any Ideas ?

I also got a bit on advice on testing the VC out of the car seems I was doing it wrong if you put all your strength into trying to turn the VC it will not move. The correct way is to either put the hand brake on if still connected or put a bar through the bolts on the drum and a socket on the VC lock nut and put a small amount of pressure on for around a min in which time the VC will start to turn

Great news on it solving the VC lock up you had....small amount of vibration could be an out of balance Propshaft or wheel!

Thanks for the tip on testing a VCU on the bench...good bit of advice!