Vibration at speed.

Our TD5 has had a vibration at between 70 and 80 MPH for a couple of years now.

When it first started I found some wear in one of the UJs on the double cardan joint on the front prop. I replaced this but it didn't help.

As I hadn't replaced the needle roller bearings in the centre of the joint, I picked up another almost new front prop and fitted that yesterday. However the vibration is exactly the same, bad from 70 - 80, then it clears.

It seems like a classic prop shaft vibration but the UJ and the rubber coupling on the rear prop look to be fine, so is there anything else it could be? Current mileage is about 130,000.

Glen.

Could be the hub assembly, could be many things.
I had a vibration and noise too - changed drag link, discs all around. Much better but may need replacment hub units in the future.

if your d2 has difflock , lock it and remove one prop then go for a drive, if it still vibrates put prop back on and remove the other one, at least you can rule out props then

Have you checked your tyres for unequal wear and also pressures?

I had another look at the car this morning.

The rubber coupling looked to be sound but when I got a small bar and levered the prop towards the front of the car a lot of cracks opened up around the mounting bolts.

Also, the replacement front prop appears to have a bit of wear in both of the UJs on the double Cardan joint. This wasn't detectable until it was on the car and is really strange as it looks to be fairly new and still has the remnants of some stickers on it.

I think I will get another rubber coupling and possibly re-fit the original front prop which seems to have no movement in any of the UJs.

There is no obvious uneven wear on the tyres and the pressures are checked regularly. It seems to be a classic propshaft vibration as it also varies depending on load, going up a hill with your foot on the accelerator makes it much worse.

the bearing in the front of t casewhere front prop shaft hooks transfer box could be worn.front output shaft bearing
happened on one of mine

If you're going to replace thr rear prop rubber coupling, it's worth considering getting 1 of the kits which includes the rubber spigot bush also helps centralise the rear prop flange relative to the diff flange.
I've just changed ours & it removed the radial play in the joint & vibration we had (that I thought was coming from the front - lol)

Paul
2001 D2 TD5 184,000 miles & climbing

Mine used to vibrate at 60, spent loads on propshafts and other stuff, drive slower, it's a 4 x 4 with massive wheels tyres etc and dirty great propshafts...................use a normal car for higher speeds!!!!

Pawl said:

If you're going to replace thr rear prop rubber coupling, it's worth considering getting 1 of the kits which includes the rubber spigot bush also helps centralise the rear prop flange relative to the diff flange.
I've just changed ours & it removed the radial play in the joint & vibration we had (that I thought was coming from the front - lol)

Paul
2001 D2 TD5 184,000 miles & climbing

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I have ordered the GKN kit that comes with all of the bolts, not sure if it includes the spigot bush though.

m500dpp said:

Mine used to vibrate at 60, spent loads on propshafts and other stuff, drive slower, it's a 4 x 4 with massive wheels tyres etc and dirty great propshafts...................use a normal car for higher speeds!!!!

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Well it used to be fine at 70 MPH plus, so clearly it is something that can be rectified!!!!

GDM said:

I have ordered the GKN kit that comes with all of the bolts, not sure if it includes the spigot bush though.

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That's probably the same kit I got - so spigot bush should be included

Pawl said:

That's probably the same kit I got - so spigot bush should be included

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It arrived from Island 4 x 4 today and it does, indeed, include the spigot bush. Another job for the weekend, along with the SVS valve modification.