Front Diff

[clivvy]

hey guys

my cars been in the garage for various jobs/MOT for nearly two weeks, I should get it back today but the garage thinks there is an issue with the front diff.

When I engage 4wd (i have a 03 plate model, fixed hubs) and drive into a turn i get a clicking. Partly that was the CV on the drivers side so thats been fixed, but the garage says there is still a noise from the front diff.

assuming that is the case, can anyone shed any light on what it could be, how can I fix or is it just a case of get a replacement front diff fitted?

how much of a DIY job is it, or should i just leave it to the garage!?

:bow

 

[rustic]

Placing it in 4 wheel drive on tarmac and then turning in a circle is a no no.

This creates transmission wind up.
Usually tyres will scrub, but it puts a strain on the transfer box, front diff, drive shafts, CVs, prop shaft UJs etc

4 Wheel drive must only be used on loose or slippery surfaces.

Clicking could be any of the UJs or any CVs.
Could also be the upper or lower suspension ball joints.
Something has to give.... or break. :nenau

Rustic

 

[solarman216]

As Rustic says, on dry tarmac 4 wheel is a no no, on a turn at slow speed all transmission components are under enormous strain and the only things that can relieve it is tyre slip or something breaking, Rick

 

[clivvy]

i am not sure if the garage have used tarmac, i think they have tested it on tarmac actually i didnt think at the time when i spoke to them but he did say theyd gone to a quiet culdesac...!!

ok, ill see when i get it back, perhaps running on some slippy surface will help?

 

[clivvy]

Placing it in 4 wheel drive on tarmac and then turning in a circle is a no no.

This creates transmission wind up.
Usually tyres will scrub, but it puts a strain on the transfer box, front diff, drive shafts, CVs, prop shaft UJs etc

4 Wheel drive must only be used on loose or slippery surfaces.

Clicking could be any of the UJs or any CVs.
Could also be the upper or lower suspension ball joints.
Something has to give.... or break. :nenau

Rustic

ok, CV done, both ball joints done, UJs did a while back so I will see whats what when i get it back...!!

 

[perelaar]

Make sure you get the garage to give you your money back, if they tried to test 4x4 on dry tarmac

I had clicking once, turned out to be the hubs.

 

[clivvy]

well, i dunno about that, they've been good so far and I doubt they have caused any damage - ive already suspected damage but figured it was a CV, i will find out a bit more when i get it home as I can take it up the dirt track behind my house.

I think they tested it on Tarmac because they don't fully know the Terrano, they deal with a lot of Subarus and Mitsubishi etc plus what he described for testing they didnt drive it much, but probably enough for transmission wind up!!

Finger crossed.

 

[Banshee]

If you need a front diff I have one for sale for your year that came off my car before I swapped it for a front diff from a '99 that I pulled in with a LOKKA fitted

Drop me a PM if you're interested not after silly money for it :thumb2

Deffo a ramp job and 2 men to lift it in and out though, I wouldn't reccomend doing it on the drive like I did as you'll have no chance getting it back in situe on the floor like I tried :doh

 

[firebobby]

ok, CV done, both ball joints done, UJs did a while back so I will see whats what when i get it back...!!

Are you saying they have changed all the above for you since hearing the clicking on the test drive Clivvy ??

 

[clivvy]

If you need a front diff I have one for sale for your year that came off my car before I swapped it for a front diff from a '99 that I pulled in with a LOKKA fitted

Drop me a PM if you're interested not after silly money for it :thumb2

Deffo a ramp job and 2 men to lift it in and out though, I wouldn't reccomend doing it on the drive like I did as you'll have no chance getting it back in situe on the floor like I tried :doh

cheers Banshee, I will do. Going to test it on gravel this weekend to see for myself!

 

[clivvy]

Are you saying they have changed all the above for you since hearing the clicking on the test drive Clivvy ??

no, CV did need doing, lower ball joint was an MOT failure, upper balljoint ended up needing doing. All the garage are saying is that now, they can still hear a clicking - but not the same as with the CV, that was obviously much louder.

 

[jims-terrano]

I'm pretty sure Rick at the garage knows what he's doing, he's worked on Bigbunnys motor. Pretty sure he wouldn't rip you off what ever happens. Personally before worrying too much I'd wait and see what it's like when you get it home, might be that you won't hear the noise.

 

[clivvy]

cheers Jim, yeah i certainly don't feel im being ripped off, hasn't even sprung to mind, im just curious about the next step with the diff as I will be diagnosing myself this weekend.

 

[solarman216]

Well as a guide, diffs do not make clicking or ratcheting noises, usually they whine, more likely are CVJ's hubs (drive) or inner front shaft tri joint (needle rollers break up), Rick

 

[clivvy]

Well as a guide, diffs do not make clicking or ratcheting noises, usually they whine, more likely are CVJ's hubs (drive) or inner front shaft tri joint (needle rollers break up), Rick

righto Rick - I will do my best to diagnose. I can rule out drivers side CV, so will check the other side and the other stuff you mention as best i can!:bow

 

[jims-terrano]

I'll let you borrow my grease monkey if you like :lol:lol:lol

 

[clivvy]

haha he could start making some right money that lad!