LSD Concerns

[Michael]

I have just bought a 1998 Terrano SWB and I need some information about the operation of the LSD.

Basically, when jacked up, both rear wheels turn in the same direction so from what I have read, that is ok. The handbrake is only holding on one wheel at present so I suppose that is akin to having that wheel on the ground. However, I can turn the other wheel without much difficulty by hand.

Now I am sure the oil hasn't been changed for a long time if at all but am I correct in suspecting that a simple oil change to the proper stuff isn't going to cure this? Are the little clutch plates likely to be worn out?

Thanks,

Michael

 

[clivvy]

the LSD is probably fine, you probably need to replace your handbrake cables by the sound of it - its not uncommon. If you look under the car at the handbrake cables you will see one is operating and the other is sticking.

Get the LSD oil changed, but I don't think you have an issue - youd be experiencing some rather odd driving if the LSD had an issue. Get the correct oil, I think its about 4 litres but do check, and change yourself its very easy to do.

 

[Fez_uk]

Sounds like the LSD has worn out, I could not turn my wheel with one in the air by hand.

I'd have a go at changing the oil.

But if it does not help I would not worry about it too much.

 

[kitchenman]

It has been said before
In case of problems make sure you can get the fill plug out before you drain the dif :doh
I had to use a two foot stud buster to get mine out, put it back with PTFE thread tape on the thread.
dave

 

[rustic]

The older type diffs take 2.8 litres of GL4 LSD oil, it is special oil and comma supply it in 1 litre containers at around £5 a litre.

If the wrong type of oil was used, you might need to do a second oil change, a while after to purge out the old stuff.

Rustic

 

[solarman216]

as said by fez, if you can turn one wheel with the other locked then the LSD is goofed, no question, this is not an oil problem the clutch has worm out, Rick

 

[Michael]

Thanks to all for your replies to my problem. I was going to change the oil in it tomorrow but it would appear that that may not be worth the effort.

as said by fez, if you can turn one wheel with the other locked then the LSD is goofed, no question, this is not an oil problem the clutch has worm out, Rick

What are my options? Is it expensive to fix or should I just chalk this one up to experience and move on to something else? I was planning on also using it around the farm and need decent traction for all that entails i.e. towing trailers across fields etc but if that is not possible with this one then it will be sold on.

Thanks again,

Michael

 

[solarman216]

second hand diff not a problem, I have a couple, available pm me for a price and also what type you have, Rick

 

[macabethiel]

I have just bought a 1998 Terrano SWB and I need some information about the operation of the LSD.

Basically, when jacked up, both rear wheels turn in the same direction so from what I have read, that is ok. The handbrake is only holding on one wheel at present so I suppose that is akin to having that wheel on the ground. However, I can turn the other wheel without much difficulty by hand.

Now I am sure the oil hasn't been changed for a long time if at all but am I correct in suspecting that a simple oil change to the proper stuff isn't going to cure this? Are the little clutch plates likely to be worn out?

Thanks,

Michael

Unless you are mud plugging why worry about the LSD not working you still have 4 WD.
Even with a LSD you will get some rotation if three wheels are on the ground and you hand turn the back wheel its should though be impossible to keep on turning it once the "limited" amount of slip has been reached.

 

[Fez_uk]

Unless you are mud plugging why worry about the LSD not working you still have 4 WD.
Even with a LSD you will get some rotation if three wheels are on the ground and you hand turn the back wheel its should though be impossible to keep on turning it once the "limited" amount of slip has been reached.

I never found the LSD that effective anyway.

 

[Michael]

Well as hoped I managed to get a couple of hours to tinker with the jeep today. I figured that if I was going to check the state of the diff oil, I was going to have to replace it so I bought three litres of the correct Comma stuff to do so.

Before I drained the diff housing I decided to evaluate the LSD operation properly. I chocked the front wheels, released the handbrake, selected neutral, then raised one rear wheel at a time ensuring the other was firmly planted and physically tried to rotate the elevated wheel. This time there was resistance but not enough that I couldn't force the wheel around with a bit of effort. I then placed wooden blocks under the axle to support each side in turn and engaged first gear. All that happened was whichever wheel was in the air simply spun around. I changed the oil and carried out the same tests again certain the results would be the same which they were. The old oil was not as dirty as I expected; in fact it was a transparent grey colour and there was some sort of gooey sludge stuck to the lower bung but the oil itself definitely didn't look like something that had been in there forever and a day.

It looks like the LSD is indeed goosed. Now, I am one of those people who isn't too keen on non working items, basically if it is there I like to have it in working order but I hear what some of you are saying i.e. that it may not be strictly necessary to have a LSD. I have just watched a video on Youtube where a Terrano is climbing over some rocky terrain and while one rear wheel is definitely not moving, the other is spinning, much like mine would no doubt do in the same situation.

As I said earlier, I really am a novice when it comes to jeeps having never owned one before but given that during the worst of the weather here last Spring, the only vehicles mobile in this locality other than some 4wd tractors (mine got truly stuck while helping free stranded vehicles on the road) were a 3.1 Trooper and a 4.2 Land Cruiser (which unbelievably pulled out the tractor and beforehand a 7.5t recovery lorry in reverse), vehicles I know to have difflocks which were most definitely used that day. It is heavy snow, hilly sometimes muddy fields, pulling heavy trailers etc that make me think the LSD might be a desirable thing to have should conditions be poor. Am I way off base in thinking that?

Thanks,

Michael

 

[Fez_uk]

troopers are kack

LSD won't make a slight bit of difference on snow or ice.

 

[Sweety]

I've got a later Terrano without an LSD (by the looks of it) road maners seem better but I,m sure I'll cope off road fine. Yes the LSD is great as you can get most places in 2WD I found with my last one, without one you've got to slum it with the LR boys & used 4WD more:lol Don't used it on the road in 4WD unless it's covered in snow as they don't have centre diff's :thumb2

 

[rustic]

I've got a later Terrano without an LSD (by the looks of it) road maners seem better but I,m sure I'll cope off road fine. Yes the LSD is great as you can get most places in 2WD I found with my last one, without one you've got to slum it with the LR boys & used 4WD more:lol Don't used it on the road in 4WD unless it's covered in snow as they don't have centre diff's :thumb2

I agree, with a none working LSD on a Terrano, you are now the same as a Land Rover. They seem to cope don't they.:augie

The LSD can be a pain on wet roundabouts, the back end can loose grip with a bit of throttle....:naughty
Easy to control, but the first time it happens, can be quite scary.

Try it as it is, the most important thing is good tyres.

As Sweety says, don't use 4 wheel drive on tarmac, or ground with good grip as you will get transmission wind up.
Snow, ice, wet grass, loose gravel, mud are great in 4 wheel drive.

Rustic

 

[Michael]

I always thought the Land Rovers had lockable rear diffs but once again I show my ignorance on all things 4WD. I do now however have a better grasp of what you all are telling me and I must confess that while I myself would prefer to have the LSD operational, my wife and my father who will also be using the Terrano might not be so keen on a twitchy vehicle.

I am getting to know now what these jeeps are about thanks to this forum and to be honest, I'm developing a bit of a liking for mine despite its list of jobs that need to be done. I took it out for a bit of a blast down a private road yesterday and while it might have some difficulty presently in stopping, it certainly has no problems in getting up and going. It drives surprisingly well with plenty of power though it's a pity I can't get the seat back any farther as my derriere feels like it is somewhere in the region of my throat. They weren't built for the taller types, that's for sure.

I will keep the LSD issue in mind but in the meantime (time permitting of course) I will be getting the jeep roadworthy and will also maybe deal with some of the other issues that need addressing. I'm truly looking forward to see what this vehicle will and won't do when finally put to the test.

In regard to transmission wind up, is that as a result of inner and outer wheels needing to rotate at different speeds when cornering? If so then would driving in 4H theoretically be acceptable on a hard surface if travelling in a strict straight line? The reason I ask is that if I were pulling a trailer up hill in a dry field but required extra traction would engaging 4WD be safe to do so long as I was not turning etc?

Thanks again,

Michael

 

[AD Ent]

I would think it'll be ok in a field. It's tarmac really that's the problem as the tyres can't slip.