Shudder and hum at 40mph

[danielj]

Terrano (2002-2003 manual transmission) has developed a very bad shudder in recent days. Does not seem to be wheel or steering related and there is nor real shake or vibration in the steering wheel. Don't think it is suspension or gearbox/ engine mounts. Don't think it is drive shaft or u-joint. Problem has started at the same time as problem with transfer box lever coming loose. 4wd high and low are working (tested it in muddy grass) and 4wd light on dash going on and off as it should be. But because the two issues arose at the same time I'm thinking they may be related. Any ideas?

 

[macabethiel]

Has yours got manual front hubs all sounds as though its in 4WD mode despite what lights may say ?

 

[danielj]

Not manual hubs. Bit of a whistle or screech from front passenger side wheel when 4wd engaged though. Sound a bit like dry metal rubbing on dry metal. But have that with a while and hub is engaging and disengaging.

 

[solarman216]

I am inclined to say you have fixed hubs and a front prop problem, with cost cutting on later models there are no greasers on the prop and by the rate these shafts fail seems they were not greased up in the first place, Rick

 

[danielj]

One of the front CV joints is a bit lumpy on hard lock. Think it is same side as whistle/screech. Also noisy and clunky clutch/gearbox. Don't think these are causing the current problem though.
How would I check for bad propshaft?

 

[solarman216]

8 bolts and it is off, if it cures it then you know, or you could just do the front 4 bolts and cable tie the prop out of the way (just do not select 4 wheel), Rick

 

[danielj]

Thanks. I will give it a try over the weekend and report back.

 

[jims-terrano]

I’m not saying this is your problem but on my old 05 plate I had a very similar problem. It turned out to be the sliding joint on the front prop shaft. Basically reach under the car no need to jack it up and grab the front prop shaft. Give it a good tug around if you hear a click or feel movement then this could be your problem. Sadly the sliding joint is not seperate so,you’d need a replacement shaft.

 

[Banshee]

Propshaft all day!!!

I reckon it stands a good chance that you have a set of fixed hubs on yours which means even when 4x4 isn't engaged your front prop will still be spinning.

So could be the front or the rear prop. Pull on the props real hard from underneath up and down on the UJ spiders and see if there is a knocking :thumb2

 

[danielj]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. Much appreciated.
Propshaft is running all the time even with 4wd (edit) dis-engaged. Had a quick poke underneath the vehicle this morning. Rear U-joint on front propshaft definately goosed. Probably half an inch movement up and down when shake it. Looks like cap and bearing parts gone off one end of u-joint.
There is a very small bit of forward and back sliding movement but my understanding is this is as it should be.
Have a 2000 face lift T2 I can borrow parts from. Anyone know if front propshaft from that will fit the 2002-2003 terrano?

 

[Banshee]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. Much appreciated.
Propshaft is running all the time even with 4wd (edit) dis-engaged. Had a quick poke underneath the vehicle this morning. Rear U-joint on front propshaft definately goosed. Probably half an inch movement up and down when shake it. Looks like cap and bearing parts gone off one end of u-joint.
There is a very small bit of forward and back sliding movement but my understanding is this is as it should be.
Have a 2000 face lift T2 I can borrow parts from. Anyone know if front propshaft from that will fit the 2002-2003 terrano?

As long as it's SWB > SWB or LWB > LWB as there are length differences.

You got access to a vice? I do my own at home :naughty

Granted the pics below are the time I did it in the workshop at work :lol
http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showpost.php?p=309384&postcount=290

 

[danielj]

LWB to LWB.
Have access to a vice. Not as big as the one in your photos but big enough to squeeze a socket into the joint to push through. Done the job once or twice before, sometimes more smoothly than others.

 

[Banshee]

LWB to LWB.
Have access to a vice. Not as big as the one in your photos but big enough to squeeze a socket into the joint to push through. Done the job once or twice before, sometimes more smoothly than others.

I know what you're saying there mate!!!!! First time I went to do one was on my first Maverick and I remember going to pop the cup into place, the seal dropping out and losing all but 5 of the needle bearings all over the floor :lol :lol :doh

 

[danielj]

First one I did was from a Suzuki Escudo. Ended up taking an angle grinder to it. The less details given on that the better!

 

[Banshee]

First one I did was from a Suzuki Escudo. Ended up taking an angle grinder to it. The less details given on that the better!

Some times mate the angle grinder is the fastest and easier way, less brute force needed :lol

Still chop some of mine out if they play up

Didn't chop the prop up did you :lol

 

[rayf3262]

You can fit a prop with grease nipples from an earlier vehicle.
The only thing to be sure of is the closed length.
There are two lengths, 645mm or 605mm.
So pull yours off measure and seek.....

 

[danielj]

Thanks for the tip. Will get the tape measure out before I get on the spanners.

 

[rayf3262]

You will need to get the spanners out FIRST.
As you have to measure the length with the sliding joint fully closed.

 

[danielj]

Finally got the propshaft off. U joint is rightly goosed. Took it for a run with propshaft off and no shuddering so looks like problem is the u-joint. Awkward enough to get the shaft off so decided not to swap it out and will change the joint instead. Any issue with driving around without the front propshaft for a bit for a few days until I get it fixed?

 

[Banshee]

Finally got the propshaft off. U joint is rightly goosed. Took it for a run with propshaft off and no shuddering so looks like problem is the u-joint. Awkward enough to get the shaft off so decided not to swap it out and will change the joint instead. Any issue with driving around without the front propshaft for a bit for a few days until I get it fixed?

Apart from losing 4 wheel drive nothing at all mate