grasshopper Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 Had a slightly airborn moment on Saturday. This was a bit unexpected, I was flat out in 2nd at the time so goodness only knows how high I was revving before I touched down again. The moment I touched down was when something let go with an almighty bang. My instincts tell me that it's probably the Diff that's exploded (the car's a Suplerlight with a 6-speed and a LSD). The engine seemed fine and I could select gears which would suggest that the box is intact. Also the drive shafts were intact when I looked underneath...no fluids leaking either. Has anyone had a similar experiance? Is the Diff fairly straight forward to sort? Thanks Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgrigsby Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 What happens when you try to drive? noises? drive? crunching? Rob G www.SpeedySeven.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grasshopper Posted February 4, 2007 Author Share Posted February 4, 2007 When I tried to drive I had nothing going to the wheels at all and a fairly rapid knocking sound coming from the back of the car. After the initial few bangs I pulled it out of gear and coasted to a layby to avoid anything eating itsef further. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beelzebub Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 Put the back of the car on stands. Have a play with the driven wheels whilst in gear. Is the drive-shaft turning when the road wheels are rotated 🤔 Crunching grating noises etc 🤔 Might help to get a mate around to assist. D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgrigsby Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 Hmm yup that's the next step, it's difficult to identify where the noise comes from. I had a clunking from the back of my car but it was actually a problem in the gearbox not the diff so it may not be quite as clear cut as it sounds. If you put the car in gear with the engine off can you move it? it's worth trying both in and out of gear to see if the noise changes. If you're feeling brave and chock the car you could run it with the rear wheels of the ground to see what is and isn't turning..... (not recommended but it is possible...) needless to say if you do this be very careful! Rob G www.SpeedySeven.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grasshopper Posted February 5, 2007 Author Share Posted February 5, 2007 I can move the car in gear with the engine off with no problems at all...not a good sign. I'm going to jack it up tonight and we'll see what happens... Cheers chaps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F355GTS Posted February 5, 2007 Share Posted February 5, 2007 Chris Worth checking the propshaft too, my guess would be the AP LSD Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grasshopper Posted February 5, 2007 Author Share Posted February 5, 2007 Thanks chaps Before I phone Caterham and ask them....does anyone how much a new slippy diff is going to cost me? (I ask this question purely to take the sting out of the inevitable!!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leadership Team Mcalvert Posted February 5, 2007 Leadership Team Share Posted February 5, 2007 I would cut out the middle man and call Phil at Road and Race Transmissions - I believe he does most of the LSD work for Caterham and is a thoroughly nice guy too... Road & Race Transmissions The Bullock Shed Filston Farm Shoreham, Kent TN14 5JU tel: 01959 525105 mobile: 07836 333882 regards - Michael. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grasshopper Posted February 5, 2007 Author Share Posted February 5, 2007 Thanks Michael, seen these chaps on Angus and Tessa's website. This will be the first bit of work I've done on the Seven myself. Have worked on other cars before but I'm far from being a proficient mechanic. Where's the best place to get a manual from? - direct from Caterham? Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Plato Posted February 5, 2007 Share Posted February 5, 2007 I can move the car in gear with the engine off with no problems at all probably gearbox then not diff. Phil will do the gearbox, but you will need to remove it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgrigsby Posted February 5, 2007 Share Posted February 5, 2007 I suspect the best way is to ask on Blatchat. if you do a search for diff removal there is a step by step guide on techtalk from a few years back. It's fairly straightforward although the diff is a bit of a pita to put back in if you can't find the guide shout and i'm sure someone will. Rob G www.SpeedySeven.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F355GTS Posted February 5, 2007 Share Posted February 5, 2007 Chris The AP unit is no longer made, not sure if you can get a 2nd hand one. Phil at R&R can supply a new ZF unit IIRC at about £600 . If you can get the Car to me nr Reading I'd be happy to help/ guide you through the change Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beelzebub Posted February 5, 2007 Share Posted February 5, 2007 Although fitted with the ramps adjusted to suit a caterham will be nearer £800 ISTR *eek*..........Gulp. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I just had mine done last year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Plato Posted February 5, 2007 Share Posted February 5, 2007 souns to me like the gearbox is broken ☹️ ps - new AP suretrack fitted @ R&Rt = £250 . Mate is there today having exactly that done . Not that the issue is with your diff ........ Edited by - Dave J on 5 Feb 2007 11:11:18 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grasshopper Posted February 7, 2007 Author Share Posted February 7, 2007 hmmm, not sure how I missed this...but I had actually snapped a half shaft 😳. I must book an appointment at the opticians... Caterham parts delivered within 2 days it's sitting next to me on my desk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgrigsby Posted February 7, 2007 Share Posted February 7, 2007 How the hell did you manage that... I've manage to twist one in the past but never snapped! Rob G www.SpeedySeven.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mav Posted February 7, 2007 Share Posted February 7, 2007 IIRC there was a problem with a batch of half shafts for the SV - I think Miraz was the 1st to suffer on the SV front... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grasshopper Posted February 7, 2007 Author Share Posted February 7, 2007 What can I say, the passenger I had with me at the time is somewhat 'rotund'. If you like, I've got a photo I can send you! (drive shaft that is...not the passenger) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgrigsby Posted February 7, 2007 Share Posted February 7, 2007 Go on then robert.grigsby@itrm.co.uk 😳 Rob G www.SpeedySeven.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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