four20 Posted July 30, 2019 Share Posted July 30, 2019 my 1995 Seven has (I believe) an Ital diff which at the moment is making cringe making bangs as I let in the clutch on take off and when changing gear. I have a spare unit which came with the car but can’t find a specialist to assess/refurbish it before changing it for the nasty one in the car. My local chap says he won’t be able to source spares.I’m based near Reading and would appreciate any recommendations for getting it checked/refurbished or replaced.thanks in advance, Tony Booth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Kay Posted July 30, 2019 Share Posted July 30, 2019 I'll open the bidding: talk to Road and Race Transmissions. (They're in Sevenoaks.)But are you sure that it's the diff rather than the propshaft?Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted July 30, 2019 Share Posted July 30, 2019 From what I have read Jigsaw Racing do some worthwhile upgrades so maybe chat about refurbishment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
four20 Posted July 30, 2019 Author Share Posted July 30, 2019 Thanks for the fast replies chaps, my mechanic reckons that the prop shaft is OK, he had a look today when he did my MOT. I’ve left a message with Caterham Cars too, they have a massively reduced unit that I hope might fit! (358 quid - down from £1200!)i’ll give Jigsaw and Road and Race a bell tomorrow. Thanks again.Tony. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted July 30, 2019 Share Posted July 30, 2019 Tony,I think the caterham part you have mentioned is a Sierra diff and wont fit. Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Nick Chan Posted July 30, 2019 Area Representative Share Posted July 30, 2019 Might be worth checking the two top hat bushes that locate the A frame at base of axle. They degrade over time (in the line of fire for oil and road crap!) and then allow the diff to move slightly when accelerating or changing gear as the load goes on and off the drive train. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveMorris Posted July 30, 2019 Share Posted July 30, 2019 Agree with comment from Nick, as I had similar issues at one time with my L.A. car (and also with others who mentioned Jigsaw, R&R . . they're good firms, though Jigsaw I think is more a triumph/ital specialist I think).I would also check gearbox mount, and for amount of free play (backlash) on each of the rear wheels.Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Riches Posted July 31, 2019 Share Posted July 31, 2019 .....another for the rubber top hat bushes under the diff, these don't last long if there is any oil on them, well, they were originally steering system bushes, so not designed for oily contamination.Some Nolathane bushes would be a good replacement, more expensive but longer lasting.Or an "A" frame with Rose joint under the diff, more expensive again, and I don't know if these are still available, I have one and in over 30 years have only replaced the Rose joint twice.Check those bushes before rushing off to R & R and co.Nigel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Kay Posted July 31, 2019 Share Posted July 31, 2019 If it's the bushes can you feel the excess play by hand or with a lever when the suspension is unloaded?ThanksJonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_w Posted July 31, 2019 Share Posted July 31, 2019 On my car, just putting the handbrake on and rocking back and forth showed the bushes were gone. Plus if it still knocks then, you know it's suspension, not driveline.If the axle bushes haven't been done, they are worth doing and carry spares on long trips - I had mine go in France which limited the enjoyment on the run back! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjw Posted July 31, 2019 Share Posted July 31, 2019 I would have to agree it sounds much more like a bush problem than a diff problem.As Nigel says, polyurethane bushes last a lot longer than the rubber ones. They're more expensive obviously, but only ~£15, and then pretty much fit and forget even if they're soaked in oil.Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnh Posted August 1, 2019 Share Posted August 1, 2019 Probably a frame bush the way you’re describing it ..awful lot cheaper than a diff .. bin through loads of bushes myself.. they are cheap but an upgrade to polyurethane is the rite way to go.. if it is the bushes then I’d sack your mechanic..he should have spotted that.. hope he’s not your mate.. sorry p.s the bushes are easy to replace and available from redline.. if you are buying the rubber ones treat yourself to a couple of sets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
four20 Posted August 6, 2019 Author Share Posted August 6, 2019 Thanks Johnh and everyone for your suggestions. It’s unlikely to be A frame bushes since the A frame was replaced around 500 miles ago but I’ll go round the car again looking for anything with play in it.The drivetrain has had a hard life trying to get round Castle Combe sprints faster than everyone else which is why I suspected the diff. I have limited mobility so I think the best bet would be to run it over to James Whiting (who fitted the replacement Zetec) for a diagnosis before I start ripping the beast apart.If anyone can suggest a competent mechanic nearer to me (Reading/Newbury/Basingstoke) I’d appreciate it.Thanks again, Tony B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sooty Posted August 6, 2019 Share Posted August 6, 2019 Metallastic bushes can disintegrate in 500 miles d e pending on how and where driven and the amount of oil contamination. I wouldn't therefore rule this out. Polybushes would be better but the Powerflex options appear to be for Dedion rather that Ital LA. I'm not sure if they are the same bush but the Powerflex web site makes no mention of LA suitability Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Kay Posted August 6, 2019 Share Posted August 6, 2019 Polybushes would be better but the Powerflex options appear to be for Dedion rather that Ital LA. I'm not sure if they are the s s me bush but the Powerflex web site makes no mention of LA suitabilityPrevious discussions.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jingers Posted August 12, 2019 Share Posted August 12, 2019 Crown wheel - teeth broken off? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alcal Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 If it does turn out to be the diff I have a 3.9 (open) one in good condition which is available. Let me know if that's of any interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now