Have I broken my diff?

[James Arnold]

When out for a fine bank holiday blast, I noticed the odd bang/clank from the rear of my 7. I put it up on axle stands for a quick look. All seemed OK, so I tried running the car in gear. At tick over in 4th I get a loud clanking (and I mean loud enough for me to worry about annoying the neighbours), which I think is coming from the axle. Its so loud its hard to tell exactly where, because it’s a bit deafening under the car. The only other thing I could think of was the prop fouling the transmission tunnel, but bouncing the suspension at the back has zero effect. If I increase the revs it goes away.

Does this sound like the axle expiring in some way (live axle marina). I assume that this isn’t symptoms of a half shaft. Perhaps a tooth off the diff?

It still seems to drive OK, but I can’t help thinking its unlikely to get better on its own and Brooklands next week looks doubtful, unless anybody has a second hand axle floating about…

Can anybody offer me any advice?

Thanks

James

 

[EFA]

James

 

If you are in the SE talk to Phil Stewart (near Orpington) He's the SE diff and g'box expert.

01959 525105

 

Arnie Webb

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[J.R.]

Any RWD car would have a clanky drivetrain if run at idle in 4th gear with the wheels off the ground. Does it sound quiet at say 2000 RPM?

[Eugene]

I assume you have checked the A frame bushes?

 

Small Boy - with Big Toy!

[James Arnold]

Thanks Arnie for the name. I spoke to Phil yesterday and he certainly knows his stuff.

I took the diff out last night. The pinion pin in the diff has come loose and was catching on the driven pinion, hence the nasty noise.

James