DiscoII "chirp" w/ gas...

[Mook]

My '02 has just recently started making a "chirping" noise, which seems to be confined to the right-front. Normally, it happens starting from a stop at 15-30 mph, and the "cycle" of the chirp changes with RPM and pressure on the drivetrain (i.e. if I take my foot off the gas and coast, it goes away.) I've read posts about the need to replace u-joints with the ones with grease fittings, and plan to do this soon. I've gone underneath and can't notice any play in any of the shafts, but haven't taken any of the joints apart yet. Could these joints be the culprit, or do I need to look at the transmission? Thanks!

[brian4d]

Stop driving your Rover and flatbed it to your nearest drive line shop..... Do not pass go do not collect $6000 for your new transmission and transfer box... You'll ask the driveline shop to rebuild your front DS with 3 new u-joints and a centering or yoke kit. I used Neapco U-joints and a percesion centering kit... It might turn out to be something else, but I would start there in order to prevent any MAJOR damage.

[Disco Mike]

DITTO, Today or you can loose your tranny at $5000 plus.
Do not buy another drive shaft from Rover or the same thing will happen again.
Either a complete rebuild or a new shaft from Tom Wood's on line.
Mike

[Mook]

Brian, your diagnosis was spot-on! The 2nd joint (from the front) was completely shot, and probably a mere few miles from failing completely. I got a new greasable joint on there and it now drives better than it ever has. I opted to just replace just that one today, as I hope to fit a new driveshaft sometime over the next 6 months. All of the others were already of the greasalbe type and looked good after I pushed some new grease through them and the aft drive shaft, so I think they will be okay for just a bit longer. At least now I know what to look for. Thanks again!

--Mook

[brian4d]

Originally Posted by Mook

Brian, your diagnosis was spot-on! The 2nd joint (from the front) was completely shot, and probably a mere few miles from failing completely. I got a new greasable joint on there and it now drives better than it ever has. I opted to just replace just that one today, as I hope to fit a new driveshaft sometime over the next 6 months. All of the others were already of the greasalbe type and looked good after I pushed some new grease through them and the aft drive shaft, so I think they will be okay for just a bit longer. At least now I know what to look for. Thanks again!

--Mook

I would replace all three u-joints. It is hard to visually inspect u-joints. Think about it this way. If all three u-joints started their life together (sounds like a family) and one u-joint was shot, chances are the other 1 or 2 are not far behind. Generally, it's the seizing of the u-joint that causes the prop shaft to explode. This can happen when only one joint goes bad... Just my .2

[Mook]

Brian, I agree with you, and hope for a re-do of the entire shaft soon. I was under a time crunch (learning along the way coupled with the garage closing) and opted for a temp fix. If a "stock" DII comes with non-greasable fittings, then all but this particular one have been changed previously. I now know why--the ball joint has to stay in-tact during the whole process when changing or you're in for trouble. Replacing this part is also in my future, although it looked clean and with all bearings intact. It's much smoother at all speeds now than it ever has been, and I imagine a new shaft will make it even better!

--Mook