Loud POP! - No Rear Drive

[prossett]

While most weight on rear wheels trying to find out how steep is too steep, I hear this loud BANG from the rear and then lose all power to rear wheels.

I reckon it's a half-shaft broken, so I drive home slowly in front-wheel drive (1990 Range Rover Classic) listening to a metal click every wheel turn.

I jack up and turn rear wheels by hand, the opposite side wheel does not turn.

Today I pull out the half-shafts: to my surprise, they are in perfect nick!

What next?

Into the axle differential?

Wouldn't there be grinding noises if the spider gears, or ring or pinion had grenaded? It was just one single loud clunk, and then a clear single click each turn.

Any advice appreciated. - thanks.

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Here's some pics of the drive, btw:

[OldnDirty]

Could be the pinion shaft.

[ArmyRover]

I would venture a guess that failure is definitely in the third member.(differential parts).

[Divied245]

it was the spider gears in the diff. The gears broke apart or the center diff pin snapped. The gears usually just fall into the bottom of the axel housing. I bought my truck with broken spider gears just like that. I ended up just swapping in a whole new 3rd member but, I have a whole brand new 10 spline spider gear kit if you end up needing it. All 4 gears and new center pin, never used, still in original wax paper.

[prossett]

Yes, good calls - today I almost pulled out the 3rd member (almost because I got caught on the self-levelling unit, and so slid it back in and tomorrow will take that off, doh).

I was able to see the crown ring turn nicely, but feeling inside where the half-shaft goes, the gear is loose and clicking around.

I'll take some pics when it's out properly. Thanks for your help.

[prossett]

Spot on, gents. Snapped third member (rear diff) locking pin, taking with it one of the small planetary gears (spider gears).

Pic - below a little piece of the locking pin and the two planetary gears



the broken locking pin in the centre



My options:

1. try and find a locking pin and spider gear, and install them myself
2. replace entire part with re-built unit
3. upgrade (True Trac LSD unit?)

Any advice appreciated.

Divied245, I'm also on 10 spline so I'd be interested in buying them. What would a fair price be and would you post them to the United Arab Emirates for me? I'll pay by the method you prefer.

[Divied245]

I'll send you a PM.

[prossett]

Dislike PMs, bud - have had some bad experiences and it's like whispering behind closed doors.

We can deal in public, no secret or hidden info: buying and selling parts is pretty usual stuff.

[Divied245]

I'm not into broadcasting my info across the whole forum either... Sales are traditionally and supposed to be done in PMs. Sorry you have gotten burned, we all have but, thats because of the person, not the method.

[prossett]

OK, no worries. I appreciate the offer, though.

Another option I have is a 4-pin centre from ARB - has anyone had any experience with it?

[prossett]

or...



What think? Weekend truck, driven on sand.

[ArmyRover]

I've seen people do the lincoln locker on a daily driver before and it took some serious abuse. A weekend toy on the sand it would probably last you for quite awhile. I would start looking for a spare though just in case.

Oddly enough you and I are in the same part of the world right now lol...

[prossett]

Some good wheeling spots, though you might have other things to worry about, bud - you take good care of yourself.

Well, I found new parts from a local Land Rover supplier, full set of 10 spline spider gears and cross pin for USD 70.85, made by TAS, Italy, and at that price I'm happy to give them the chance to blow up again. I do my own work, so no labour cost - I'm laughing!

If they do grenade, I'll fire up the welder and make sure that third member is permanent.