Rattle in rear differential - Land Rovers Only

Sign Guy · 03-27-2007, 03:23 PM

I backed out of a long driveway this afternoon and immediately upon going forward it sounds like there is a something similar to a card in the spoke of a bicycle but metallic coming from the rear end. It has a different pitch to it on and off throttle. I jacked it up when I got home and it is coming from the diff. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Sign Guy · 03-29-2007, 05:05 PM

Anything special I need to know about pulling the differential out? I really hoped it was just the u-j but of course it couldn't be the easy cheap route. I am still hoping it is not needing a replacement. I can hear it but I can't feel what ever is causing the noise when turning the input shaft by hand.

John C · 03-30-2007, 07:58 AM

You might have broken the cross pin (common problem, weakest link in the diff).

If it's been in there for a while you might've damaged the spider gears also, best thing to do is get a whole new (used) 3rd member and swap it in.

Using a propshaft tool I can replace the 3rd member in under 20 minutes (I've grenaded two already).

Drain the fluid from the diff and look for shavings and broken parts, you might even be able to fish out the broken pin.

Good luck.

01001010 · 03-30-2007, 08:56 AM

I got the same thing goin on. definitely not cool.

Paul Grant · 03-30-2007, 10:03 AM

If you need a differential I have a number of 24 spline units available. If you have a 10 spline diff now is the time for an inexpensive upgrade to 24 splines. Contact me for a special price on a diff and rear half shafts.
Cheers,
Paul

paulgrant@mac.com

Sign Guy · 03-30-2007, 10:32 AM

Maybe a dumb question but if I fish out the broken pin can I continue driving it?? What does the cross pin do? I only went about 2 miles with it clicking. Do I need to pull the half shafts to get the third member out?

01001010 · 03-30-2007, 10:45 AM

I've been goin on now for about 5 months with the clicking...I know I know...no need to say anything. But it will eventually start to vibrate at highway speeds. Over 70 it actually makes a loud humm.

John C · 03-30-2007, 11:24 AM

No, you should not continue driving with a bad diff. The pin keeps the spider gears in place, if the pin is broken then that means the gears are wobbling around inside. If you continue to drive you might break the gears and have no rear wheel drive, and the only way to move the truck is by engaging the CDL (if you have one).

I don't know the setup of your Rangie or the condition (do you take it offroad, has it been abused? etc).

If you do need another diff I would definately get it from Paul. I got a spare from Paul and carry it with me offroad (until I get a 4 pin setup).

Yes, you need to pull the half shafts to remove the diff.

01001010 · 03-31-2007, 06:52 PM

Well, while attempting to get my truck ready for tomorrow's run, I realized my rattling was the the diff at all. It was actually caused by a loose roto-flex bolt (one of the three that goes from the Rflex onto the diff flange) The bolt was stretched and wore out the metal on the flange itself. That's what i get for not paying attention to things when they first appear.

Luckily and unfortunately, my diff is still intact (I was excited about getting a locker in there...some other time)

Listen to John and take care of that ASAP.

03-27-2007, 03:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
Sign Guy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NOOnan, GA Posts: 113 Gallery: 0	Rattle in rear differential I backed out of a long driveway this afternoon and immediately upon going forward it sounds like there is a something similar to a card in the spoke of a bicycle but metallic coming from the rear end. It has a different pitch to it on and off throttle. I jacked it up when I got home and it is coming from the diff. Any ideas? Thanks! __________________ Bill 93 LWB Westminster 155+k miles ArmyRover- "it's actually more of self inflicted torture chamber with doors and tires"- with this, I can relate!

03-29-2007, 05:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
Sign Guy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NOOnan, GA Posts: 113 Gallery: 0	Anything special I need to know about pulling the differential out? I really hoped it was just the u-j but of course it couldn't be the easy cheap route. I am still hoping it is not needing a replacement. I can hear it but I can't feel what ever is causing the noise when turning the input shaft by hand. __________________ Bill 93 LWB Westminster 155+k miles ArmyRover- "it's actually more of self inflicted torture chamber with doors and tires"- with this, I can relate!

03-30-2007, 07:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
John C 4x4 Adventure Gear Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Tappan, NY Posts: 1,175 Gallery: 0	You might have broken the cross pin (common problem, weakest link in the diff). If it's been in there for a while you might've damaged the spider gears also, best thing to do is get a whole new (used) 3rd member and swap it in. Using a propshaft tool I can replace the 3rd member in under 20 minutes (I've grenaded two already). Drain the fluid from the diff and look for shavings and broken parts, you might even be able to fish out the broken pin. Good luck. Attached Thumbnails __________________ John C 1996 DI - 3" AG lift 1995 DI - Scorpion Racing Extreme Kit 1991 RR - parting out (few parts left) 1990 Kawasaki KL650B Tengai 1989 Kawasaki KLR650

03-30-2007, 08:56 AM	#4 (permalink)
01001010 Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Lawrenceville, GA Posts: 4,528 Gallery: 15	I got the same thing goin on. definitely not cool. __________________ JC... 1996 Discovery SE - The Blue Marlin - gone =( 1965 Series IIa 109 RHD 2.25L Dsl - Wilks 1965 Series IIa 88' LHD 2.25L Petrol - Fionna

03-30-2007, 10:32 AM	#6 (permalink)
Sign Guy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NOOnan, GA Posts: 113 Gallery: 0	Maybe a dumb question but if I fish out the broken pin can I continue driving it?? What does the cross pin do? I only went about 2 miles with it clicking. Do I need to pull the half shafts to get the third member out? __________________ Bill 93 LWB Westminster 155+k miles ArmyRover- "it's actually more of self inflicted torture chamber with doors and tires"- with this, I can relate!

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03-30-2007, 10:03 AM	#5 (permalink)
Paul Grant Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: CT Posts: 911 Gallery: 0	If you need a differential I have a number of 24 spline units available. If you have a 10 spline diff now is the time for an inexpensive upgrade to 24 splines. Contact me for a special price on a diff and rear half shafts. Cheers, Paul paulgrant@mac.com

03-30-2007, 10:45 AM	#7 (permalink)
01001010 Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Lawrenceville, GA Posts: 4,528 Gallery: 15	I've been goin on now for about 5 months with the clicking...I know I know...no need to say anything. But it will eventually start to vibrate at highway speeds. Over 70 it actually makes a loud humm. __________________ JC... 1996 Discovery SE - The Blue Marlin - gone =( 1965 Series IIa 109 RHD 2.25L Dsl - Wilks 1965 Series IIa 88' LHD 2.25L Petrol - Fionna

03-30-2007, 11:24 AM	#8 (permalink)
John C 4x4 Adventure Gear Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Tappan, NY Posts: 1,175 Gallery: 0	No, you should not continue driving with a bad diff. The pin keeps the spider gears in place, if the pin is broken then that means the gears are wobbling around inside. If you continue to drive you might break the gears and have no rear wheel drive, and the only way to move the truck is by engaging the CDL (if you have one). I don't know the setup of your Rangie or the condition (do you take it offroad, has it been abused? etc). If you do need another diff I would definately get it from Paul. I got a spare from Paul and carry it with me offroad (until I get a 4 pin setup). Yes, you need to pull the half shafts to remove the diff. __________________ John C 1996 DI - 3" AG lift 1995 DI - Scorpion Racing Extreme Kit 1991 RR - parting out (few parts left) 1990 Kawasaki KL650B Tengai 1989 Kawasaki KLR650

03-31-2007, 06:52 PM	#9 (permalink)
01001010 Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Lawrenceville, GA Posts: 4,528 Gallery: 15	Well, while attempting to get my truck ready for tomorrow's run, I realized my rattling was the the diff at all. It was actually caused by a loose roto-flex bolt (one of the three that goes from the Rflex onto the diff flange) The bolt was stretched and wore out the metal on the flange itself. That's what i get for not paying attention to things when they first appear. Luckily and unfortunately, my diff is still intact (I was excited about getting a locker in there...some other time) Listen to John and take care of that ASAP. __________________ JC... 1996 Discovery SE - The Blue Marlin - gone =( 1965 Series IIa 109 RHD 2.25L Dsl - Wilks 1965 Series IIa 88' LHD 2.25L Petrol - Fionna

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