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Clanking kangaroo in drive train

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:38 pm
by Flyingpony
My '66 Series 2a has got a strong case of "clanking kangaroo" in the drive train.

When idling along in 1st/2nd it has a very strong case of kangaroo which is accompanied by clanking sounds from the drive train. If rpm is higher, it'll also do it when rpm output equals vehicles motion. Quite hard to have a smooth drive. When doing your typical 100 point turn in a supermarket carpark :lol: , each time it needs to change direction (1st into Reverse, and vs), there's a clank from behind just before the engine power starts to move it.

When parked on the hand brake, the rear drive shaft can' t be moved by hand (unless I'm not strong enough), yet if I rock it back and forth via the bumper, it'll roll some 20cm. The rocking motion stops with a clank which seems to come from the rear axle. The drive shaft universal joint (is it called that?) nearest the diff moves slightly each time the clank occurs, but doesn't move during the actually rolling motion.

Haven't got any confidence in the hand brake either. Stop vehicle on an incline, apply hand brake and release the main brakes. It'll roll and rock back/forwards before eventually settling into a stopped position. Could be related to the above?

It's always had the above since I've owned it.

Is this normal?
If not, what are the implications of this and do I need to outright replace the rear axle and more?
Any estimate of the costs involved?
Last passed WOF is dated 22nd Jan 2009, few weeks ago.

Doesn't mean anything to me but might ring a bell with the reader. Recall being told it's got "Rover" axles fitted and something to do with the number "3.5". What are "Rover" axles and what does "3.5" stand for?

Many thanks.

Re: Clanking kangaroo in drive train

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:38 pm
by muddymatt
Sounds like a rear diff problem to me. Handbrake operates on the output of the transfer case so play after this - i.e diff or half shaft will give the above symptoms. Pull the rear half shafts - easy you might not even need to take off the wheels :D and check the splines if there ok then the diff input pinion would be where I would be looking next.

Cheers,

Matt

Re: Clanking kangaroo in drive train

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 4:04 pm
by Heath
I guess universal joint or pinion bearing

Re: Clanking kangaroo in drive train

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 12:13 pm
by Flyingpony
Thank you.

Probably best not drive it until I get this checked out encase it goes bang.
I'll have to read up on how to drop drive shafts and dismantle axles ...

Got any tips?

Re: Clanking kangaroo in drive train

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 4:46 pm
by gary_in_nz
only that you will find that the axle disasembly on a land rover probably the easiest out there in the 4x4 world. 4 bolts either side of the axle casing and a light tap tap tap will have the axles out and the wheel/hub assembly in your hands.

Re: Clanking kangaroo in drive train

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:29 am
by Flyingpony
Thank you.

Had a quick peek underneath this morning and can see four bolts in the area where the axle assembly meets with the backside of the drum brake assembly.

How heavy is the diff? 4kg?

Will it be easy to remove & put back in with the axle still in position on the vehicle?
Have got axle stands.

How tight should the axle & drive shaft nuts be done up?

Thanks.