Mike T Posted January 29, 2019 Report Share Posted January 29, 2019 Hi all My GT6 (mk3 rotoflex) was making loud clunks when taking up drive. I have stripped the rear suspension out (not without issues) to investigate and worn driveshaft U/Js are the main culprit as one has a very large amount of play. The diff wasn't whining or noisy and I don't want to take it out for no reason so is there anything I can check on it whilst it is still in situ with drive shafts removed? For instance how much free movement should there be in the input flange before the output flanges move - there seems to be quite a lot but my experience of differentials is limited. Any suggestions? Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted January 30, 2019 Report Share Posted January 30, 2019 There are 2 types of backlash on a diff. The one you are feeling will be in the actual differential gears where the shims have worn, and is not usually an issue. But how many degrees or is it a quarter turn sort of amount? If that is the only issue you may be able to get it reshimmed without a full recondition, if you can find the right person. (where are you?) but with the shafts out the diff is not too bad to drop out What is an issue is if you get backlash between the crown wheel and the pinion. That is really subtle, and usually barely noticeable. A tiny tiny amount, and you can only just feel it. But if no whine that is extremely unlikely How about propshaft UJ's? Radius arms and brackets (if a bracket on the heelboard is a tad loose it sounds dreadful) and diff mountings? Or the old favourite knocking exhaust? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted January 30, 2019 Report Share Posted January 30, 2019 I will echo Clives views Spot on crown wheel basklash is without the diff stripped and a dial indicator used is barely decernable very light touchy feely if you use fingers On the coupling Worn or excess clearance backlash on the diff gears (suns and planets) can be upto 1/4 turn , is relatively normal Are you on wire wheel and hub adaptor splines , notorious for clunks amd knocks Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike T Posted January 30, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2019 Thanks for the comments. Checked again tonight and I would say a little less than a 1/4 turn play. Everything feels smooth when rotated though. It does leak oil and it looks like the input shaft oil seal is the source. I think I'll drop it out, replace the bushes and take a closer look as with all the suspension out of the way it shouldn't be too hard. How difficult is it to replace the oil seals? Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike T Posted January 30, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2019 One further question, if I decide to get it reconditioned does anyone have any recommendations in the midlands area, I am just south of Birmingham. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD Posted January 30, 2019 Report Share Posted January 30, 2019 Mike Papworth, undoubtedly. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted January 31, 2019 Report Share Posted January 31, 2019 As long as the diff has the castellated nut at the front (as opposed to a nylock nut) the front seal is easy. Undo nut, remove seal (a seal puller is an excellent tool for this! good for core plugs too), replace seal with decent new and torque up. If fitted with a nyloc (unlikely unless it has been fitted with a later diff) the position of the nut is VITAL so you need to count the exact number of turns it takes to get the nut off, and return to exactly the same position after. Otherwise you will alter the diff setup (this type uses a crushable spacer inside the diff, if you overtighten the nut it will just keep turning, crushing the spacer and then you WILL need a specialist to strip/set it up again) I did ask where you were. We have a local chappie is sussex who could re-shim the diff to take up the backlash, in fact Marcus on here car do it too, he is Cumbria but not on the forum often. Canley classics may be able to help too, plus anybody who rebuilds diffs should have the knowledge/skills to do it. If the diff is not making any other noises then I very much doubt it needs any further attention. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 31, 2019 Report Share Posted January 31, 2019 Mike Papworth will I am certain be at the Triumph and MG Spares Day a week on Sunday - could save postage taking the unit there and speak with his team direct. Not withstanding that, it's a great day out. Clive - Mike says he is just south of Birmingham.......................................... just down the road from the show !!!! Regards. Richard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Twitchen Posted January 31, 2019 Report Share Posted January 31, 2019 1 hour ago, classiclife said: Mike says he is just south of Birmingham.......................................... just down the road from the show !!! And therefore not far from Mike in Coventry! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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