Busted diff beam

[Number 7]

Having a quick look under the 400 this evening whilst the wheels are off being polished, and I've now discovered the cause of the vibration and driveline shunting that I've been experiencing lately: a diff. beam that snapped clean through, next to the o/s chassis mounting point.:(

Typical, as I only had the diff. out for a rebuild less than a year ago.

I can't see anything on the TVRCarparts site, so I'll call them tomorrow. In the meantime, has anyone needed to source one lately?

My intention is to replace with new (if available) but I'd be interested to know if anyone has sucessfully repaired one. It's cast aluminium alloy. And it's the second one I've managed to break, the first being in the 350.

Thanks,

7.

[redwedge5]

DavidGerald TVR had them in stock about 15 months ago. Worth trying them. Mine snapped through in two places and had to be replaced last year. Apparently it is worth checking the condition of the rear suspension to make sure there are no abnormal stresses being put on the beam.

There are two types of beam. The 400se will have the later reinforced version.

[wedg1e]

Aluminium can be TIG welded quite successfully.

[JR]

redwedge5 said:

There are two types of beam. The 400se will have the later reinforced version.

Yes. This was clearly a problem that TVR did not want to admit to but did do something about. In plan view there is a large web to complete the triangle on the strengthened version and it's still a lot lighter than a fabricated steel one.

[leorest]

JR said:

redwedge5 said: There are two types of beam. The 400se will have the later reinforced version. Yes. This was clearly a problem that TVR did not want to admit to but did do something about. In plan view there is a large web to complete the triangle on the strengthened version and it's still a lot lighter than a fabricated steel one.

I take it that this would be a bolt on retrofit/upgrade for a series 2 350? If you can get em!
Leo

[Number 7]

leorest said:

I take it that this would be a bolt on retrofit/upgrade for a series 2 350? If you can get em! Leo

When the earlier type broke on my 350, it was a straight swap for the later reinforced version.

7.

[JR]

Number 7 said:

When the earlier type broke on my 350, it was a straight swap for the later reinforced version.

Same here.

[FrenchTVR]

Number 7 said:

a diff. beam that snapped clean through, next to the o/s chassis mounting point.

That'll teach you to have so much grunt under your right foot

Hope you get one sorted ok though Paul. If you have problems we should be able to weld it up at work for you.

Mick

[Number 7]

FrenchTVR said:

Number 7 said: a diff. beam that snapped clean through, next to the o/s chassis mounting point. That'll teach you to have so much grunt under your right foot Hope you get one sorted ok though Paul. If you have problems we should be able to weld it up at work for you. Mick

Cheers for the offer Mick. It did cross my mind about repair, but it's right next to the chassis mount, quite narrow there. And given that one side has gone, I'd always be wondering about the other side. Does aluminium alloy weaken with age/loading?

It's probably not helped by the drag runs at Zolder every year either

Anyway, got one ordered from Neil at TVRcarparts this morning: £165 plus vat less TVRCC discount