Diff Questions

[Robin S]

Hello all,
I've got a couple of questions and symptoms to describe which are worrying me about my Chimaera's Diff. Car is a '98 450 with 54K on it. I've searched back through all the diff related threads but I'm still confused!

- Car has a slight clunk from back end when pulling away.
- This is especially noticeable if moving from forward to reverse or vice versa.
- When pulling away with steering loaded, rear judders slightly as if the diff won't let the rear wheels turn at different speeds.
- Once moving the problem disappears and there's no whining or grumbles at speed.

Previous threads suggest bushes and mountings as prime candidates here but I'm concerned by the rear judder that it's something more sinister. What should I check first? Can I do any checks on ramps or would it be better to remove any weight from the back wheels with axle stands?

Well didn't intend to ramble on but scared of another big bill!

Thanks for any pointers
Robin

[Blue Streak]

I've got the same symptoms with mine, checked the prop, which seemed to be ok with no play and had a look at the diff bushes which from a quick inspection looked okay. I was wondering how to check for play in the diff bushes?

>> Edited by Blue Streak on Tuesday 19th November 12:59

[ATG]

- When pulling away with steering loaded, rear judders slightly as if the diff won't let the rear wheels turn at different speeds.

(Just a guess, but isn't that fairly typical for limited slip diff in a light weight car?)

[shpub]

ATG said:

- When pulling away with steering loaded, rear judders slightly as if the diff won't let the rear wheels turn at different speeds.

(Just a guess, but isn't that fairly typical for limited slip diff in a light weight car?)

Especially in the current slippery conditions...

[shpub]

I was wondering how to check for play in the diff bushes?

Big pry bar and check the bolts.

[pendry]

Sounds very much like the diff mounting bushes. Had the same problem here - bushes replaced problem gone. Its usually the top one that goes (you have to drop the diff to see it) but best to get all done at the same time.

[Robin S]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I'll have a poke around this weekend and see if anything under there is amiss!

Cheers, Robin

[trefor]

Hello all,
I've got a couple of questions and symptoms to describe which are worrying me about my Chimaera's Diff. Car is a '98 450 with 54K on it. I've searched back through all the diff related threads but I'm still confused!

- Car has a slight clunk from back end when pulling away.
- This is especially noticeable if moving from forward to reverse or vice versa.
- When pulling away with steering loaded, rear judders slightly as if the diff won't let the rear wheels turn at different speeds.
- Once moving the problem disappears and there's no whining or grumbles at speed.

Previous threads suggest bushes and mountings as prime candidates here but I'm concerned by the rear judder that it's something more sinister. What should I check first? Can I do any checks on ramps or would it be better to remove any weight from the back wheels with axle stands?

Well didn't intend to ramble on but scared of another big bill!

Thanks for any pointers
Robin

You probably found my thread then ... I had the 'resistance' feeling when pulling away when the diff was hot - even after the rebuild. I'm now out of pocket another few hundred bob for a replacement crown wheel and pinion - about the worst it could get really.

The clonking could well be the bushes - any decent garage will tell you. Otherwise, it may be more seriosus - 3-4hrs labour to remove/install the diff and 300-400 pounds for the rebuild is what I've been told ... my rebuild cost 550 pounds + 400 for the crown wheel and pinion, plus a few bushes, plus carriage of the diff to/from the reconditioner, plus a month delay getting it rebuilt a second time, plus VAT ... not cheap, but it's the only big job I've had done in the last 20,000 miles - since the camshaft needed doing at 28,000miles. Who said Chimaeras are always easy and cheap to run? Glad I've got a day-to-day car.

BTW - nearly 5 years of ownership and the only time it's left me stranded was a flat battery.

Good luck.


Trefor/.

[booksta]

Have come across same noises, dunno if yours gets more noticeable when hot?! but as a quick and cheaper option, try changing the diff oil.should be 80/85W-140ID gear oil. if your checking the bushes,the top rear bush should hardly move, but they tend to colapse completely or move excessively from side to side. hope all is ok.

[rev-erend]

On my Griff 500 - the large nut holding the flange
was loose (have to remove prop shaft). It's a huge
nut something like 33 to 38 mm.

TVR garages recommended that it was tightened as
tight as possible... my clonks and noises all
disappeared after that !!

[jellison]

Hmm - was getting worried - mine doing it to - in for service in 1000 miles so will take a bit easy. Sounds easy fix and very common.

[rev-erend]

troube is .. TVR dealers I talked to said
it needed a new diff (£1000 please..).

Real cost - 1 hr labour - no parts..