Transmission Noise ??

Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo

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snickers

Transmission Noise ??

Post by snickers » Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:29 pm

Hello All!
I have been reading this site for a little while now but only now do I need some advice.

I Have recently bought a 97 bongo AFT 4wd with 45k (miles) on the clock from a dealer.
Two things ....
1. When on full lock and pulling away the wheels spin with only the slightest amount of throttle .the van seems almost to jump across the road sideways for a bit until you straighten the wheels....
2. When on the motorway from about 50mph upwards there is a droning / throbbing sound coming from somewhere. It sounds to me like a wheel bearing and although it gets worse when you steer to the right (i.e load the left hand wheels)but if you put the van into neutral the noise seems to dissapear.

Does anyone have any ideas??
This is spoiling what is an excellent vehicle but the noise drives us to distraction when above 50 so much that we haven't even been away in it yet.
If nobody has any ideas,maybe you could point me in the direction of a decent bongo specialist in the area.
Thanks....
Dave up north

Post by Dave up north » Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:43 pm

Snick's. Is it an auto box or a manual?

If its wheel spinning on full lock, is it spinning at the front end or the rear?

Regards,
Dave
snickers

Post by snickers » Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:47 pm

Crikey that was quick............
Its an auto box and the noise seems to happen when its overdrive /when the box is "locked"

It seems to be the front wheels that i've noticed especially if we are turning around on a gravel car park or drive.

Whats the verdict???

Snickers......................
Seeker

Post by Seeker » Tue Jul 25, 2006 11:13 pm

Wheel squeal, Bongos have very low gearing for pulling away up mountains with a full load. Ease off on the throttle!!

The noise you describe could be uneven tyre wear! My Goodyear GT2 front tyres wear leaving some of the tread unworn therefore its like driving on studs. No body seems to know why. Have a look at your tyres. My mechanic swopped mine over and the noise moved from offside to nearside.
snickers

Post by snickers » Wed Jul 26, 2006 7:11 am

Thanks for your reply seeker!!
I dont think its tyre noise as all tyres are brand new and exactly the same brand and style.
I really think its more than this but the guy I bought it from says its A1 and hes checked it all through.
I have to get this sorted because after a while on the road it gives me a headache!!!!
motorwizard

wheel spin

Post by motorwizard » Wed Jul 26, 2006 10:26 pm

Its hard to advise without trying it out. With a four wheel drive on a full lock the outer wheels have to travel further than the inner wheels and since all four wheels are driven this can cause transmission wind up. on a slippery or gravel surface a wheel can spin to release the wind up. If you have same size tyre all round there will be more grip than with the original set up with the front tyres not so wide as the rears. This happens with short wheel base 4X4 . I understand that some Bongos have limited slip differentials which could affect it. It may be possible to try out with the front propshaft removed. This would stop wind up and if the noise stops you have an answer.
snickers

Post by snickers » Wed Jul 26, 2006 10:36 pm

Thanks for your help.
Yes we have the same tyres all round and although I was not happy with this the garage we bought from said it would be fine.....

We used to drive a Landrover and had the same problem but that had a viscous coupling and we sold it because it needed over 3K revs just to turn into our drive at home!!!!

The main problem now really is sorting out this droning noise so we can get it fixed and enjoy the thing...
parabat2

Post by parabat2 » Thu Jul 27, 2006 10:05 am

Like the Freelander, the 4WD Bongo also has a viscous coupling between the front and rear. It could be that this has seized up in which case you need to get it fixed before it destroys your front and/or rear diff.
snickers

Post by snickers » Thu Jul 27, 2006 6:17 pm

Ooh crikey that sounds bad!
Only thing is I dont think I can convince the dealer I bought it from that there is a problem as "they all do that sir"
I thought paying top dollar for something would go some way to ensure a trouble free experience!
Dont really want to go down the route of writing letters etc as it can take the shine off just using it.
But Ive only had the thing 3 weeks!!!
Ian
Supreme Being
Posts: 5885
Joined: Wed Jun 09, 2004 2:47 pm
Location: Bongo Mission Control

Post by Ian » Thu Jul 27, 2006 11:02 pm

If it's a dealer who advertises on this website, they will sort it for you. And if you have bought off a less reputable dealer, then they should still sort it. You have your rights under consumer legislation.
668. The Neighbour of The Beast.
snickers

Post by snickers » Fri Jul 28, 2006 7:18 am

Im not sure if the dealer advertises on this site but I know they have been mentioned in a very good light on here!

I wont mention any names as yet and Ill see how I get on but and I will certainly let people know if I get no joy!!

Thanks!!
snickers

Post by snickers » Wed Aug 23, 2006 6:56 am

Just an update on the above problem!
Finally got the van back to the dealer and they replaced the star and planet wheels?? in the rear diff.
This seems to have stopped the wheels skipping when going around corners but the droning is still there.

Even thought the wheel bearings have been checked could it be a damaged wheel bearing???

It certainly makes more noise when going around a right hand turn though you only notice it when over say 50mph and when the auto box is in top gear!!!!

Any help appreciated............
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