differential problem

Melonman0 · Post by **Melonman0** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 12:03 am

Need some advice guys I have a 1997 SGL5 4WD. I recently went through the first MOT and a number of problems came to light with my bongo. Amongst other things the tyres were not suitable for the vehicle, “all tyres have lower load index than min requirement”

Those problems have now been rectified and new tyres have been put on. But the mechanic pointed out a problem that he could not deal with. His words “fault possibly with centre diff excessive drag/lock up.” He gave me the name of a garage in Plymouth that might be able to help, DJ Transmissions. I’m looking for something a little closer.

I have read the threads but I’m no mechanic so it doesn’t make a great deal of sense to me. Has anybody got any ideas or had similar experience so I can gauge what might be wrong. Layman terms if possible please.

Secondly in live in Taunton, Somerset so if you can recommend a friendly garage in the south west I would be grateful. The first garage I went to was Fairwater here in Taunton, they are first class and Bongo friendly so I am a little worried they could not help.

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 12:15 am

Sounds like he had problems brake testing the 4WD for the MOT. I'd ask the guy to explain a bit more.

Melonman0 · Post by **Melonman0** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:34 pm

dandywarhol,

Thanks for replying, I should have added that he also mentioned the two rear wheels are not moving independently of each other. He had them up on the ramp and the rear axle was acting like a fixed unit so both wheels turned together. He said if it was a manual gearbox it would have caused a lot more problems by now!

From what I have read the differential helps in situations such as cornering etc. Apparently mine is not doing that, I accept that I may be doing the mechanic a big disservice by not repeating exactly what he told me, but that is the crux of it. He certainly thought it was a job for a specialist, hence trawling for local ideas. Don’t know if that explains the situation any better.

Steve

Ralph · Post by **Ralph** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:56 pm

Sounds like you may have a limited slip dif if so it's
most likely how it should be, if the dif was locked solid
you would have lots of under steer the vehicle would
just want to go straight on, somewhere on this site if
you can find it is a message about LSD's and how
to tell if you have one.

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:56 pm

With you Ralph. You aren't doing the mechanic a disservice Melonman - he just doesn't know any better

It's really high time the Motor Industry licenced mechanics and ensured they were sufficiently trained and then paid them better wages............................rant over!

Captainsideways · Post by **Captainsideways** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 11:30 pm

My bet is you have a diff or an LSD to the unitiated, is there an LSD sticker on the casing, also check your vin plate for a transaxle code... Any Mazdaspeed goodies fitted anywhere else?

Have you got the same size tyres all round or at least the same rolling diameter?? Quick test on some level ground, can you push it along or is it stiff to push?? I know its heavy but you should be able to push in Neutral ok. Does it roll well or come to a stop with a bit drag? If its stiff then my bet is they fitted different tyres front to rear & its getting wound up, in which case don't use it as you'll blow something up, usually front driveshafts followed by centre diff.

SGL5's dont like brake rollers by the way!!! has to be done with a Tapley meter (widget that measures G-force whilst driving along & stopping)

Melonman0 · Post by **Melonman0** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 12:00 am

Guys really grateful for the advice, thanks for taking the time to respond. I will do exactly what you have mentioned then get back on the forum at the weekend. I feel a whole lot better tonight than i did yesterday.

Steve

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 12:23 am

Another good bit of advice from Demon in Russia about testing the 4WD setup

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... 888#155888

skater · Post by **skater** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 3:35 pm

hi, mine's a 4wd ,took it for a service at my local landrover specialist
( not a main dealer).
long story short, they looked inside the diffs to check if i had LSDs.
i wanted the diff oil changed and said i thought the rear was LSD but doubted the front was. hence they had bit of a look.
according to them i have LSDs front and rear.
not heard of that before but i trusted them.
it does prove to be very capable off road, with an eye on the ground-
clearance of course but that's another topic.
i'm in honiton so may be able to help more if needed.
cheers, James

Melonman0 · Post by **Melonman0** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 4:33 pm

James

That could be really useful to know, a lot closer than Plymouth if it becomes necessary to have the bongo checked by a specialist. If i am still uncertain after checking the remedies provided i will take you up on your offer.

Been a member for 12 months and this is the first post i have made, i have had a cracking response. Certainly worth the joining fee alone.

Offline now for a couple of days off to Euro Disney with kids, no bongo i am afraid to cold for us.

Once again thanks Amigo

Post by **Simon Jones** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 11:27 pm

Try Keith or Tom at Bellhill Garage - they're near Bath / Trowbridge - and they specialise in Bongos.

http://www.bellhillgarage.com/

Melonman0 · Post by **Melonman0** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 10:35 pm

Following the advice I was given on the forum I checked the differential today and found the yellow sticker saying "LIMITED SLIP DIFF". I also carried out the push test with the vehicle in neutral, I am now convinced my Bongo is working perfectly, it simply has LSD. Big thank you to everybody who took the time to respond it was a big help.

If I can help with any problems in or around sunny Somerset then let me know.

Cheers Steve

scanner · Post by **scanner** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 10:40 pm

Melonman0 wrote: I checked the differential today and found the yellow sticker saying "LIMITED SLIP DIFF".

It's a shame the guy who tested it couldn't see/read that then, it would have saved you a lot of worry.

The upside is you've made use of the forum.................