Propshaft Problems

[Harry]

I seem to be wearing out propshafts at a rate of knots.

Yes I checked the recall details before any of the problems occurred.

June 2006: North West Scotland...bad vibration...garage diagnosed rear propshaft bearings failed. Removed propshaft (all bolts) and drove 350 miles back to LakeDistrict. Propshaft repaired locally and off we go cured.

Sept 2006: Progressively worse vibration at front of van: diagnosis = front prpshaft bearing disintegrated...van immobilised as its a bit dodgy driving without front shaft owing to spline and oil seals. Propshaft repaired and end of problem.

Today: Mild vibration throughout van...into garage onto lift...diagnosis by garage...rear propshaft bearing failure...off to get it repaired tomorrow.

The van has only done about 50,000km since the first failure in June last year (13 months).

Prior to that I'd done around 65,000km between August 2005 (when I got her) and June 2006 (11 months)

The van is used for regular long haul trips through France/Europe + throughout the uk...usually well loaded..... and for delivering bird foods round the Lake District...fully loaded...and a fair bit off road.

What I want to know is...is it acceptable or reasonable that I should have regular propshaft problems given the usage or could there be an underlying problem which is getting worse?

Suggestions?

H

[francophile1947]

Never heard of it Harry, but not many do the miles you do. Certainly not a common problem in the old rear-wheel drive days.

[dandywarhol]

Sounds like a classic viscous coupling problem Harry. watch out it doesn't start disintegrating diffs

[Harry]

OK...I've done the search jobby and can understand why it may be a viscous coupling problem. Given my high milage/lots of tight cornering/general abuse and the fact that I've recently had a new rear only set of tyres, so altering my tyre circumference ratios it seems to fit.

So:

Where is this viscous coupling situated and are there more than one of them?

What does it look like?

How do I/my garage check it?

Where do I get a replacement/refurb?

Answers with pictures would be excellent.

cheers

H

[mikeonb4c]

As a side issue, would problems be compounded by high travelling speeds and issues associated with components that may not be fully balanced? I remember my old MG many years back had worn propshaft bearings and it really showed when doing 85 mph (presumably as everything was running a little off centre due to wear). However, as I only ever did that once in a blue moon just to see what the old girl could do, I never did get around to fixing the shaft.

I do have the feeling that whilst our Bongos will whizz along happily at 90 mph, there is everything to gain by sticking to 65-70 mph.

Mike

[Harry]

Mike
I'm hoping that what your suggesting might be the root of the problem.
My van has routinely been driven fully loaded for hundreds of miles at a time at speeds in excess of 90mph on continental motorways although that doesn't explain why the problem has just re-occurred now as I havn't been abroad since May.

cheers

H

[helen&tony]

Hi Harry
I think Mike is right, have a look at the bearings first, but if you have been driving off- road, literally where there are no roads, and over really rough areas at a highish speed, it could be that you have bent a prop- shaft. This produces a fairly heavy vibration at all speeds, increasing as you go faster. Perhaps you could source someone locally that can straighten and balance it, or at least check it for balance. This or the bearings sounds like the simplest first option.
Cheers,
Helen

[Harry]

Had the propshafts off today...both propshafts needed new bearings and one needed repair. Rear prpshaft is showing signs of slight play on the splines and will need replacing/refurb at some time in the not too distant future.

All sorted by Driveline in Lancaster at a cost of £70+VAT

My garage also replaced front and rear droplinks (bought from AVA and fitted by my garage.

NOW THE GOOD NEWS

With over 200,000km on the clock she passed her MOT without any other faults!

cheers

H

[mikeonb4c]

Great news Harry. Sounds v cheap too for what was done. Off you go then

[dandywarhol]

I'd still get the VC checked Harry. There's info on how to do it somewhere in the forum but one way, after a long run, especially on A roads is to carefully jack up any wheel with the brakes off and see if it revolves a bit by itself. That indicates the VC is winding up the prop/driveshafts and causing undue wear.

[Harry]

Thanks Dandy.

I still think that there is an underlying cause for my propshaft bearings going (that 4 now + 2 propshaft reapirs in just over a year).

My first job is to get a new/reconditioned rear propshaft as the propshaft expert recons that there is some slight wear in the splines which may be resulting in excessive vibration & bearing wear. I have to admit (reluctantly) that getting the propshafts repaired and rebalanced yesterday hasn't entirely eliminated the vibration.

Second job is to thoroughly investigate to viscous coupling, including your suggestion.

Any more ideas would be welcome

cheers

H

[brorabongo]

With over 200,000km on the clock she passed her MOT without any other faults!

Just goes to show she's a tough old bird! Hope ours will do that sort of mileage, as I hope to keep hold of her for many years yet.