The 'wheel bearing' rumble on the Favorit was traced to a knackered O/s driveshaft. New one fitted, jobs a good en. Until 4 miles down the road, when it popped out of the gearbox and dumped the new gear oil all over the road. I managed to knock it back in and nurse it the remaining mile home. The new shaft didn't seem any shorter than the original. Am I missing something?

If it popped out, then it wasn't seated properly in the box - either because it wasn't fitted all the way in (which is easily done), or the circlip on the end of the driveshaft isn't the right size to hold it in place. The inner joint doesn't have the strength needed to pull the shaft out of the box if it's seated properly, it's just a tripod type joint and the only thing stopping it falling apart is the inner CV boot...

Cheers for the advice. I'll re check that it's seated properly and take it for a spin, a gentle one!

Give it a good tug - it shouldn't come out without the aid of tools, if it does then there's something wrong...

Turns out the shaft had been butting up against the oil seal cover, and hadn't gone fully home. I refitted it correctly and all is well. A successful camping jaunt round the Lakes, 2 tonnes of garden junk taken to the tip in the trailer, and a 3 piece suite collected and delivered in one trip. I'd say that was a thorough test. Has been working hard this week my old car, time for a little tlc today!