Hello again

Further on from my issues with a grinding noise on my mk1. It already has new front bearings and now new tyres. Got it up on axle stands just now to check the drive shafts. It was out of gear with no handbrake on (rear wheels chocked). The front wheels are now completely unloaded. I got hold of both drive shafts and gave them a good tug. Nothing. No movement. So my question is do worn drive or diff shafts show physical symptoms of wear as a wheel bearing would if moved by hand?

M

Generally speaking no, you can normally hear diff bearings with a stethoscope when wheel free and running.

Tech

Do you mean with the engine off and someone spinning the wheels while you listen?

M

No, drive it.

Up on axle stands and running in gear with me underneath listening with stethoscope you mean?

M

Basically yes, but with due care and attention to safety with rotating objects and stethosope cables. This would mean your axle stand positions would have to be well chosen and secure from movement with the car on them.

 

This is obviously much easier and somewhat safer on a ramp as used in a garage.

Edited 26 February, 201610 yr by kentphil1

Thanks for the replies.

M

Any idea what it would cost to replace? Car is 14 yrs old with a 120k on the clock. Plenty of life left in her but I won't repair if silly money. Might be worth more as parts than sold with the problem it has. Any thoughts?

M

Gearbox rebuild/exchange gearbox £500-£1000 at a rough guess.