vibration from rear axle

[mitchelltjohn]

my std 2.0L 5sp car has a vibration above 50/60mph when I ease slight off teh accelertor or am on a slight hill gradient. The vibration definitley seems to coming from e rear and is accompanied with a clearly heard drone sound. Initially I thought it was a rear whel bearing. I took it my local mechanic who does some classic work (most Fords). He drove it and excluded wheel bearing and thought initially imbalance in prop shaft. However, when he put on a ramp the prop shaft was solid but he noticed movement in the pinnion shaft in differential. He said we would do soem hoemwork to see what to do next - I said I would do the same.
Does this make sense and it so is a repair possible or a case of a completely new axle which at first look seems very expensive. Also any ideas how long car can run as is, before things become terminal?

Any helpful input appreciated, J

1979 FHC pageant blue
1981 DHC triton green

[dursleyman]

Sounds like it might be the diff bearings if the noise/vibration changes with load. What does the oil look like? Is there any metal swarf or bits in it?
Yours is a 5 speed so its not easy to change the diff or bearings with the axle in the car, much easier to swap with a spare axle, most TR7 owners are likely to have one in their garage!! You should be able to find an good axle for not too much money, probably someone on here has one you could buy.
Are you certain its not a halfshaft/wheel bearing because that would be much easier to replace without dropping the axle?
I spent ages last year hunting a vibration which was exactly like a propshaft joint going but turned out to be a halfshaft bearing - thats when the spare axle came in handy!


Russ

1980 TR7 Sprint DHC
Dursley
UK

[prlee]

One thing to check first, the flange on the diff that the prop is bolted to can become loose, as did mine. The pinion nut is behind this flange so you can check this nut and tighten.

Dont tighten the pinion nut itself, this is preloaded on a collapsable spacer.

Not sure how clear i made this, check inthe manual, there is one from jclay you can download.

Pete
1981 Carmelian Red 2 litre DHC.
Polybush, KYB shocks, electric fan, electric windows and electronic ignition roller bearing struts and anti-dive kit - otherwise standard
1979 Pageant Blue Spitfire 1500 - some restoration in progress.

[mitchelltjohn]

update on my rear axle noise and vibration: I jacked up car at weekend and notice movement when I push each wheel inwards in line with halfshaft. I hear click which I think comes from direction of differential. Any ideas?

1979 FHC pageant blue
1981 DHC triton green

[nick]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Century Gothic, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by mitchelltjohn</i>

my std 2.0L 5sp car has a vibration above 50/60mph when I ease slight off teh accelertor or am on a slight hill gradient. The vibration definitley seems to coming from e rear and is accompanied with a clearly heard drone sound. Initially I thought it was a rear whel bearing. I took it my local mechanic who does some classic work (most Fords). He drove it and excluded wheel bearing and thought initially imbalance in prop shaft. However, when he put on a ramp the prop shaft was solid but he noticed movement in the pinnion shaft in differential. He said we would do soem hoemwork to see what to do next - I said I would do the same.
Does this make sense and it so is a repair possible or a case of a completely new axle which at first look seems very expensive. Also any ideas how long car can run as is, before things become terminal?

Any helpful input appreciated, J

1979 FHC pageant blue
1981 DHC triton green

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

While I do not have a vibration I have the same drone sound you describe, most pronounced when in 5th gear going downhill with foot off the throttle.

What I have done so far with no appreciable change is install a new prop shaft. I did this because both boots were torn. I think this drone comes form the gearbox but can't prove it.


nick
'79 TR7