Engine rattle

Morning All,

I just had my Defender 200TDI 110 put through its MOT and it came back with advisory on the Universal Joint on my prop-shaft. Having had a look myself the rear prop-shaft is solid with no play what so ever.

The front prop-shaft seems to have no play at the universal joints but there appears to be movement in the entrance to the bell housing where the prop shaft bolts onto.

Now I'm no mechanic but id have thought a universal joint movement would have shown on the prop. Any one any ideas of how i can be certain its the bell housing?

I'm more than happy to drop the prop-shaft and replace the Universal joints but if that's not the answer then is it a case that the engine has to come out to get at the other bearings etc?

Thanks for any help recieved.

Take the front prop off and wobble the drive flange where it comes out. Sometimes there is a bit of movement in the ball bearing race.
Here's Buster changing his
http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f41/transfer-box-front-output-bearing-oil-seal-renewal-81771.html

Thanks for that. I'll try and have a look tonight. The job doesn't seem to be quite as daunting as I first thought. Well as long as its the front bearing.

I think mine might need doing sometime soon too. It's just got through its MOT, but I think I can feel a tiny bit of slack in the bearing.