[ALE]

Hello I'm new here. My 97 300TDI Disco will go into gear ok but doesn't go anywere. The front prop shaft is turning and it makes not very nice noises. Any clues please I'm a bit despirate having just spent £500 on welding for the MOT.

 

[Dorset VogueSE]

sounds like you have a fooked front axle component somewhere. Could be diff, cv joint or halfshaft failure that would allow power to be sent via front propshaft to nothing. If you engage diff lock, does it move then? Don't try diving anywhere without first finding out whats fooked but at least you know the car will move.

 

[ALE]

Thanks for that. If I engage the diff lock the disco doesn't move. I don't no about the front prop will check when I get home. Not totally convinced that the diff lock worked properly any way cos the lock light was at best temperamentle. Thanks again

 

[andyb66]

Where are you located? Maybe a local forum member can take a look for you.

 

[nicedayforit]

Where are you located? Maybe a local forum member can take a look for you.

It could be that the transfer box lever isn't engaging any gear positions. Have you tried putting it in high or low ratios only without the of the difflock?

 

[ALE]

Good morning everyone thanks for your replies. I am based in South Devon, near Buckfastleigh. The Transfer box lever dosen't make any differance. The front prop still turnes and the disco still goes nowhere. I was going to have a bit of an exploritory dismantling of the front axle today, but I might just take a closer look at the transfer box first. See if anything is odvious there. Thanks again.

 

[andyb66]

but I might just take a closer look at the transfer box first.

Yes do that first. Take the round 'inspection plate' off the back of the transfer box and have a look (it's just to the left and up a bit from the hand brake drum).

 

[discoboy84]

if the front prop is turning, LEAVE YOUR BOX ALONE find out why a turning front prop isn't making forward motion, the diff lock is probarly just siezed due to lack of use, like they all get!!

 

[andyb66]

if the front prop is turning, LEAVE YOUR BOX ALONE find out why a turning front prop isn't making forward motion, the diff lock is probarly just siezed due to lack of use, like they all get!!

Actually, having had lunch and not trying to do too much at once, I think you are right. That does seem to be a front axle failure.


:doh::doh:

 

[ALE]

Well after a quick look at the front axle it became totally clear were the problem lies. There is a 3 inch gash were it looks like the diff has tried to escape from the diff housing just above and to the left of the oil filler. My question is, Do you think I could weld a plate over the gash and replace the diff rather than replace the hole front axle. I will try and put a photo up on the forum when I worked out how to do it.

 

[ALE]

I think this image will show the the hole in my front axle?

 

[andyb66]

You need to do attachments or host the picture on Photobucket or similar.

To be honest, it will be worth welding in a replacement HD diff pan lilke those from Steve Parker while you are at it.

Either way wouldn't bother just repairing as you are likely to be chasing leaks forever