Landlover99
Active Member
Hi guys, Time to service my TD5.... Do you still have to change the transfer and gearbox oils every 6m even if you *never* use the 4WD? thanks, ll
jamesmartin
Well-Known Member
you use 4wd all the time as thats how it runs using a center diff ,im my experience of reconditioning boxes and axles regular oil changes on all is very important 8,000 miles is plenty between changes
Landlover99
Active Member
Permanently in 4WD? Good Lord! Isn't that terribly inefficient? I mean, you're driving a lot of weighty metal that doesn't need to be driven - unless you're off road in rotten conditions, I mean.
Station House
Well-Known Member
That's the way it is with these beasts
jamesmartin
Well-Known Member
no its equal 4wd you have 3 diffs so no wind up ,but better handling on the road for a vehicle of its size
FlyingPete
Well-Known Member
Tbh, the only reason part-time 4x4 setups have a 2wd option is because they don't have a centre diff, so have to disconnect one axle to avoid windup. Permanent 4x4 with locking centre diff is a much better setup IMO
I suspect if you took the front prop and halfshafts out of a defender, you wouldn't notice much efficiency gain.
Landlover99
Active Member
One other thing: I have checked in both the Haynes manual and the Deffie owner's handbook and nothing is mentioned about using a flushing agent before refilling with fresh oil. Is this a good idea or not? Perhaps it's a no-no for diesel engines, I don't know.
Also, I hate throwing anything out if there's a suitable 'second life' for it. Obviously old engine oil is pretty toxic and should only be taken off to the refuse facility, but what of the transfer box oil (and the other oil you have to change - axel is it?) can they not be re-used? I have a Harrison lathe that gets through a fair bit of oil, plus a Bridgeport mill which likewise can get thirsty. I've never seen the state of old TX box/axel oil, so have no idea if it could be reused or not. Anyone know?
Also, I hate throwing anything out if there's a suitable 'second life' for it. Obviously old engine oil is pretty toxic and should only be taken off to the refuse facility, but what of the transfer box oil (and the other oil you have to change - axel is it?) can they not be re-used? I have a Harrison lathe that gets through a fair bit of oil, plus a Bridgeport mill which likewise can get thirsty. I've never seen the state of old TX box/axel oil, so have no idea if it could be reused or not. Anyone know?
jamesmartin
Well-Known Member
no dont flush just go for a run to warm things up and leave to drain for awhile .before refilling ,several tubs to drain into helps so your not waiting on each one
FlyingPete
Well-Known Member
You might want to filter the used oil before using it as a cutting lubricant as there will be metal particles in it due to wear. An old fuel filter would probably be suitable if you could rig up suitable pipework for it. Might make the work piece a bit messy though.
jamesmartin
Well-Known Member
if you change oils reularly then it could be reused but if its like what i to often see you cant
