Gun7354

Well-Known Member

• Apr 16, 2023

• #1

Morning all knowledgeable people.

my series 3 runs great in 2WD. Even in 4WD up to about 40mph. So after a run yesterday I thought I’d put the FWH in and leave it in 2WD to lube the top bearing. At about 40-45 there was a vibration from the front axle which disappeared when I disconnected the FWH. The hubs engage and disengage well so im thinking I was driving too fast???

anything up to 40 - 45mph is fine.

Rich

 

A

Anaconda

Well-Known Member

• Apr 16, 2023

• #2

Not sure why you would need to use 4wd at 40mph?
When we had the Series 2a the only time 4wd was needed was on the odd greenlane and that was low range for low speed manoeuvres, almost all lanes could be done in 2wd.
Sorry, I know it doesn't really answer you question.

 

Turboman

Mab An Gov

• Apr 16, 2023

• #3

Gun7354 said:

Morning all knowledgeable people.

my series 3 runs great in 2WD. Even in 4WD up to about 40mph. So after a run yesterday I thought I’d put the FWH in and leave it in 2WD to lube the top bearing. At about 40-45 there was a vibration from the front axle which disappeared when I disconnected the FWH. The hubs engage and disengage well so im thinking I was driving too fast???

anything up to 40 - 45mph is fine.

Rich

Click to expand...

Could be something to do with the surface?

If you are driving in 4wd at 40mph, that suggests you are on a road, or sealed surface? Probably not a good idea to use 4wd on a Series unless on a loose surface.

You shouldn't really get a problem driving in 2wd with FWHs engaged at any speed, that is what a standard Series does all the time.

The only thing I can think of is that it could be showing a developing issue with the front propshaft or front half shafts, but I don't see why you wouldn't notice that with FWHs engaged and in 4wd.

 

Gun7354

Well-Known Member

• Apr 16, 2023

• #4

Thanks Anaconda - I was thinking that also. Just me being paranoid.

I’ll save the FWH until
I need them and only drive slowly in the mud or snow

Rich

 

Gun7354

Well-Known Member

• Apr 16, 2023

• #5

Thanks Turbo man. That’s what I thought, series 3 with fixed hubs would be the same. Interesting that it never use to happen before.

gonna look at the front prop etc for missing weights etc.

Rich

 

Turboman

Mab An Gov

• Apr 16, 2023

• #6

Gun7354 said:

Thanks Turbo man. That’s what I thought, series 3 with fixed hubs would be the same. Interesting that it never use to happen before.

gonna look at the front prop etc for missing weights etc.

Rich

Click to expand...

Apart from some early Series Ones, all Series had fixed driving members on the front wheels.
I usually remove FWHs when I find them, and replace with standard driving members, and I usually change the rear driving members at the same time. Wear in the splines on the driving members is a common cause of play in the transmission.

Look for missing weights on the propshaft, and give it a good greasing. It is probably related to road surface, if not, it will get worse, and easier to diagnose.

 

A

Anaconda

Well-Known Member

• Apr 16, 2023

• #7

I don't really see the point of FWHs, ok it's a nice period feature but that's about it ............in my opinion.

 

Gun7354

Well-Known Member

• Apr 16, 2023

• #8

Thank you all for the help and assistance- to the grease gun then