awkwardbob

Well-Known Member
Hi,

But of an odd one here…
Whilst driving my 2003 4.4 petrol (110,000 miles) I occasionally get a weird ‘rumble’ which feels like going over a rumble strip.
It lasts for about 1 sec then often the gearbox will kick down.
It feels like it’s coming from the rear N/S.

I wondered whether this may be handbrake related (I suspect the shoes have disintegrated in the drum) but now worry it may be more of a transmission thing.

I do get it in manual mode too although it seems less frequent.

Any help or ideas very welcome !

Also, what would be your recommendations for a comprehensive diagnostic for an early L322 ? I’m slightly upset Nanocom doesn’t cover it (or there isn’t a licence available). I need something to look into ‘issues’ and, whilst working well, I need to recalibrate the EAS.

Thanks again

Bob
 
If it was handbrake shoes they'd either grumble all the time or give a one off noise and become useless. When it happens does the gearbox kick down everytime?
 
Hi, a bit more info:

It happens repeatedly at around 48-54 mph with very light acceleration and again around 65.

It only happens with very light acceleration -if I accelerate moderately or hard or if I take my foot off the gas it doesn’t happen.

It does this in Drive, 5th and 4th.

It rumbles, the revs drop a little then the gearbox seems to kick down and the revs rise by 500rpm or so

Other than that the engine is smooth and responsive.

Sorry, I know it’s a weird one.

Oh, handbrake is utterly U/S even with cable fully deployed there is minimal (if any) retardation. Notes on last MoT that handbrake at end of travel

Thanks again, Bob
 
Hi, a bit more info:

It happens repeatedly at around 48-54 mph with very light acceleration and again around 65.

It only happens with very light acceleration -if I accelerate moderately or hard or if I take my foot off the gas it doesn’t happen.

It does this in Drive, 5th and 4th.

It rumbles, the revs drop a little then the gearbox seems to kick down and the revs rise by 500rpm or so

Other than that the engine is smooth and responsive.

Sorry, I know it’s a weird one.

Oh, handbrake is utterly U/S even with cable fully deployed there is minimal (if any) retardation. Notes on last MoT that handbrake at end of travel

Thanks again, Bob
Hopefully not the g/box then🙁
 
The "driving over a cattle grid" sensation is one reported symptom of the GM gearbox/torque convertor failing. Drain the oil and look for debris.
 
The "driving over a cattle grid" sensation is one reported symptom of the GM gearbox/torque convertor failing. Drain the oil and look for debris.
Is that a ‘thing’ with this flavour of RR ?

Is it likely to be a horrifically expensive experience ?
 
The "driving over a cattle grid" sensation is one reported symptom of the GM gearbox/torque convertor failing. Drain the oil and look for debris.
^^^^^^^ what he said, you can try using manual sport which will eliminate the problem if you shift manually and its no longer there it's cattlegriding and is gearbox/torque converter. So scrap temp measure would be to flush the gearbox asap
 
foxwell nt 530 is a good 'economy' diagnostic tool, costs around £180 It works fine for my 2005 and if I remember covers 2003 as well.
 
^^^^^^^ what he said, you can try using manual sport which will eliminate the problem if you shift manually and its no longer there it's cattlegriding and is gearbox/torque converter. So scrap temp measure would be to flush the gearbox asap
Hi, the rumbling happens in 4th and 5th in manual at the same speeds but that could still be the torque convertor as it’s only ‘semi’ manual and it still changes down automatically.

I’ll get the transmission fluid changed this weekend -is it quite straightforwards in these supposed ‘sealed for life’ units ? What should I be looking for in the ‘old’ fluid ?

-is it worth adding an anti-shudder product too ?

Thanks again,

Bob

-looking for a version of Rave which covers the L322 -the one I have only goes up to 2000
 
foxwell nt 530 is a good 'economy' diagnostic tool, costs around £180 It works fine for my 2005 and if I remember covers 2003 as well.
Does the Foxwell read / write to the EAS module and allow you to callibrate the EAS heights ?

And, if purchasing, do I want the JLR or the BMW one ?

Thanks again

Bob
 
Hi, the rumbling happens in 4th and 5th in manual at the same speeds but that could still be the torque convertor as it’s only ‘semi’ manual and it still changes down automatically.

I’ll get the transmission fluid changed this weekend -is it quite straightforwards in these supposed ‘sealed for life’ units ? What should I be looking for in the ‘old’ fluid ?

-is it worth adding an anti-shudder product too ?

Thanks again,

Bob

-looking for a version of Rave which covers the L322 -the one I have only goes up to 2000
I don't know about your box, but there will be a specific ZF fluid for the box and you may need to do the final top up at a precise temperature.
 

Similar threads