Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[lizardland]

Well... I think I've found the source of the noise from my ZJ that I asked about a few weeks ago.

I'd just ordered new UJ's from Lighthouse today as I was pretty sure that's what it was. On the way home from work tonight it got an awful lot worse. Actually, that's an understatement, very loud banging (like twice a second), really hard shaking, a smell of oil (but not typical engine oil). Worse of all, reversing isn't happening: it'll go a few feet then stop like it has hit the kerb.

I got under it with a light to check it, the front prop shaft and diff are soaked in oil and there are rings rattling around the pinion. The area around the pinion shaft on the diff is very hot to the touch. The pinion oil seal has definitely gone and from the other symptoms I'm assuming the pinion bearing is wrecked as well.

So am I looking at major work? I'm hoping it isn't a full diff rebuild. Is the pinion bearing a realistic DIY job? Or am I better off getting a mechanic to do it. Any idea what sort of costs I'm looking at?

One last question, can the ZJ run in 2WD? I'm thinking if I pull front propshaft and keep the diff topped with oil until I can source a diff from a wrecker?

Cheers,

Stuart

[Mik]

Well... I think I've found the source of the noise from my ZJ that I asked about a few weeks ago.


I got under it with a light to check it, the front prop shaft and diff are soaked in oil and there are rings rattling around the pinion. The area around the pinion shaft on the diff is very hot to the touch. The pinion oil seal has definitely gone and from the other symptoms I'm assuming the pinion bearing is wrecked as well.

So am I looking at major work? I'm hoping it isn't a full diff rebuild. Is the pinion bearing a realistic DIY job? Or am I better off getting a mechanic to do it. Any idea what sort of costs I'm looking at?

One last question, can the ZJ run in 2WD? I'm thinking if I pull front propshaft and keep the diff topped with oil until I can source a diff from a wrecker?

Cheers,

Stuart

Stuart, I'm afraid you're in denial. Your front diff is fubar and your ZJ is immobile.

PM on its way.

Mik

[MK1]

Aren't we quick tonight. I was just writing your recommedation.

[Mike Pavelin]

It's toast.

[Dave69]

from what you describe you already know the answer you just want someone to confirm it.

the question now you want answering, is it possible to run as a rwd only ? i.e remove the front prop shaft.

a replacement front axle might be cheaper, quicker and easier to get you back on the road then rebuild/inspect the other at your leisure and learn

[ponyracer1]

from what you describe you already know the answer you just want someone to confirm it.

the question now you want answering, is it possible to run as a rwd only ? i.e remove the front prop shaft.

a replacement front axle might be cheaper, quicker and easier to get you back on the road then rebuild/inspect the other at your leisure and learn

X2 just swap out the diff from one off ebay. Prob be 100-150 quid vs      6-800 for a rebuild.  It's only a couple hr swap with hand tools....

[lizardland]

There's an 1996 XJ axle on e-bay. Anyone know if this will fit a ZJ? I've been told the pinion on the XJ axle is higher than on the ZJ.

[Mike Pavelin]

It has a different propshaft flange to the ZG, and might be the wrong ratio.