Jerky Rear Diff

[TwoBoard]

Guys, advice needed.
Spec: '93 3.0TD 4"lift 33"tyres

Just lately when turning left or right the rear diff appears jerky. I get a clicking/knocking sound as the wheels turn and the rear of the car 'jerks'. It is almost as if the gears are jumping. Only last month I changed the rear wheel bearings and rear brake shoes, at that time the rear diff oil was clean (no large metal filings) so I think I still have all my own teeth. There are no oil leaks either in the diff or the wheels. I took the wheels off last night and all is ok when not under duress and jacked off the ground, just a little forward and backwards play when rotating one wheel to turn the other.
Is my LSD on the way out?
I am aware there is probably some extra strain on the axles due to the wheel sizes but has anyone got any ideas or suggestions as to what it might be or what I can do to ease the problem?

Cheers

[Nick V]

This is not a silly question, but is the 4wd left on, or even jammed on with no indicator showing?

Cheers, Nick

[marky]

Sounds like windup to me.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Sounds like windup to me.

Nah, I think he's being serious Mark!

[TwoBoard]

What does Marky mean?

[Nick V]

What does Marky mean?

That's what happens when you leave the 4WD on or is jammed on. DONT use it in 4WD on hard surfaces, there is no center diff which allows the front and rear wheels to move at different speeds when turning corners. Your problem could be axle wind up, which is where the difference in roatational speeds can't be compensated for by a diff so translate to stresses in the drive train.

Only use 4WD on slippery stuff off road or in the snow otherwise you will trash the gearbox, transfer case, diffs etc.

Hope this helps,

Cheers, Nick

[marky]

Nah, I think he's being serious Mark!

NUFF SAID

[andrewlee31]

pop it into 4wd and reverse in a straight line mate. then drop it out of 4wd and see if you notice any improvement

[TwoBoard]

Don't think it is a 4wd problem.
Pops in and out of 4wd ok, plus it has free-wheeling hubs.
Wasnt quite so bad last night, probably as the road was wet.
I have ordered some new diff oil incase that makes a difference?!?

[Apache]

I'm not 100% sure, but isn't that the point of an LSD?

A normal diff would simply slip when turning (outer wheel rotating faster), whereas an LSD will try to oppose it slightly?

Or is that too simplistic?

[surfenstein]

i would of though the best thing to do is to jack up the rear axle and remove the prop shaft.(this will eliminate any g/box.transfer box problem)and spin the wheels,get someone to hold one of the wheels while you spin it.or leave the opposite wheel on the ground.

[nero279]

I have visions of the LSD working properly, and the surf driving itself off the jack

Ok so it probably needs more force than spinning a wheel but....

[surfenstein]

I have visions of the LSD working properly, and the surf driving itself off the jack

Ok so it probably needs more force than spinning a wheel but....

i meant spin the wheel by hand.

[nero279]

i meant spin the wheel by hand.

I know, that's what makes it all the more worrying