Panda (Classic) Mk1 4x4 Panda (Original)

AndyPanda4x4 said:

Let me know if you need one bringing along mate can't be having you embarrassing us all in 2wd only!

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Hmm, I think if I'm in 2wd mode, people will find out it was the cars ability all along and not mine...I must double my efforts! Or live with the vibration...actually maybe just put a new "spin" on the issue and sell it as a massaging seat option...

Also thanks for the offer of a spare. Will let you know how I get along with this

my plan is to only use 4 wheel drive "when i get stuck" i wanna see how far i get >_<

Well, I can't believe it but I think this has now been fixed with some jubilee clips! On the first guess as well!! I put 2 clips on to oppose the weight which was already there (i.e. on the opposite side of the prop shaft) and the vibration is gone! So at least I can take the car to a place now...but tempted to leave alone as it is working fine!...



At least I know it isn't a major fault... and I know that it was specifically the prop shaft as well!

Thanks for all the suggestions guys and of course Dragon Man for your jubilee clip idea :slayer:

pandamonius_maximus said:

I might try rotating the prop orientation by 180° before tapping the weight off...maybe by chance I am that unlucky haha! If it makes little difference maybe I look somewhere else for an issue...

The prop shaft came off this beauty...I am sure it is fine...1 careful lady owner, 1000 miles on the clock...seemed a shame to scrap it at the time...

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Did a double take - did I just MOT that?

Si, I have a spare prop too if needed. Good luck.

aquamarine said:

Did a double take - did I just MOT that?

Si, I have a spare prop too if needed. Good luck.

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This one was one me and rustypanda split up into parts. It's a good example of why we must save these poor little things as based on it's condition it was perfectly worth saving before it was abused; someone had made some effort to restore it (as you can see from the excellent condition the rear quarter panel was in and the black replacement wing!)

I think if I hadn't had 2 mk1 pandas at the time and more spare time I would have actually tried to put this one back on the road just for the challenge.

Top quality bodging Si, I salute you.

I like the bullet holes in the door on the one that got away and it's inclined position reminds me of another Mk1 up a steep hill occasion..

I might play around a bit more. Went for another drive and I do sense a little vibration still actually (hoping I've not been too hasty with my assessment!). There is more of a metal "tinkling" noise as well. But miles better anyway, so will consider it a success till the prop shaft launches itself through the floor of the car :devil:

some may say that i have been there before... haha.

pandamonius_maximus said:

There is more of a metal "tinkling" noise :devil:

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- Front prop cv joint audible wear indicator. - If it's just started, it's okay for another couple of years at least

i just striped mine and repacked it full of grease.. it does not make any sound now.

pandamonius_maximus said:

There is more of a metal "tinkling" noise as well.

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This may be completely unrelated but I have what I can only describe as a metal 'tinkling noise' too, it's quite quiet and I can only hear it over about 40mph but can't for the life of me work out what it is...

Probably an out of balance front wheel causing the small change in your pocket to tinkle above 40mph.
Suggest only notes in trouser pockets in future.
Dave

pandamonius_maximus said:

I've been told these £30 ones off ebay are not that great so I only replaced the one which had snapped as the other was still fine (after 30 years beneath a car!)

All ready for Panday! :slayer:

Si

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I thought I'd remembered that quote. - Pre Italy raid I stuck two £30 ebay bearings on and they've been fine.. Until last Panday.
Now they've started to howl and I wonder if it was all that splashing through water/other stuff that has found their weak spot - poor sealing.

I'm suggesting that with 3K road miles under them before a gritty bath or two, the likelihood is that it isn't mileage or age but grit ingress from mud wash that has suddenly damaged them.

What had you heard Si - Does my theory fit?

andyholli said:

I thought I'd remembered that quote. - Pre Italy raid I stuck two £30 ebay bearings on and they've been fine.. Until last Panday.
Now they've started to howl and I wonder if it was all that splashing through water/other stuff that has found their weak spot - poor sealing.

I'm suggesting that with 3K road miles under them before a gritty bath or two, the likelihood is that it isn't mileage or age but grit ingress from mud wash that has suddenly damaged them.

What had you heard Si - Does my theory fit?

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Sorry for slow reply, I've had a busy week at work and not been left standing enough to infuse into the internet...Actually it was other Andy who mentioned about the poor quality prop shaft bearings (@AndyPanda4x4).They're just not sealed really. The official ones have a metal guard as well which probably helps to resist dirt ingress...

I'll probably splash out and get the proper ones next time but will see how these go for now! I actually only replaced 1 of the 2 anyway as the other survived my stupidity!

pandamonius_maximus said:

Sorry for slow reply, I've had a busy week at work and not been left standing enough to infuse into the internet...Actually it was other Andy who mentioned about the poor quality prop shaft bearings (@AndyPanda4x4).They're just not sealed really. The official ones have a metal guard as well which probably helps to resist dirt ingress...

I'll probably splash out and get the proper ones next time but will see how these go for now! I actually only replaced 1 of the 2 anyway as the other survived my stupidity!

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My problem was exactly the same with only one going, the same way as you've both described though.

Did #bartpanda fit extra shaft seal to give extra protection?

I'm looking into other vehicle makes/type wich use same shaft diameter and not that big outer casing that the support plate could be modified to work with alternative bearings.
Same as it is done in Poland.

Photos in link below

http://www.fiatpanda-klub.pl/forum/viewtopic.php?p=19015

That would be excellent kolza - it loses the rubber between bearing and bearing mount but I can't see that making much difference to refinement.

I spotted the lack of the extra 'sealing' washer on the new bearings but there wasn't an easy way to swap them on to the new, slightly different design. But I didn't try too hard.

I wonder if I could add grease nipples?

Few types already on list have nipples on. That woud do great job, and bearing live spam would increase.

kolza said:

bearing live spam would increase.

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I'm sure you're right. - Fortunately for me the howling noise has now subsided from my bearings so I think the leaking gearbox oil has flushed them clean and lubricated them again.

My opinion is that if some OE spec bearings can be sourced then this is the best option, they last 20+ years after all.