Hi ive got an annoying rattle!
It is coming from the front TRANSMISSION-TO-AXLE PROPELLER SHAFT. When driving it is quite noisy. When stationary if you rev the engine it is quite noticeable. But if i hold the front propeller shaft it stops. There is a rubber seal at either end, a Gaitor maybe, at the transmission end it has split all the way round. Could this be the problem, or is it more serious?

Are you talking about the propshaft to the rear axle or the front driveshafts? If its the front driveshaft, the gaitors that have split hold the gearbox oil in, so it means that your gearbox probably doesnt have any oil in it!

Its the rear propshaft, but I think the same applys, as in the oil or grease has escaped. Wil it have damaged the likes of bearings etc?

You mean the two cv joints on the front part of the propshaft then, if the gaiters have been split for a while then yes they may have been damaged. See Zulus recent thread on propshaft overhaul.

Since the rattle is there when stationary, I would say it is most likely to be something has worked loose, as you would only get noise in the joints when moving. I would check the allen head bolts that hold the CV joints together are all tight first.

Definately get the gaiters replaced though, but obviously make sure the joints are still ok first, hopefully you will have caught them in time.

Ive taken a few pics, hopefully you will know what im on about.
You can clearly see the gaiter has split.
The 1st pic is when the shaft is sitting normally, the second is when ive pulled it back, approx 1 inch, is it meant to do that?
When i said it rattles when stationary, i forgot to say you can only here it rattle if you rev the engine, bout 3500 rpm.
I did notice that you said the gaiters are available from fiat or else where which is gd news. id like the name of that other company you mentioned on the other post, if you dont mind.
Thanks for the help so far, sorry dont know to much about 4x4.

Sorry Johnny, I have just seen this (daughter had baby, so been visiting.) When I spoke to you about the rattle that's been there for 5000mls, I said I thought it was the exhaust. I held the exhaust and the rattle stopped so I always thought it was that. There has been no oil leaks as I guess you can see. The prop and other shafts have been off when I thought the rattle was the clutch and took the gearbox out.
I greased everything up at the time plus diff oil was changed.

I'm shocked that it maybe something else. I will call you for a chat.

Thats strange Granda i mean Kev, but not to worry!
Its a £20 part outa Fiat, just ordered it today
Dont think the bearing is damaged, as there is very little movement
Oh did you by any chance chase up that bonnet for The Fantasia?

A Granda now Kev, Congratulations

Congratulations Kev :-D

When you take the joint off to change the boot, check how much grease is in there. Mine had a rattle from the propshaft for ages, a metallic jingling noise like something was loose. The CV joint has a cage to retain the balls which is a loose fit, and i think it relies on enough grease being in there to damp out any noise. Without enough the cage can rattle around which is then amplified by the hollow propshaft (tap the prop with something metal to see what i mean!).

Having jammed loads of CV grease in after cleaning out the old stuff (which is a filthy job!), it has completely stopped it, maybe it'll do the same for you.

Cheers guys......yep a grandad!!...all good, but I'm far too young for all this..

I reckon you are right on the money with new boots a total strip to the bear balls and repack with grease. Don't forget how the balls go in the cage, get it wrong and it won't work.

My God Kev.
You really are an old fart!
I am 57 tomorrow and thank heavens my boys are 26 and 24 both with girlfriends and no wish to become parents yet.
Maybe when I'm 70 I'll have some grandchildren
Dave

Yes Totnes you are def right its a jingling noise! I did tap the prop shaft and the noise was v similar indeed

Thanks for the advice Dav, will be sorting it out on thurs or fri, will keep an eye out when removing ball bearings!

I think there is a big clue in the name of the part needed in EPER... Its called a support, makes sense if it cures it ha ha

Will let you know the out come, hopefully all good

Johnny McC said:

Yes Totnes you are def right its a jingling noise! I did tap the prop shaft and the noise was v similar indeed

Thanks for the advice Dav, will be sorting it out on thurs or fri, will keep an eye out when removing ball bearings!

I think there is a big clue in the name of the part needed in EPER... Its called a support, makes sense if it cures it ha ha

Will let you know the out come, hopefully all good

Click to expand...

Good to chat with you earlier...pleased it's worked out ok..

Was a grandad on the 17th Jan and now again!!...my first two grandkids both boys and born close together...

Never rains but it pours........thanks again for the good wishes and sorry for the thread hijack..

Hey Guys got the support and fitted it over the weekend
Had to take the dismantle prop shaft front and rear to get it past the exhaust.
The rubber boot was a tight bugger to get on, and its a good 80% quieter.
Might have to live with the slight jingle, until im really board some day ha ha

Johnny McC said:

Hey Guys got the support and fitted it over the weekend
Had to take the dismantle prop shaft front and rear to get it past the exhaust.
The rubber boot was a tight bugger to get on, and its a good 80% quieter.
Might have to live with the slight jingle, until im really board some day ha ha

Click to expand...

do you have the part number mate? I tried to order a couple of these but was told they are no longer avaliable.

The number for the boots is 5978959.