Hi all,

Just fitted some slightly shorter front shocks and springs (-35-40mm?), and now when i put the car into gear it wont move, i can hear a distinct grinding noise from the gearbox on the passenger side.

I did have to apply some pressure towards the gearbox pushing the driveshaft to fit that side, im just wondering if the driveshaft is some how spinning in the g'box ?

Has anyone had any simmilar experiences?

And removing the passenger side drive shaft (the short one), will that let all the g'box oil out when removed?

Thanks for any ideas,
Paul

Lower springs will not cause any issues with the gearbox.

If you pull the whole drive shaft out including the inner CV (axle stub) yeah the oil will come out of the gearbox but not all of it.

Sounds like the driveshaft circlip isn't fitted properly - and therefore, the driveshaft has slipped out of the inner CV joint centre splines. The joint is designed to allow lateral movement but the centre should 'plunge' with the driveshaft. The circlip on the inside end of the driveshaft is a normal external type (fitted with circlip pliers) and should be easy enough to find a replacement for. It is not the jump-ring usually used with outer CV joints.

To fit it, you don't need to remove the CV joint flange from the transmission. Just unbolt the 6mm Allen-socket-head bolts (1/2" drive key is useful). Swing the driveshaft out and you should have access to inspect the internals - may as well clean and re-grease while you're there. The grease must be the special grey CV joint grease, as you probably already know

-Alex

Thanks Alex was looking for some ideas before i ripped it apart, i'd end up taking both cv boots off and making a right old mess, and also knowing my luck i would of pulled the whole shaft out and dropped the gearbox oil everywhere.

Good news in a way then,
Will take some damage pictures - hopefully not too extensive!
Paul

Well, had a look a couple of days ago, the driveshaft had popped out of the outer cv joint. clip wasnt broken thankfully.

but the splines were a bit mashed on the shaft side..

used a junior hacksaw and small file to fix the splines, banged the joint back on, greased it, cable tied (for now) and it's back on the car.

tried lowering the front with the driveshaft retaining nut loose this time! -works better when you do it this way. haha.

was in a rush the other day and didnt bother to (a) take the steering lock off, or (b) loosen the shaft before fitting the new shocks/springs.

Much better now!

PaulDrage said:

Much better now!

Click to expand...

good stuff....so you be at brooklands then?

I dont really know about that, it still looks like a shed!
How much, where? when?

Ah balls, just read its this saturday, i've got to work im afraid or that could of been quite fun!
will have to see what other events are on this year and try and make it down to one..