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Drivetrain Noise

5K views 17 replies 9 participants last post by  D90884 
#1 ·
Hello. I could use some help/advice if possible on drivetrain/gear noise. I have owned my 94 defender ST for 2+ years. Love my truck and have done most of the work to it since I have gotten it myself or with the help of others. It's a great hobby. That said from when I bought the truck in 2014 it seems like on the highway it makes a fair amount of drivetrain noise (some to be expected given the type of vehicle). I just got back from a 550 mile trip this weekend and I am questioning if the amount of drivetrain noise is normal. The only other defender I have ever ridden in is a 97 SW with carpet so it's not a fair comparison. The whine is most prevalent on the highway especially when letting off or feathering the throttle to maintain speed. The truck has 130k on it. Just looking for others experiences with what these similar trucks sound like at highway speed. Below is a link to a video from in the truck at about 60 MPH. Thanks!https://www.dropbox.com/s/xu838x40eeub6fz/Video Oct 09, 2 16 18 PM.mov?dl=0
 
#6 ·
In 5th gear a I have a pretty hearty gear whine at 60 mph as well around neutral throttle. I always checked the fluids and the play in the T-case and output bearings. Everything is good and has been for years and years. I think this is just one of those "they all do that" things.
 
#7 ·
Check all the driveshaft bolts to make sure they are tight.
Then check the driveshaft splines and U-joints for wear.
 
#9 ·
Thanks for all the helpful info.

I do have access to a lift.

------ Follow up post added October 11th, 2016 04:46 PM ------

Also driveshaft bolts are tight and u joints seem good. No noticeable play in the u joints. Driveshafts and u joints have also had fresh grease installed recently.
 
#10 ·
My '97 D90 had a drivetrain noise/vibration when under power between 45-65 MPH and then leveled off over 65, or when not under power. I had it looked it at by a drivetrain specialist and the conclusion was that the joints and spindles were all in great shape, but the front prop shaft was out of balance. They balanced it (by welding small weights to the shaft like you would add weight to balance a tire) for $100. The noise is gone. In addition to the noise, that vibration causes a loss of power and gas mileage. The drivetrain is losing efficiency from the motor to the road. Both gas mileage and highway acceleration power are improved with the balancing.
 
#12 ·
Sorry - I mean, have you lifted the truck at all via stiffer springs or spacers. (not do you have a vehicle lift for maintenance purposes :))
Oh haha! I found a sticker on one of the springs shortly after I got the truck. I looked up the numbers on the sticker and it appears that Old Man Emu heavy duty springs were installed at some point by a previous owner. My understanding is that gives something close to a 2" lift. I could be wrong about that though. I would think that would be enough to interrupt the driveline angles, would it?

------ Follow up post added October 11th, 2016 08:18 PM ------

Oh haha! I found a sticker on one of the springs shortly after I got the truck. I looked up the numbers on the sticker and it appears that Old Man Emu heavy duty springs were installed at some point by a previous owner. My understanding is that gives something close to a 2" lift. I could be wrong about that though. I would think that would be enough to interrupt the driveline angles, would it?
Clarification: I wouldn't think that would be enough to interrupt the driveline angles, would it?
 
#13 ·
You need to isolate the noise/vibration to either the front or rear axle. Remove the front driveshaft, put in diff lock High, and take for a test drive. if the noise goes away concentrate on the front shaft and axle. Do the same for the rear shaft if the vibration doesn't go away. This way you can isolate where you need to start looking.
If you have a lift and didn't change the front driveshaft to a double cardan that may be the problem. A bad pinion bearing will also make some noise when you come off the power. it will go away when you have tension on the bearing.
 
#14 ·
Thanks. I know sound can travel but it seems like I get more noise out of the front. I will start by pulling the front driveshaft and take it from there. I just checked the OME heavy duty spring specs and it's only a 1.25" lift in front and a 1.75" in the rear.
 
#15 ·
I have a MY13 puma defender and mine does that. Vibration/Rumbling when you off the pedal haha. To make you feel better, mine also whine but only when cold. I recently changed the ujs on the rear propshaft and this significantly reduce drivel9ne vibrations. As others have mentions, mostly likely in your case, it's due to a worn diff.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
 
#17 ·
I have seen Defenders with as little as an 1 1/2 lift experience front driveline noise. Most switch over to a double cardan driveshaft and that helps if not eliminate the issue. Keep in mind, all the other driveline components should be in top shape. (especially if the truck has 130K miles on it)
 
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