My old rotoflex coupler eventually caused the complete propshaft to drop on downhill drive at 110 km p/h. I needed to walk back 1 km to collect my propshaft and carry on home 4x4.
Got new Rotoflex and bush on first try at Nissan Maputo who also has got the Landrover Agency here in Moz.
The bush came out fairly easy with hammer and chisel and due to the lift the coupler was a walk in the park BUT on test drive there is a serios vibration. Will a propshaft balance solve this problem ore did I do something wrong?

 

The driveshaft is supposed to be balanced and they tell you to mark it prior to removal so you can get it back in the same orientation since tere are four bolts on the front end of the rear driveshaft.

Since it fell out, you would not know the original orientation and only have a one in four chancve of getting it back in the same as it originally was. You can try dropping it, rotating it 90 degrees and putting it back in, if it continues the vibration you got two more positions to try, or take it to a good driveshaft shop to be rebalanced.

 

Hi Danny

Thank you for excellent advice. Wished I received this info earlier.Took the propshaft for balancing and after long discussion with the technitions I have decided to do the convertion to U Joint in place of the Rotoflex - joint.

Just hope that the cost of R3 800-00 will really solve this vibrating problem.
I have also found 1 transfere case mounting to be broken.
I have replaced both today and hope to get propshaft Friday.

Rgrds
Hercu

 

I agree Hercu. Just go with the rear U joint. It is high on my list as I just do not trust the rotoflex on any tough trails. Moz has nothing but that.

 

Lucky8 Llc. - Take the road less traveled...

 

Today, I picked up a driveshaft from a 98 DI, but they had already sold the rear diff from it, so I am looking for a new 4 bolt flange I guess.

 

Thanks Colo

Also thougt that will be the best for Moz

Remember when anyone in Moz with Rotoflex problems on Sunday afternoon on way back to SA,I have got a brand new one sitting on the store room Rack now.

Regards

 

You said it fell out, did the bolts on the front of shaft break or vibrate out? I don't understand that part of it. I could envision the rotoflex coming apart and the rear portion dragging, but for it to completely fall out then the front bolts failed as well?

Had you ever been underneath the vehicle prior to that? Sounds like a condition that had existed for a while to me.

I suggest you do a thorough inspection with a creeper and a good light and get familar with your Rover.

 

^ Agreed, seems like a strange failure mode. I think they typically fail by tearing gradually, at least the OEM ones do. It gets to a pretty loud rumble or growl long before the end of the driveshaft could even possibly fall out. And even then I'm not sure how the whole shaft dropped unless it had no nuts holding the front end.

When mine failed, I was downshifting to go up a steep pass at nearly 80 MPH - just too much torque. When I let off the gas, the rumble started. I got under the truck, confirmed failure mode, and proceeded to limp 100+ miles to the nearest LR dealership.

 

Yeah, but I could see how it might separate into two pieces.