Hi all,

My LR mechanic is blaming a bad bearing of the viscous fan for the vibration I experience when accelerating or driving at a steady speed, but not when I decelerate. Points me to a drive train issue...

My own research showed that the front driveshaft seems to be in good order, rear driveshaft has some cracks in the rubber coupling, but nothing major. Losing quite a bit of oil from the transfer case (keeps the car from rusting ), no alignment issues,etc. Bushings all seem to be ok as well.

Do you think the tech could be right in his assessment?
Thanks,
Lambert

 

It can, if the fan clutch bearing is bad or the fan clutch is locked up. See if you can make it wobble with your hand. Or just take it off and drive it.

 

First, if you have not replaced that front drive shaft, you are waiting for what could be a huge expense, like a replacement tranny so don't worry about what it looks like replace or have it rebuilt yesterday.
As far as a possible vibration from the fan, good chance it is the water pump failing.

 

1. front drive shaft

2. Rubber coupling - any cracks - time for new one.

3. Fan clutch - watch for wobbling pulley, or as mentioned remove fan and drive without it. Just don't stop for more than a traffic light.

 

OK guys, thanks for the advice!

- Will replace rubber coupling shortly.
- Will save up for a new front drive shaft
- Will light candle to not have to replace water pump.

There is some play in the fan which I guess could be because of a bad bearing. Replacing that tonight, let's hope it takes care of the vibration.

Cant drive around without fan: It is 80+ degrees in LA today... :-D

 

I drove 30 miles in 100F with no fan, just don't stop. Thgere is a rebuild article in the tech area, under $100 for the prop shaft work.

 

You can drive no fan.
Just put the A/C on and push in the ECON to turn off the compressor.
That should keep the AUX fan on.

GREASE your drive shafts right now.
That is probably all it is.
Get a grease gun, crawl under there and get it done.

I did it on a road trip from Boulder, to Seattle.
Did it in Ogden UT.

My drive shaft is A LOT better now and did not have to replace it.
But, I do not go over 60MPH.
Figure, what is my hurry....

 

UPDATE:

Replaced viscous fan: no change. Tech took it off again and replaced with old one. As we were looking for vibration of the fan, we noticed the block vibrating abnormally. All mounts OK. Thinking it may be a misfire... No codes though... Looking further tomorrow.

BTW, I would drive without a fan, but no stopping is not an option in LA...!

 

Nope, 12 lanes of traffic, and NONE moving. It's quite a sight to see. Not much fun to be in though... Glad I'm north of there.

 

Be sure knock sensors (both sides of lower block) are tight. ECU adjusts timing based on a variety of sensors, and that is one of them.