Have a 2004 Disco II with 93,000 miles. In East TN where there is no LR dealer - closest is Asheville, NC. Have a "clicking" sound that only occurs when the LR is moving and now, I am beginning to feel a vibration in the steering wheel. Former mechanic in Florida thinks it might be drive shaft and recommends I find someone who can rebuild any drive shaft. I spoke with a mechanic today and he told me that my LR would probably be the only one he sees this year or next but he is willing to look at and try to figure out what is wrong.

Any suggestions?? Can anyone recommend a mechanic in the Tri-Cities of East TN?

 

Read this thread, then have your front drive shaft rebuilt or replaced if it doesn't have 1 grease fitting on each of the 3 front u-joints and do it today or plan on buying a tranny when the shaft fails.
Broken U-joint - Land Rover Forums : Land Rover and Range Rover Forum

 

And there is a similar write up in our tech secttion with pictures Propshaft Rebuild - Land Rover Forums - Land Rover Enthusiast Forum

You can DIY orshow to your mechanic so he can handle it. Another option is a drive shaft shop, there ar plenty of those around as well, and this is small potatoes for them.

 

You could also try blue ridge rover works over in asheville. I've had good luck with the folks over there.

 

If you have a shop rebuild the shaft make sure, especially at your mileage and if you haven't been grease what few u-joints you have that they replace all 4 along with a new centering ball, then grease them and both slip shafts every oil change.

 

I'd consider parking it before driving it anymore.
I had a customer ring me saying he had a vibration so I told him to not drive it.
When I got there this is what I found.

 

Thank you for all of the advice. I heard some whining this morning when I did drive the LR for about a 1/4 of a mile. Perhaps I will have the vehicle towed to the mechanic's.

As for Asheville, I am about 75 miles from Asheville and on the other side of the mountain, so to speak.

Last question - being a woman and not using a dealership for repairs, which I know would be expensive but guaranteed anywhere in the country - what should I expect to pay for these repairs? I am going to print out this entire thread so that the mechanic will have a head's up.

Thanks,
Elaine

 

If I remember correctly from other threads on this forum: a LR dealer will replace the shaft with an OEM shaft (which will only have one grease-able joint at the front). The OEM shaft sells for $1,200 plus labor, IIRC.

A driveline repair shop will be significantly cheaper. I removed my shaft myself, took it to a locak axle guru, supplied him with the 3 joints and centering ball, and he had it ready for pick-up the next day. That set me back maybe $200 including parts and labor.

 

elaskel,

Also look this up and print out for your mechanic Propshaft Rebuild - Land Rover Forums - Land Rover Enthusiast Forum

Most DIY guys can do this with a bench vise and regular tools. Regular mechanic can handle it, as well as a drive line shop. Should not have to tote this beast to the Biltmore side of the mountain. Mechanic may be scared off by rumours, etc. It is really a simple vehicle to work on.

 

In my town the driveline shop charged me $150 to replace the u-joints and centering ball. The parts were about $50 from advanced auto parts.

If you want to you can take a look under your truck and see if your u-joints have already been replaced. The drive shaft is very easy to locate. It runs from the transfer case(next to the transmission).

If you've got a friend who's willing and has tools you could remove the drive shaft and simply take it to a shop and avoid towing expenses. I would not advise you to drive the truck anymore though.