Howdy --

I've been trying to get things sorted out on my Land Rover Discovery, and one of the things I outsourced to the mechanic was taking care of a transfer case leak. The shop had done pretty good work the last couple of times I've needed to go for something. For the leak, they sent it out to another transmission shop. I asked them to lube my driveshaft while they were at it (Tom Woods -- centering ball, etc.).

So, when I went to pick it up, I noticed a strange intermittent vibration -- it's almost a grind, but not quite. It's only noticeable when starting from a stop, or when driving over bumps (sometimes). So, after a couple of days I took it back to the shop and asked them to double-check as things didn't seem right.

A few days later I went to pick it up. I forgot what it was that they said they adjusted (I think they said they found a loose bolt in the suspension). Anyway, it still had the problem. I needed my LR for the weekend, so I drove home and figured I'd deal with it the following week.

So.. this weekend I had some free time so I crawled underneath to see what I could find. I was shocked/surprised to see what appeared to be shredded insulation that was perhaps rubbing on the transfer case.

Since I can't remember what it looked like before (last time I was under there was about 6 months ago to switch to the Tom Woods driveshaft), I don't have much of a point of reference.

Can you guys help take a look at the picture and let me know your thoughts? Is it ok and I'm overreacting? Should I bail on this shop and not even risk having them try to fix it? If I go back, what things should I point out and mention?

Also - what's up with that bolt in the lower right corner? If I remember correctly all of the bolts were the same kind?





Thanks!
Ed (RedAustinIX)

 

It looks like the sheath around the Emergency brake cable has frayed out. I dont know why though. Maybe it was rubbing on the drum brake housing. The drum brake housing spins as it is attached to your rear propeller shaft, The e-brake cable is positioned close to the drum brake housing. Maybe the mechanic put it back so it flexed or started to touch after you used the e-brake a few times.
That bolt you mentioned is a stud bolt on the transfer case inspection plate. There are two of them on both sides of the inspection plate. It does not really do anything special. Just a Land Rover thing.
Dave

 

Boss Hogg / Dave --

I thought I posted my thanks earlier, but I guess I forgot to hit "submit." Anyway, thanks for the info! That gives me enough background info. to go to the mechanic to help them diagnose what to fix!

Thanks again,
Ed (RedAustinIX)