Landrover Defender rear axel clunking - diagnoses and repair

Ever had those clucking noises from the back of your defender when shifting gears or when speeding up /down ? Well here is what he cause was on mine...and how to diagnose and repair

[@mn-df4oi]

What a fantastic video with a proper explanation and a proper tutorial! Great job Sir!!

[@rickcee6572]

Amazing video, thank you for all the detail and effort you have gone to.

[@paulmccormack4385]

Can honestly say that is one of the most informative and well made videos on KZbin. If there is a chance you’re ever going to replace the front ones please do the same video. The added part of the diff on the bench was so well done. Thank you. 👍

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments, and I will as soon as I do front types.

[@Jason-cl8hk]

I don’t know how I’ve missed this bloke before, but he’s excellent! A really knowledgeable guy who explains well - thanks.

[@D3Sshooter]

TXS for the comments, and my pleasure to share

[@Jason-cl8hk]

I’ve just reviewed this video again, as I may have an issue with my halfshafts, and can only repeat my original statement about how good this advice is. Thanks.

[@thebugzone2568]

Excellent video, no waffle, straight to the point. Thank you

[@Micheel254]

This was pure gold, thank you sir!

[@noelwhittle7922]

There is another cause for the clunk from the rear, and in exactly the same circumstances as mentioned early in this video. It's the central ball joint on the 'A' frame on the back axle. I had a Range Rover Classic and the previous owner had been driven mad trying to get rid of the clunk. I changed out the ball joint which locates the rear axle to the chassis and problem was solved. It only takes a small amount of slop in that ball joint and it gets mechanically amplified under the rotational torque of the axle during accelerating and decelerating.

[@DK-bm3gn]

Thanks for this video. I learned quite a bit and now will have a better idea what I am looking for as I check out my LR D2.

[@fillowtree5505]

Your videos are so calming. You have great garage space. Thanks for posting.

[@D3Sshooter]

Fillow Tree , txs and i try.

[@tansooable]

Excellent video, very informing. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@axelcordes]

Thank you ! This really answered a lot of questions to me as it was very clear and well shown! Cheers Axel

[@D3Sshooter]

Axel Cordes thank you

[@Sandro2746]

Please, D3shooter, make some more videos like this about your Defender. Really, your videos are so calming and really useful!

[@D3Sshooter]

Sandro2746 txs and i will.

[@suzielou6670]

Thank you so much for making this! Superb knowledge and ability to plainly articulate troubleshooting

[@christianvlek]

Thankyou for this upload . Clear , concise and straightforward . I feel confident to tackle mine now 👍

[@HawaiiJetboat]

I just started chasing a vibration on a 2001 Toyota Tacoma w/340k miles and this vid showed me a lot of good information. Basically in the YT World all the vids show you what it looks or sounds like when something is wrong but there are hardly any showing you what is normal so you can judge your own sounds/looks against a known working unit/part/tire etc. Many Thanks for a great video.

[@williambrown6967]

I'm going to repeat the process on my 97 Defender. I hope its nothing more than the 1/2 axles. This is a great instructional video!

[@D3Sshooter]

Good luck!

[@herbertmasing]

This is a superb video! I've watched lots of videos on this topic (having a similar clunk on my TD5 90), but this was really wonderfully produced and was made as clear as possible. I will try to share this video as much as I can, because it needs as many views as Your "Why should you buy a Defender" video :) thumbs up!!!

[@D3Sshooter]

Herbert Masing thank you. And enjoy your 90

[@dylanwinship7582]

you helped me solidify my diagnosis on my lexus gs300. i havent driven it in 4 months now

[@matthewharris4966]

Excellent, clear & informative without any babbling. I followed this then got stuck into it to find my half shafts & drive flanges were also worn. Gladly no unexpected rust found in there. So I've put it all back together while i wait for new parts to arrive. Thanks mate.

[@D3Sshooter]

Great to hear!

[@TheBendalina]

I also have slight clunking coming from rear diff area and this is by far the best video ive seen about this problem. I have now ordered half shafts and flanges and look forward to fitting them. big thank you for posting.

[@D3Sshooter]

My pleasure and I hope it fixes your problem/

[@gavinknight8560]

Excellent video, thanks. I have a lot of play and had some snapped hub bolts. I've replaced the hub(after destroying the old one with easyouts :( ), checked the half shafts but I still have play. I wasn't confident about the diff removal process, but thanks to you I am now!

[@PavleBalenovic]

I did similar repairs on the front axle, recently for the halfshaft broke but still rear axle is waiting for me to solve the problem you described here well. The truck I own (1989) still runs well and hope it will serve in the future as it did before with the care needed. It is more than 20 years now that I used that vehicle while filming nature and wildlife in general. Without such the vehicle it wouldn't be possible at all. Well done video, indeed. Thanks for sharing.

[@D3Sshooter]

Pavle Balenovic thanks for the comments. And where can i see your animal movies Pavle ? Would love to see them

[@kabaottoemulsion1869]

Thank you so much for sharing! It is so simple! Good point to check when I buy one!

[@D3Sshooter]

My pleasure

[@carrillorosario1995]

Best video I have every seen 👍 thank you!

[@D3Sshooter]

4Runner Chris , txs for the comments

[@Sk8boarder1700]

Just possibly figured out what was wrong with my 98 Chevy blazer thank you so much for the video

[@gtdodgeviper]

Thank I have a 2004 Nissan titan that is making that noise. I recorded the u joint today and saw it moved just like yours. Thanks to your video I now know whats next.

[@FOscum]

Great videos. Excellent presentation and explanations. I'm on my 3rd owned Landy. D2 TD5 ; D2 V8 and D1 300 Tdi. Will never part with my '96 D1 300 Tdi. Always more to learn. Keep them vids on comin. cheers grahame

[@D3Sshooter]

txs for the comment, i sure will

[@dazman1973]

Brilliantly explained and demonstrated, thank you.

[@D3Sshooter]

You're very welcome!

[@swank1975]

Awesome video. Explains this so well. I need to do this with my 1992 RRC

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments and good luck with the job

[@isrealperez9069]

Great video and your demonstration was on point for information the same symptoms that I have on my car awd I'll see if I can order the parts

[@D3Sshooter]

Thank you for the comments

[@dunnetw]

Superb video! I'll be checking these this weekend on mine. Thanks

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@Wolfhoundofwolftrap]

Excellent video and thanks for taking the time and effort gone into making it

[@D3Sshooter]

skoogmen my pleasure

[@D3Sshooter]

skoogmen my pleasure

[@erwanfrenchy8849]

Good proper diagnose procedure, thanks for your work. regards, G

[@D3Sshooter]

Many thanks!

[@normfergus8472]

Absolutely bloody fascinating and superb video I am addicted

[@D3Sshooter]

Norm Fergus txs for the comments

[@patnrtk]

Thank you so much for the insight on this issue! Helped me a lot!

[@D3Sshooter]

Glad it helped!

[@marvinmattson4510]

Very good video and good information, thank you for putting this together and VERY GOOD focus on subject matter.

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments,

[@Viaticboston]

Really good video mate. This is exactly my fault. Very hard to diagnose properly but this is very informative. Thank you

[@D3Sshooter]

Glad it helped

[@bp9749]

Excellent job with this video.

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@andrewraeburn5027]

a superb example and explanation. So professional

[@D3Sshooter]

Many thanks!

[@faizelhendricks1310]

Best explained video ever perfect 👌👌👌 that's what you call a excellent mechanic💪💪💪thanks for the great help explaining step by step now I've got a better idea on my diff👍👍👍

[@ammaralbitar2186]

Absolutely video thanks for taking the time Excellent thank you so much.

[@D3Sshooter]

Txs for the fine comments. Its my pleasure

[@kensmithmail]

Excellent video, demonstrated perfectly, I think you could also teach others how to make great videos , thank you.

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@MobileClutchRepair]

great video i think this is the problem im having with my TD5 im going to pull out these half shafts and give it a try.

[@sputnik4216]

A#1 Excellent. I'll look for more of your videos. I hope you have one on shimming the differential. This job didn't need it but maybe you have another in your collection.

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@koitorob]

Clunks when accelerating and backing off could also be radius arm bushes. Great video!

[@D3Sshooter]

Thank you for your comments, indeed good tip

[@riscandoomapacompneus]

thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with us and congratulations for the video, it was very good

[@AlexandreSchmidtBR]

Very nice video! Thanks for sharing!

[@missing1person]

Very informative video, thank you so much

[@D3Sshooter]

My pleasure, txs for the comments

[@insightwmrssladywbuzz5779]

This was very good demonstration.Thanks 👌🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@D3Sshooter]

You are so welcome

[@kieranl7975]

Very nice, clear, easy to listen to video

[@D3Sshooter]

Many thanks!

[@frank-lr]

Great videos. My MY15 has a slight clunk from day 1, when starting to drive and when slowly taking sharp corners. No noticable play anywhere, however, so I'll call it "character" for now :-)

[@D3Sshooter]

Frank H txs

[@soylentgreen5120]

Fantastic vlog thank you

[@D3Sshooter]

TXS for the comments

[@highdownmartin]

Nice and methodical. You don’t take a diff out for fun! I wish I had a pit or a four post lift!

[@D3Sshooter]

You and me both!

[@twotone3070]

Nicely made video, excellent explanation. Thank you.

[@D3Sshooter]

TXS for the comments

[@TheSqueakyPotato]

Excellent - Well explained - Thanks

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks

[@XmastersShuffle228]

Super clear! Thanks

[@davidatkinson3542]

Thank you! You solved my problem!

[@dr.tzweed.1850]

Thanks alot super clear explanation

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@airportableffr1]

excellent video- very helpful. I have a Series with the clunk, there will be some part differences but the concept should be the same.

[@D3Sshooter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-tn2yr1xo1e]

Perfect video. Cheers

[@D3Sshooter]

Glad you liked it!

[@petersullivan3902]

Excellent from a bloke who knows his stuff

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@dmatveev89]

Awesome video

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the visit

[@LukeSchiralli]

Really informative!

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@lr5425]

Thank you !

[@damongott6307]

Great video my 97 Range Rover is making a clunky noise in the back when I put it in gear and every full turn of the wheel clunk clunk

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments, yep seems to be that issue

[@lanti9]

thank you! very good video

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments,

[@TheDaf95xf]

Something very different but fantastic all the same 👍🏻

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments, I try

[@brujarrusa]

Muy buen tutorial, gracias

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@morganhanson7940]

Very interesting as my girlfriend has exactly this noise with her 2014 Defender I was thinking it was a problem with the transmission.. Also the from diff has a slow leak (more of an ooze of oil. I would like to attempt fixing this myself any thoughts or advice on this would be really appreciated!

[@Dover665E]

Good stuff.

[@D3Sshooter]

Dover665E txs

[@rroby258]

very nice, thank you!

[@D3Sshooter]

Sorry for the late reply , as i was away for work. But thanks for the comments.

[@badad0166]

0:31 "hear da clunk". Tim Conway? The Swedish Chef? Love this guy!! p.s. Brakes don't brake after they break as they are broken.

[@D3Sshooter]

hahaha, that is funny... TXS

[@frankpaya690]

You must be strong, I never tried muscling one of those down, I always used a floor jack. Can you lift that back up and mount it?

[@032254855]

have had my 2001 defender for about 2 yrs and it's always made this clunk when i release the throttle and then accelerate have told a few different garages about the problem even a couple landrover shops they all say that all defenders make the clunk was all good until about 6 months ago i was pulling out of an intersection and there was a big bang and i lost drive had broken a halfshaft and all the splines were worn out. Have replaced both halfshafts and the flanges on the back axle but still get a bit of a clunk should i check the front end if so is it pritty much the same as checking the rear. Don't want to spend anything on my diffs yet as i plan on putting some lockers in soon Cheers for the grate vids

[@D3Sshooter]

Brown Bomber a bit of backlash is not that exceptional. I would expect that diff is having some play on the pignon - crownwheel. Or just needs some adjusting on the pignon bearing. Check it with the wheels on the ground and in neutral. Try rotate left right the propshaft and see if you have play. If so then the diff is the cause. Also check your front wheel halfshafts. Txs for the comments

[@Garrett053]

Brilliant video! Subbed. I would have welded the flanges to the half shafts. Wonder if that could be a permanent fix.

[@D3Sshooter]

TXS

[@rayg9069]

It looks as if the flanges are designed as the fail point to protect the diff from extreme abuse, much easier to change a flange and shaft than a diff. Welding it would fix it until the next bit broke.

[@leifjonsson775]

Thanks à LOT Sir

[@D3Sshooter]

Most welcome

[@GeorgeAusters]

I need to check mine on my BMW E60!

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@gerin1946]

Steve hiiii my friend !!! I had Land-Rovers in the years 1964 >>> 72 Young I like hunting (photo -- rifle) so much off road !!! I was obliged to have spare rear side shafts left and right....a short and a long one ! I never had the answer, up to now, why the short side shaft use to brake (of cause in the bad place of the vehicle) The worst is it use to brake near the differential....!!! Lucky f the peace stayed in place if not one has to remove the differential (Hooo Sh........) Now my Friend tell me WHY ....? Best regards.

[@gerin1946]

What I see now, it is the side shaft too soft metal ....?

[@michaelhands1240]

thank you

[@D3Sshooter]

You're welcome

[@plumbc007]

Rear a frame ball joint will do that 2 when worn - the clunking

[@D3Sshooter]

Yep , as well

[@christiansmallwood9035]

Hi, great diagnostic, but quick question, that’s an LSD diff right?, so how can you tell from that test that there’s not anything funny happening inside the limited slip workings?

[@kenyattapowell2212]

My uncle 1996 mercury grand marquis gs is making a clunking sound when you put it in reverse and in drive. I thought it was the u joints but they're fine so the guy said it was the differential. The differential have play so can it be rebuild or he have to buy another differential?

[@D3Sshooter]

They can be rebuild, its precision work. I would get a reconditioned one

[@srpacific]

There could be slack in the flywheel (td5), clutch, transmission output shaft, transfer case input gear, transfer case gears, transfer case output flanges, prop shaft u-joints, prop shaft splines, differential spider gears, and finally the half shafts and flanges. The Defender was never meant to be a smooth vehicle, and trying to chase tolerances is an expensive game!

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments, and indeed

[@cnottagejr]

i only have clunking sound when i put it in reverse or drive i was told i have play

[@bigbos2678]

I changed 3time differential but a. voice have still. I have 8mm small defferential vehicle . I changed f8b engine gearbox. A voice have still. In Top gear I clearly listing voice 40 to 60 speed

[@D3Sshooter]

That is strange, maybe the wheel bearings

[@bigbos2678]

@@D3Sshooter front wheel bearing changes both of wheel's. Axel bearing changed. Flywheel bearing changed. Timing bearing changed.Timing blet changed but voice have still.

[@exwifeschewtoy5516]

My 2010 LR2 when turning slow has a clunk and sound like the rear tire is grabbing when I turn tight in both directs but it seems to be coming from the right side only. It is severe enough to rock the vehicle too.......I am disabled and am researching this to help my mechanic. he took apart the rear differential and it all look normal......still did it.....now replaced my rear rotor/pads and still there......help!

[@D3Sshooter]

Joel, its not easy say what it could be , are you sure you do not have a lose suspension ?

[@Mohamedseddek]

👍

[@simontist]

Such a strange thing to wear out... Now I know why the driveshaft splines on my car are such a tight interference fit, probably to prevent this type of wear...

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@alexandretaxijp2671]

Boa noite no 🚖 táxi João pessoa PB 🌵🇧🇷

[@davidalunday6752]

How much is the defferintial renger

[@Mogman150]

Did you measure the ring to pinion backlash?

[@D3Sshooter]

Yes I did, and should have placed it in the video. TXS

[@_1_271]

@@D3Sshooter at approx 5 minutes into video when you spin the wheels to demonstrate the knocking, there is also a slight shearing sound when the wheels spin. What is that?

[@D3Sshooter]

@@_1_271 , its either the brakepads or my hand on the wheel

[@prljevi88]

Is that a stock diff,is it a lsd?

[@D3Sshooter]

standard stock

[@jasonnonassumpsit3397]

I'm guessing it's the same for the front.. ?

[@D3Sshooter]

yep

[@jasonnonassumpsit3397]

Thankyou.

[@jeanthomson1168]

Ce serait possible la traduction en français ?

[@D3Sshooter]

Ca c'est pass simple , peut etre avec CC

[@evanjones2539]

If that's your normal driving.. no bloody wonder you have wear and play..!