[Scales]

Hey guys,
I forgot for some time to post this question but anyways,
on my recent trip up north i was cruising down one of the many dirt roads in 4H doing around 70-80kmh, it was at that point i started hearing strange noises from the front diff when i let off the accelerator and put down again.

I havent taken it to a mech yet (just went to 2h for the dirt, and low speeds were fine for the rest of the 4x4 stuff)

if theres something wrong with the front, will a new locker replace the gears that are in there? I dont know shit about diffs so yeah, wondering if its worth going for a 2nd hand diff center or changing to locker.

[Mubby]

Have you changed your diff oil after doing the cape? my rear diff was clunking and turned out that some water had gotten into it, changed the oil and the clunking is all gone.

Nick

[Scales]

not yet, but this was happening before we hit any crossings...

[Benz]

a locker will not replace every part off the diff.
they will still use your original ring and pinion gears.
most of the other components get replaced though.

what kind of strange noises?
clunk, whiz, crunch, bang, pop, burble, hum or buzz?

check the oil anyway.
I would just take the filler plug out and see what the oil looks like.
If you really want to you could drop the oil all together. it only takes 900ml.
if you have any broken bits they should be stuck to the magnet on the drain plug.

[steak_knife]

sound's like bearing to me.....

EDIT..... you'd want to do a full rebuild fitting a locker anyway....

[Scales]

was very bearing like actually. sorta whining/buzzish sorta noise
is that a big job?

[Benz]

if it's in the diff then yeah a little bit.

you will have to strip both cv's down to get the diff to come out.
pretty much up for a complete front end overhaul.
I mean if your going to pull it apart that far you might as well service everything.

I would be making sure that's where your problem is though.

kinda strange a bearing would go which makes me think you may have some water or something in the diff.

the front diff does nothing while your in 2wd.
it shouldn't even spin.

how many k's have you got on her?

[squibby]

Can't help with the problem, and I can't remember what threads I read this from, but seems a lot of people that don't have 'full time AWD function, unlocked centre diff, have problems on dirt roads when using part-time 4H locked centre diff. I think unless your fourby is equipped with AWD mode like my Pajero had it's best to only use 4H Locked at lower speeds or for shorter periods of time. I'm reserving my 4H or 4L for only when I really need it from now on. Hearing too many failed front diff storys.

[Benz]

hmm nah 4H should be fine on dirt roads or any surface that is loose.

I always use 4H on dirt roads because I found the little jimny's like to spin out around corners.

it's so easy to do even going at low speeds. the arse end just kicks out on you.
great fun if your expecting it =D
not so much if your not...

have seen quite a few more cases of rolled jimnys on dirt roads then broken diffs....

[Scales]

pretty sure theres no water in there (like 99%)
did an oil change before i went on trip, no sign of damage or water. have breathers on there also.

i dunno how much of a drama it really is as i said its fine at low kms. just when i get up to 70/80 it makes the noises.

its got about 96k on the clock.

[Scales]

just looked at the sevice manual. looks to be a pretty full on job with measurements etc etc.

would this be a pricey job at a mechanic to get the bearings changed?

[dave91]

Just buy a new diff

[Scales]

not a bad idea. i can never find parts like that though. where would you reccommend? keep in mind i live in Townsville

[dave91]

haha I'm the wrong guy to ask, I sold my Jim without modding it so I've got no idea! I've seen a fair few guys here parting Jim's. Other than that I'd say just watch ebay and gumtree. Take a quick look in the for sale section.

[zooky08]

I'm 99% sure it's a bearing. I had a noise in my rear Jimny diff. Only when I got up to 80km/h
Pulled it apart and found wheel bearing and carrier bearings stuffed.
Also found the iner race of the bearing starting turning and worn down the axle.
I know you said it's your front, but to me it sounds like a bearing has let go.

[Scales]

i noticed in one of your past threads you did the job yourself zooky? was it a big job? or completley doable (keep in mind i dont have any micrometer guages or anything)

[zooky08]

For my rear diff I replace two wheel bearings. Two carrier bearings and the pinion bearings and break shoes.
Plus fitted a airlocker.
I did all the work accept fitting locker which was 2hrs work at arb.

I'm not sure how hard the front will be but I have a front locker on it's way which I'll be replace all bearings in the diff.
Shouldn't be hard though, but I'm mechanical minded
If you can hold of a few weeks I'll tell you how I went and how hard it is to do yourself.

[Scales]

yeah man thatd be great. im not putting lockers in yet so would i have dismantle to the point of requiring the measuring equipment.
im fairly mech minded, probs more than most but yeah, dont wanna fudge it

[Scales]

I take it you sourced the bearings from a local supplier once you got them out yes? or suzuki genuine?
what about the pinion seals?

[Scales]

just thought of something, when i did the lift i had to put a JB spacer on the diff side of the prop shaft. could that cause the noise with balancing etc?

[zooky08]

Yea I sourced out the bearings just through my local car parts dealer
Pinion seal are genuine I think.
Carrier bearings for the rear are just the same as Sierra ones. Not sure about front but I'll find out when I buy all my bearings
Don't forget there is two pinion bearings.

As for the spacer I'll let you no because I'm putting my jb spacer in when I get home