Se7enUp

Have you checked the glow plugs are working OK? From memory, the wiring for the plugs on a 300tdi was a little different to the 2.5N/A (I could be wrong though)

Can anyone recommend a pair of decent circlip pliers? All the previous (cheapo) pairs I've had end up either twisting, breaking or becoming an effective launching device to ping circlips into the next world...never to be seen again by man. I'm happy to spend a few £££ to get something that will a, work and b, last.

All sorted. I've just ordered 4 x RTC3458 (TVC100010 OEM GKN) from a seller on eBay Mine are all 75mm x 27mm. Thanks again, Steve

Thanks for that I'll get under and have a measure up this evening.

Please can someone confirm that a universal joint with the part number RTC3458 (TVC100010 OEM) will be suitable for both the front and rear propshafts on a 1998 Defender 110 300tdi Hardtop. Thanks in advance. Steve

Are you certain your torque wrench is working OK? I only ask as I had one fail once while building a Mini engine. It felt normal when used and the "click" was as it had always been. The only problem was it was measuring around 50lbs less than it should do. This was evident when we started up the engine and saw combustion on the outside of the block! After replacing the torque wrench, we decided to strip the entire engine as a precaution. I'm glad we did as one of the main cap bolts could be turned by hand!

Cheers guys, I will pass on the info.

Nigel, can this be done on the vehicle? My mate has pretty much decided to bung it into the local specialists and see if they can replace the axle for a secondhand one. I'm assuming a replacement diff pan and then fitting his own diff will be a cheaper alternative?

OK, after removing the diff guard, we've spotted the problem and it had confirmed my diagnosis...... It's definately the diff!!!

Hi all, Pleae can you guys sanity check my diagnosis and offer a bit of advice. Had a mate call me today, his 1996 90 had made a "really bad crunching sound" while reversing out of a parking space. Several feet later he lost all drive. Engaging diff lock he was able to limp home but said there were some intersting noises from the rear axle. He just brought it around to my house and I found the following: When the handbrake is on and the rear is jacked up, both rear wheels can be turned at the same time. There is a lot of "crunchy" noises coming from the rear diff. I decided to pull one of the rear halfshafts (short one). This came out fine and I can see the end of the other halfshaft through the axle which is rotating when the rear wheel is turned. When I tried to put the halfshaft back in, something was sopping it being pushed all the was home. Using a torch, it looked like there was something in the way. With a bit of poking using a long rod, this then dissapeared with a clunk and the halfshaft went back in OK. From this I am guessing that both of the halfshafts are OK and the diff is totally shot. Does this sound plausible? If it is the diff, the good news is he has a spare! I've never replaced one of these before but assume the procedure is as follows: Drain axle. Remove both halfshafts Remove rear prop from diff flange Remove bolts and pull out the diff. Clean the case and then reassemble using the replacement unit. I'm guessing we'll need a new diff to axle case gasket, some sealant, oil and it will be wise to fit a new pinion seal to the replacement diff. Any advice would be appreciated as it looks like I'm starting work on it tomorrow morning

Tread Lightly have just announced the following on their Facebook page: *** BREAKING NEWS *** Latest CMPP report just landed, now called the Cambrian Mountains Exemplar Report, phase 2 June 2012. Did read good and fairly positive throughout until I came to the map page of potentially unsuitable UCR's in Ceredigion. Bad news, Exergesis have recommended Strata Florida as an unsustainable red route, for potential closure. Will raise at this Thursday's council LAF meeting, and try and obtain an electronic copy for all MPV and bike users to read.

http://twitter.com/#!/frankpickles/status/130289590320898049 Q: is it true you are backing out of the 4x4 market? me and a group of friends all insure with you and have heard these rumours. A: It is, the underwriters have lost a fortune. The problem has been false declarations of information mainly modification and mileage.

FYI - http://forums.lr4x4....ft&fromsearch=1

When I bought my first Land Rover (a 1986 90) I noticed a clonking noise each time I braked or accelerated hard. After a couple of unsuccessful sessions looking underneath for anything loose or worn, I eventually found the culprit - behind the drivers seat. The PO has left a metal "spike" tool laying behind the seat (the sort of thing scaffolders use to line up bolt holes). Over the years, it's become my favorite and most useful Land Rover tool!

Steve, I'm just about to leave out on a trip - will be in touch as soon as I get back. Thanks, Steve