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MG TD TF 1500 - rear end lash

I don't know if I am imagining things or not. During a safety fast inspection, my TF was diagnosed with probable wear in the outer spline between the axle and the hub. It does seem the lash is excessive and I do get a clunking sound after reversing and then going forward. So, I investigated the spline on the left side where the noise seems to resonate and it is in perfect condition. When I hold the axle and rotate the input shaft I can feel the lash and it almost feels like a two stage lash as if the ring gear bolts are loose but that takes a creative imagination. I am also able to prevent the ring gear from rotating through the drain hole and it does not change the lash much, if any. I drained the oil and no metal pieces at all. Obviously there is no way to inspect unless I split the rear end but I was just wondering if anyone had a better test in mind before I do that. Or if this is a common problem in any way. It does not seem to be changing at a remarkable rate.
Brett
BEW Brett Wright

It is probably just the intended clearance in the differential between the crown wheel and pinion. There has to be some to allow for thermal expansion, etc. However it could be wear in one or more parts - its depends how much movement you have there. On any car of our type you can jack up a rear wheel and rock it back and forth a bit. I've not checked mine lately so don't recall what it normal. No doubt somebody on here can say?
Dave H
Dave Hill

Dave,I am familiar with the fact every rear end has some back lash. I just never noticed the clunk in other vehicles I have driven. I drained the oil and no metal in it at all.
bew wright

It is common on the L/S this is where the most torque goes to.
Remove the hub and inspect for wear. The axle nut should be tightened to 150-170 f/p. You might want to apply a. Loctite product to the splines. Keep the taper area clean no luberication.
Len Fanelli

I had a very bad lash on the rear end of TD 4834 when. I got it. In addition to the ring and pinion wear the spider shafts and gears were badly worn from wiped out brass bushings in the carrier itself. I ended up replacing the entire carrier with one from Hugh Pite when I changed to a 4.55:1 gear set No more issues since. Just a thought
W. A. Chasser

(Lubricate the threads do not go over 170 f/p .
Len Fanelli

Thanks for all of the comments. I actually had the hub off when I was feeling the lash or what felt like a 2 stage lash. I don't know how tight I had the hub before but it is plenty tight now as I had to creep tighter significantly with an impact wrench to the next castellated nut opening to get the cotter pin in place. I should run it now and see if the sound (clunk) has changed.
It really could be worn spider carrier though, If there is no change, I will head in that direction. I sort of like the original gear ratio for Vermont Mountain 2 lane roads.
Brett
BEW Brett Wright

If it were spider gears you would have the same issue on the R/S.
Len Fanelli

Happy ending, I think. I didn't have time to take the rear end apart so resembled the hub and aimed a bit tighter to the next slot on the castellated nut. The clunk noise seems to be gone now. Now thinking about turning everything on a lift to detect the problem with no load, it is no wonder I did not see the hub slip.
Brett
bew wright

This thread was discussed between 25/08/2016 and 27/08/2016

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