when driving up steep hills (plenty around Bath) or driving at motorway speeds there sometimes sounds like gearbox / transmission box "chatter" , this doesn`t happen all the time but when it does it`s loud enough for me to think this isn`t right. I don`t remember this noise on any previous Defenders I`ve owned.

I use the word "chatter" because if you say it as fast as you can, that`s the noise it makes !

any clues ??

Sib
Bath
`08 130 DC
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Sib
Bath UK

08 130

My Utility's box Chattered and got replaced.. Guess what the new one has started to chatter now

Andrew
What causes the chatter, any idea ? Is it doing it any harm or can it be left for a while..?

Sib
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Sib
Bath UK

08 130

Took it to MJ Fews (helpful bunch) who adjusted the handbrake thinking it was sticking slightly, no good so now reckon it is the gearbox. They replaced the box on similar issue and that fixed the problem...
new box then, I`ll let you know if they find out anything else but seems to be an issue on longer wheelbased puma`s..
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Sib
Bath UK

08 130

sib wrote:

Andrew
What causes the chatter, any idea ? Is it doing it any harm or can it be left for a while..?

Sib

Not sure if it's related, but according to LR customer relations, there have been some cases of loose rivets in clutch plate. They didn't say how many (loads probably), but I guess it won't help the gearbox chatter. Mine's being changed today, or at least looked at, as the cause of a relentless "clunk" everytime I let the clutch up. I'm not convinced it will fix the clunk as the clunk sounds very solid and metallic, more like crown wheel and pinion backlash.
Bosun.

My 130 went to dealership today for some clutch work / replacement..
will keep you posted..
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Sib
Bath UK

08 130

Just had my clutch plate re-furbished due to loose rivets and even the springs were loose. All replaced and new clutch lining and re-secured but now can't gear down and use engine break.
Also noise in gearbox still there - wasn't only the clutch making the noise.
Now I will insist that they change the clutch plate with genuine one and take out the gearbox and renew.
Bloody hell - what next?

Oh yes - the rear diff needs to be changed - making drone sound on deceleration
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Puma 110 - so far so quiet
Ser III 109" - seldom a problem

This whole saga doesn't sound promising. I thought the Transit gearbox was suposed to be "white van man" proof! I'm begining to wonder if LR realy know what the problem is. Sounds l ike there's a bit of guesswork going on. While mine's in for the clutch, I've got a Gaylander 2 as a lone car. Not too impressed with the vehicle generally, ergonomics are poor, and it's too big for a small car, but the TD4 engine and auto box are very good. Why on earth couldn't they get the Defender right. Maybe Mr Tata can fix it.
Bosun.

New clutch seems to have fixed the "clunk" when I let the clutch pedal up, but the 1st to 2nd shift still isn't good. Loose rivets apparently.
Bosun.

Mine has gradually developed a similar noise. Now at 7000 kms. Do any of the following symptoms ring a bell with those who have had clutches replaced?

1. In neutral with the engine running when I let the clutch out there is a clunk at the point where the clutch engages. The faster I let the clutch out the louder the clunk.

2. When idling forward in gear with load there is a rattle until I accelerate.

3. When the drive train is cold on hard acceleration in first and second gear there is a loud low pitched whine like something is rubbing. It goes away when the load goes off after 3000 rpm. (At first I thought that it was induction noise heard more now that the snorkel is installed).

4. When changing gears the first noise can be heard. (Sounds like drive train so the drive shaft bolts will be checked)

From what I have gleaned from the above I reckon its a loose rivet and dodgy springs in the clutch plate issue.

So it's "Hi Ho Hi Ho its off to workshop I go". But some feedback would be useful and appreciated so that I can give the poor dears some guidance.
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Mahn
'95 Disco 300 Tdi
'08 Defender 110
www.aulro.com

Hi one_iota,

After reading your report there, something is saying there may be a problem with the spigot bush as well to me. Perhaps when they put it in it was not properly greased. They always whine when cold when they are not greased enough and will play havoc on gearchanges (usually first to second) and use of the clutch as they get worse. Funnily enough, the whine always normally sounds worse when it is wet outside or really damp, but should improve in warm and dry conditions. This sounds like it could be a spigot bush/bearing problem and possibly something related to your clutch as well. They should look for this the next time the clutch is out. It requires taking out the clutch and flywheel (which sits behind), then popping the little devil out and putting a well greased new one in.
The rattles could well be the clutch springs or rivets though, but some of the rest points to spigot.

If I was placing money on it, with the symptoms you are describing, that is where my bet would be. Seen it before and fixed it before.

Best of luck.

Landy nut

Thank you Landy nut,

That is very useful information. I just hope my dealer's mechanics have the wit and skill to implement it.

As an aside I find that the dealers warranty service process is very much an arms length one. I am used to talking to the person who does the job (With the Disco I talked to me or a Forum). So while I am impressed with the SMS text messages from the service department reminding me that the car is booked in I don't like not being able to chew the fat with the bloke wearing the greasy overalls. Maybe that suits (excuse the pun) the RRS owners but I like to know what makes this thing tick.
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Mahn
'95 Disco 300 Tdi
'08 Defender 110
www.aulro.com

I just had the later clutch fitted to mine under warranty as the old one had developed a death rattle in low rev / high load situations. Fortunately the guy who actually does the work at the dealer I use is quite happy to sit and have a natter about what he's done etc.