Jump to content
Click here if you are having website access problems ×

Ital diff - help please


four20

Recommended Posts

my 1995 Seven has (I believe) an Ital diff which at the moment is making cringe making bangs as I let in the clutch on take off and when changing gear.   I have a spare unit which came with the car but can’t find a specialist to assess/refurbish it before changing it for the nasty one in the car. My local chap says he won’t be able to source spares.

I’m based near Reading and would appreciate any recommendations for getting it checked/refurbished or replaced.

thanks in advance,  Tony Booth

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the fast replies chaps, my mechanic reckons that the prop shaft is OK, he had a look today when he did my MOT.  I’ve left a message with Caterham Cars too, they have a massively reduced unit that I hope might fit! (358 quid - down from £1200!)

i’ll give Jigsaw and Road and Race a bell tomorrow. 

Thanks again.

Tony.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Area Representative

Might be worth checking the two top hat bushes that locate the A frame at base of axle. They degrade over time (in the line of fire for oil and road crap!) and then allow the diff to move slightly when accelerating or changing gear as the load goes on and off the drive train. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agree with comment from Nick, as I had similar issues at one time with my L.A. car (and also with others who mentioned Jigsaw, R&R . . they're good firms, though Jigsaw I think is more a triumph/ital specialist I think).

I would also check gearbox mount, and for amount of free play (backlash) on each of the rear wheels.

Dave

Link to comment
Share on other sites

.....another   *thumbup*  for the rubber top hat bushes under the diff, these don't last long if there is any oil on them, well, they were originally steering system bushes, so not designed for oily contamination.

Some Nolathane bushes would be a good replacement, more expensive but longer lasting.

Or an "A" frame with Rose joint under the diff, more expensive again, and I don't know if these are still available, I have one and in over 30 years have only replaced the Rose joint twice.

Check those bushes before rushing off to R & R and co.

Nigel. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On my car, just putting the handbrake on and rocking back and forth showed the bushes were gone. Plus if it still knocks then, you know it's suspension, not driveline.

If the axle bushes haven't been done, they are worth doing and carry spares on long trips - I had mine go in France which limited the enjoyment on the run back!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would have to agree it sounds much more like a bush problem than a diff problem.

As Nigel says, polyurethane bushes last a lot longer than the rubber ones. They're more expensive obviously, but only ~£15, and then pretty much fit and forget even if they're soaked in oil.

Cheers

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Probably a frame bush the way you’re describing it ..awful lot cheaper than a diff .. bin through loads of bushes myself.. they are cheap but an upgrade to polyurethane is the rite way to go.. if it is the bushes then I’d sack your mechanic..he should have spotted that.. hope he’s not your mate.. sorry 

p.s the bushes are easy to replace and available from redline.. if you are buying the rubber ones treat yourself to a couple of sets.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks Johnh and everyone for your suggestions. It’s unlikely to be A frame bushes since the A frame was replaced around 500 miles ago but I’ll go round the car again looking for anything with play in it.

The drivetrain has had a hard life trying to get round Castle Combe sprints faster than everyone else which is why I suspected the diff.  I have limited mobility so I think the best bet would be to run it over to James Whiting (who fitted the replacement Zetec) for a diagnosis before I start ripping the beast apart.

If anyone can suggest a competent mechanic nearer to me (Reading/Newbury/Basingstoke) I’d appreciate it.

Thanks again,   Tony B.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Metallastic bushes can disintegrate in 500 miles d e pending on how and where driven and the amount of oil contamination. I wouldn't therefore rule this out. Polybushes would be better but the Powerflex options appear to be for Dedion rather that Ital LA. I'm not sure if they are the same bush but the Powerflex web site makes no mention of LA suitability

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...