snip
>I have had two LR, an SWB and an LWB. I have broken at least 3 rear axles on
>the SWB, all of them on the shortest of the two (the one on the right as
>you look at the vehicle from the rear). I suppose that the longer of the
>two has just enough more torsion elasticity more than the shorter of them
>to save it. On the LWB, I haven't broken any. The SWB was petrol with a
>greater torque than the diesel of the LWB. Seems to me that
>the rear axles are designed just a little too close in tolerance to break
>point.........Or is it a problem that all floating axle vehicles encounter??
>
>regards
>Gerry
>
I drove a Series III SWB diesel for about 6 years and broke 2 half shafts in
the process, but strangely, given the abuse that LRs get, both breakages
occurred during "normal" driving. The first was pulling away from traffic
lights with only mild acceleration. The second was when my girlfriend was
pulling away and turning a tight left hander.
Anyone else with experience of axle failure under low-load conditions ?
richard e.
Richard H. Evans R&D Engineer
Mail: BBC R&D Department, Kingswood Warren, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 6NP
Tel: +44 1737 836678
Fax: +44 1737 836667
e-mail: richard.evans@rd.bbc.co.uk