Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Hi Guys,

I have a major problem which is fast rocketing into the realm of the "unsolveable" and I'm hoping someone here could maybe assist.

I have a 1985 Nissan Patrol, L28 Engine with the 4 speed box. It has developed a major noise on 2nd gear only. The best way I can describe the noise is that it sounds like it has run a bearing. There was a faint noise some time ago (only on 2nd) which got progressively worse when I had the unfortunate experience of losing the clutch in downtown JHB traffic. The only way I could move was to leave it in second and turn the starter when I had a big enough gap, then turn off when I needed to stop. Needless to say after that it got worse. Had the clutch fixed but problem was still there. I have since had the gearbox out of the car numerous times and at numerous specialists. They all say the box is fine, there is physically nothing wrong with it. Car starts in neutral - no noise. Clutch in - no noise. Move to first - no noise. Move to second - hell of a racket but everything still runs. Move out of second - noise gone. I thought it may have been the synchro, but the noise continues even when clutch is released and gear engaged, noise escalates as engine speed escalates.

I really dont know what else to do, we even suspected at one stage that the flywheel had been put in back to front, turns out it wasnt. Like I said, everything is fine but it sounds like it is disintegrating when in second.

If anyone can help or offer any suggestions I would really appreciate it.

Regards

James, that's a tough one.

However, I don't really see that it can possibly be anything other than the gearbox. However, it may still be something that is loose and picking up some kind of harmonic frequency. Maybe it's worthwhile to try the following (if you haven't tried it already): jack the rear axle up, and put it on trestles. Get somebody to help you and while you are underneath, let him start the car and put it in second gear, and then (probably wearing gloves) push, pull and try and shake everything you can get your hands on, while listening for the source of the noise or any change in the noise. You can also use a screwdriver as a stethoscope to try and find the source.

If this doesn't help, switch off and lower one rear wheel to the ground. Now you will need two helpers. Get one to push in the clutch and fiddle with the gear lever, and the other to turn the airborne wheel, whil you listen and feel underneath. If it makes any noise in this condition, it must be in the box.

Hope it helps?

Thanks a lot Peter, I will try that over the weekend and let you know how I got on.

regards

James
If it only happens in second gear it means it can only be the gearbox .i believe it is a needle bearing in the mainshaft not a main or a countershaft bearing .to inspect those bearings it means a complete gearbox stripdown . if you want more info on the gearbox you can give me a call on 0825585811
Johan