Published: 11-May-2011

2007.0 Range Rover Sport (LS), 205-00

Driveline System - General Information

Driveline System (G553432)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Overview

The driveline system is a fairly straightforward design requiring no specialized techniques for diagnosis.

This section will not deal with the electronic differential which is covered in: REFER to: Rear Drive Axle and Differential (205-02 Rear Drive Axle/Differential, Diagnosis and Testing).

For information on the description and operation of the system: REFER to:

Driveshaft (205-01 Driveshaft, Description and Operation),
Universal Joints (205-01 Driveshaft, Description and Operation),
Rear Drive Axle and Differential (205-02 Rear Drive Axle/Differential, Description and Operation),
Front Drive Axle and Differential (205-03 Front Drive Axle/Differential, Description and Operation),
Front Drive Halfshafts (205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts, Description and Operation),
Halfshaft Joint (205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts, Description and Operation),
Rear Drive Halfshafts (205-05 Rear Drive Halfshafts, Description and Operation).

Inspection and Verification
  1. Verify the customer concern.
      • If a road test is necessary make sure the vehicle is safe to do so.
  1. Visually inspect for obvious mechanical faults.

Visual inspection

Mechanical
  • Wheel rim and tire damage or runout
  • Check all the driveshafts and halfshafts for damage including dents, cracks and excessive runout
  • Check all the CV joint gaiters for splits, damage and security
  • Check all the driveshafts and halfshafts for correct alignment
  • Check the driveshaft mounting bolts security
  • Check all the driveshaft and halfshaft joints for excessive movement
  • Check the rear driveshaft centre support bearing for security, damage and excessive wear
  • Check the front and rear differential mounting bolts and bushes for wear, damage and security
  • Check the front and rear differentials for oil leaks
  1. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step
Symptom chart
SymptomPossible causesAction
Vibration through the vehicle body at a specified speed
  • Road wheel imbalance
  • Driveshaft imbalance
Road test the vehicle. If the vibration is only at a specified speed, balance the road wheels. Test for normal operation. Disconnect the rear driveshaft. Check CV and universal joints for smooth and full movement. Disconnect the front driveshaft. Check CV joints for smooth and full movement. If any joints are faulty, replace the driveshaft. Test for normal operation.
Vibration through the vehicle body at all speeds
  • Misalignment of the rear driveshaft
  • Bent or misaligned stub axle
Road test the vehicle. Check the rear driveshaft for correct alignment through the centre support bearing. Rectify as necessary. Test for normal operation. Check for a damaged or bent stub axle. Rectify as necessary.
Rumbling noise from the rear of the vehicle varying at different vehicle speed and load
  • Rear differential bearings worn
  • Rear wheel bearings worn
  • Rear driveshaft centre support bearing worn
Using a suitable listening device (e.g. stethoscope) listen to the rear differential pinion bearings and output bearings, the rear wheel bearings and the rear driveshaft centre bearing. Rectify as necessary. Test for normal operation.
Rumbling noise from the front of the vehicle varying at different vehicle speed and load
  • Front differential bearings worn
  • Front wheel bearings worn
Using a suitable listening device (e.g. stethoscope) listen to the front differential pinion bearings and output bearings and the front wheel bearings. Rectify as necessary. Test for normal operation.
Whining noise from the rear of the vehicle during acceleration and overrun conditions
  • Rear differential gears worn or damaged
Check and top up the rear differential oil level if necessary. Using a suitable listening device (e.g. stethoscope) listen to the rear differential. Replace the rear differential unit if there is excessive gear noise. REFER to: Axle Assembly (205-02 Rear Drive Axle/Differential, Removal and Installation).
Whining noise from the front of the vehicle during acceleration and overrun conditions
  • Front differential gears worn or damaged
Check and top up the front differential oil level if necessary. Using a suitable listening device (e.g. stethoscope) listen to the front differential. Replace the front differential unit if there is excessive gear noise. REFER to: (205-03 Front Drive Axle/Differential)
Axle Assembly - V8 S/C 4.2L Petrol (Removal and Installation),
Axle Assembly - V8 N/A 4.4L Petrol (Removal and Installation),
Axle Assembly - TDV6 2.7L Diesel (Removal and Installation).
Knocking, clicking or clunking noise from rear of vehicle during acceleration and overrun conditions
  • Rear driveshaft joint fixings insecure
  • Rear driveshaft joints worn or damaged
  • Rear halfshaft joints or splined shaft worn or damaged
  • Rear differential internal components worn or damaged
Disconnect the rear driveshaft. Check joint mounting bolt holes for elongation. Check the joints. Disconnect the rear halfshafts. Check the shaft splines for wear or damage. Check the CV joints. Rectify as necessary. With the rear driveshaft and halfshafts disconnected, check the rear differential for tight spots or excessive play. Rectify as necessary.
Knocking, clicking or clunking noise from front of vehicle during acceleration and overrun conditions
  • Front driveshaft CV joints worn or damaged
  • Front halfshaft joints or splined shaft worn or damaged
  • Front differential internal components worn or damaged
Disconnect the front driveshaft. Check joint mounting bolt holes for elongation. Check the joints. Disconnect the front halfshafts. Check the shaft splines for wear or damage. Check the CV joints. Rectify as necessary. With the front driveshaft and halfshafts disconnected check the front differential for tight spots or excessive play. Rectify as necessary.