To all owners (check your CV bolts)
Discussion
Hi all,
In 2nd gear rolling at about 10mph, accelerated hardish, BIG BANG and stuff flying out the back of the car, hit the rev limiter, much clattering and no drive plus banging from under the car so instantly thought propshaft / gearbox / diff so pulled over sharpish.
Walking back down the road I found 5 bolts and a couple of large ball bearings and noticed one bolt was shorter than the others, so it appeared the drive shaft CV joint bolts had partially undone at the diff until one or two bolts held it connected then they let go. Luckily it was replaced with a new shaft and only one thread needed drilling / tapping to remove the broken stud but I am still surprised that 4/5 had become loose without any falling out or being noticed at MOT or exhaust hanger replacement time when I get a good look under the car.
Given what happened to me and the potential for it to have been much worse of an outcome (no petrol tank under my car), I would like to "suggest" that you inspect / check your bolts (6 per end) and at least ensure that none are loose or missing.
I hope this helps someone
In 2nd gear rolling at about 10mph, accelerated hardish, BIG BANG and stuff flying out the back of the car, hit the rev limiter, much clattering and no drive plus banging from under the car so instantly thought propshaft / gearbox / diff so pulled over sharpish.
Walking back down the road I found 5 bolts and a couple of large ball bearings and noticed one bolt was shorter than the others, so it appeared the drive shaft CV joint bolts had partially undone at the diff until one or two bolts held it connected then they let go. Luckily it was replaced with a new shaft and only one thread needed drilling / tapping to remove the broken stud but I am still surprised that 4/5 had become loose without any falling out or being noticed at MOT or exhaust hanger replacement time when I get a good look under the car.
Given what happened to me and the potential for it to have been much worse of an outcome (no petrol tank under my car), I would like to "suggest" that you inspect / check your bolts (6 per end) and at least ensure that none are loose or missing.
I hope this helps someone
I will have to check mine as they were removed last year for a diff mod. Mind you I thought the bolts were secured by metal tabs which would prevent the bolts working loose??? Also a drop of Loctite on the threads is also recommend.
Lucky for you that you weren't going at any great speed, that would have been catastrophic and dosent bear-thinking about. Glad you got it sorted with relatively minor damage.
Lucky for you that you weren't going at any great speed, that would have been catastrophic and dosent bear-thinking about. Glad you got it sorted with relatively minor damage.
I also had loose bolts at the diff end of the driveshaft a few years ago. Friendly eagle-eyed MoT tester spotted one side was loose but not hanging out so we pulled the bolts one at a time to check the threads were OK and noticed blue loctite.
I too had diff work done previously. Added more loctite and tightened up with a decent length 9 inch bar on the Allen screw bolt. A round head so no locking tabs.
I've re-checked all the driveshaft bolts every MoT since and they've stayed tight.
I'd advise folks to check their's. You don't need a ramp, a convenient kerb will do to wriggle under and get an 8mm Allen key onto them.
I too had diff work done previously. Added more loctite and tightened up with a decent length 9 inch bar on the Allen screw bolt. A round head so no locking tabs.
I've re-checked all the driveshaft bolts every MoT since and they've stayed tight.
I'd advise folks to check their's. You don't need a ramp, a convenient kerb will do to wriggle under and get an 8mm Allen key onto them.
Edited by bigwheel on Monday 11th March 12:14
now where did I put that 8mm allen key 
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