GKN Diff

[Griffo400]

Hi All, the GKN diff in my 92 Griff is making rumbling noises when I back off the throttle. I’ve checked wheel bearings and output bearings and all are ok.

I’m concerned that the Limited mechanism inside has failed as it is now behaving like an “open” diff ie when I spin a wheel by hand the opposite wheel spins in the opposite not the same direction.

Now I realise that these are like rocking horse sh…. stuff but I’m asking if anyone has a spare GKN with a 3.31 ratio or one that needs refurbing so I can do a straight swap.

Obviously beer tokens will change hands for the diff.
Any helpful info gratefully received.
Cheers.

[stevesprint]

Brain
Sorry to hear you're having issues,

Griffo400 said:

I’m concerned that the Limited mechanism inside has failed as it is now behaving like an “open” diff ie when I spin a wheel by hand the opposite wheel spins in the opposite not the same direction.

That's normal for a GKN as they are torsens diffs, search for torsen on youtube.

If your diff needs rebuilding you're best option is to take it to John Reid at http://www.readmanracing.co.uk during the winter plus his workshop is worth a visit and he is an interesting & welcoming character.




Here's John in the early 1990s when he was the TVR factory race manager and therefore knows a thing or two about TVRs


Good Luck and I hope our paths cross next year
Steve

Edited by stevesprint on Tuesday 5th October 23:53

[Zener]

Yep what Steve said torsen diff not clutch plate LSD so different rules growling is normally from the front pinion bearing IME you may not feel play on the diff nose/flange but the race is breaking up, its hard to simulate/load-up the bearing in situ to confirm but will be obvious on strip down

[Griffo400]

Thanks for the Torsen info fella’s, watched a video clip on YouTube and having made some worm and wheels over the years I can understand how it works. Simple but effective.

I’ve been in contact with the Gearbox man at Markyate and as long as the c&p are ok they have given me a price to rebuild it. I can take it to them myself and visit family nearby for the price of some fuel.
I will contact John @ Grantura and get a price but have to bear in mind postage etc. Will have to way up the difference between postage and petrol.

I’m not in a position to remove the diff myself so plan to have the unit taken out and put back before the new year.

Stevesprint, yes looking forward to doing a few more miles next year and hope to see you and Glyn sometime, hopefully to sort out the engine tuning and shunting problem now I have a lamda boss in the Y piece.
It will be interesting to see if the shunting is reduced when the diff if done, I’ve often wondered if driveline slack is part of the problem.
Cheers.

Edited by Griffo400 on Sunday 10th October 12:38