Hi, my 1960 MK 2 auto has always had this whine coming from the differential area. It’s annoying and comes in at normal speed limit of 35mph.
Funny thing is, if I’m coasting down a slight gradient the whine disappears, so I assume this is load related on the diff gears.
I also have this vibration when taking off from a standing start, so I need to check the engine & rear gearbox mounts for alignment.
Pierre
Hi Pierre
My guess would be the rear differential pinion bearing, had a similar problem with my XJS, it was replaced without having to drop the IRS
Cheers,
Bruce
Appendix, Mk 2 No IRS
Thanks for the reply Bruce,
The Diff had the original leaking leather pinion seal replaced in 2013 with a double neoprene seal but bearings were not changed!
A quick look at the manual & this appears a major task to replace requiring special tools.
Do you think it would likely be the drive outer or inner bearing or both?
Just went through my records & the auto trans was last serviced in Sept 2021, but the divided propeller shaft alignment was last checked in 1999!
I best get onto this asap as the first step.
thanks
Pierre
That may well be the source of the vibration, but probably not the whine.
I’d take the diff out of the axle and get it rebuilt by a professional.
And while you’re at it replace the tailshaft uni joints and get it balanced.
A bit of work I know but done once and done correctly it will remove these annoyances and make the car so much nicer to drive.
This is actually my next job on my Mk2.
Hi Pierre,
In my case it was the outer taper bearing, way out of my expertise. Had it repaired at a well known classic Jag specialist in Melbourne Australia. while there, had them replace both control arm bushes,
With luck someone will chime in with more info regarding dismantling and what is required for repair. Availability of the bearings I don’t think is a problem ( in OZ that is )
Cheers,
Bruce
Andrew, when you say “take the diff out of the axle” you’re suggesting leaving the rear axle in the vehicle & removing the diff bearing caps & prising out diff assembly & then sending this unit off for expert repairs.
(as described in the manual under “Removing the Differential - Emergency Method”
I’m in OZ too, do you have an expert in mind you can share?
thanks
Pierre
OK, thanks again Bruce
Pierre
If it is the front pinion bearing it will probably whine on for several thousands of miles without failure. It all depends if you can put up with it.
Replacing it involves a complete stripdown with the axle off the car. Depending on your competence this could be a DIY job. The bearings are made to such close tolerances that the replacements can usually be fitted using the original shims.
I did a crown and pinion change on mine a few years ago. I found the main headache was getting the hubs off.
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Thanks wardell. Yes, I’ll need to give it some more thought!
I’ll report back on course of action in due course.?
Cheers
Pierre
Have you thought about getting rid of the divided drive shaft and replacing it with a proper single unit?
Yeah sorry was on drugs; thinking it was a banjo axle. In my defence I have far too many British sports cars and am easily confused…
Of course you’ll need to give them the whole axle. Regardless, I still think it’s a good idea as once it’s fixed it’s fixed for good.
I’d never done this job before, and wouldn’t rush to do it again. However it was reasonably straight forward, but heavy work and tedious. I’ve got plenty of photos if you decide on the DIY route.
You can’t do it with the axle in place.
Don’t be put off by all the special tools required, as what you do need can soon be cobbled up from scrap.
You definitely need 3/4 drive sockets, dial gauge, micrometer, some angle iron, bearing puller, a wheelbarrow wheel, some rope, torque wrench and marking blue.
Wow ! Where would this one go ?
It’s a part of a scientific process to calculate the pinion preload without buying any expensive tools.
No, never gave that a thought Tucurious. Is a single prop shaft conversion a common fix on MK2 autos?
Jaguar must have had a reason for fitting two?
Thanks again Andrew & wardell for your support
Pierre
Not sure about Mark II cars but it eliminating the two piece propshaft was a field fix on the XJ6 coupe some of which had a judder on acceleration and the single piece one fixed it.
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Hi Pierre,
Had mine done at Jag1, Noble Park North ( I have no affiliation )
Regards
thanks Bruce
Pierre