Replacing rear diff mounts and rear drive shaft

[GHendo]

My Di-D NP has been ‘clunking’ when I turn of off – sort of an extra rough kick before the motor stops and somtimes a bang from the rear of the vehicle. I don’t think it’s anything to do with the engine and the local MM dealer said it was pretty normal per a “Hotfix’ and then added the Hotfix was for automatics – so I took that with a grain of salt. I took it around to a mechanic I consider very competent and he put it up on the hoist and showed me where he reckons the rear diff mounts are failing and he also reckons the CV joints on the rear propeller shaft have too much play. The dust protector on the rear joint is stuffed so all sorts of crap could get in. Oh, and it's not the DMF or clutch as a new kit went in not all that long ago.

Mitsubishi will only sell complete propeller shafts and they want just under $2,100 for one – they’re carbon fibre, of course. Driveline Services Aust. in Brisbane will make me a new steel one for about $1,500 so I’d probably go that way. I see where members have mentioned buying used ones from the wrecker, however considering the age of this model I would suspect there might not be all that much life left in second hand units.

I’d be interested to hear what members think. How difficult is it to get the old rubber diff mounts out of the cross-member? I’ve had the diff out before on my own before, so that’s not a problem. Removing the rubber mount from the cross member might be a different story.

Cheers

Geoff

[mrbitchi]

There's also 2 bushes on the front mount cross member. The drivers side one was a fuel tank out job on mine as the bolt is put in from the front before the tank is fitted..

[Meremale]

I am going through the same drama at the moment too....i have already replaced the two at the front of the rear diff (ended up turning both bolts around just to keep them even) and am now deciding the best way to replace the rear diff mounts.

MM quoted me $1 600 for the job, but the local Peddars (after getting advice from thete head office) reckons $450. I already have the mounts so that is just labour.

Been procrastinating for a while now as the front mounts were painful to get pressed in, even with the rear hanger out ofthe car. Lowering the diff gives enough workable space to get to the rear diff mounts, and thinking to use a jigsaw to slice open the old ones, as they are in VERY tight. Then have two lumps of 6mm plate and using a M16 bolt squeeze the new mounts in. My problem is that I am not 100% sure this will get them back in, and once I have destroyed them taking them out I am left with nowhere to go, except maybe taking the whole subframe out and taking it to a shop that can press them in.....decisions decisions....

I know that doesnt help you, but just thought I would add my 2 cents worth.

Cheers

[GHendo]

Been procrastinating for a while now as the front mounts were painful to get pressed in, even with the rear hanger out ofthe car. Lowering the diff gives enough workable space to get to the rear diff mounts, and thinking to use a jigsaw to slice open the old ones, as they are in VERY tight. Then have two lumps of 6mm plate and using a M16 bolt squeeze the new mounts in. My problem is that I am not 100% sure this will get them back in, and once I have destroyed them taking them out I am left with nowhere to go, except maybe taking the whole subframe out and taking it to a shop that can press them in.....decisions decisions....

Yep, I know exactly what you mean - this is why I didn't feel like taking on the job myself. I tackle a lot of stuff but I try to avoid things where I'm likely to end up with the job half done and can't proceed because something won't come out or go back in etc.

I've been quoted about $700 (parts included) to replace the diff mounts and I think labour is about half of that, so I think I'll let them do the job.

Cheers

Geoff

[Meremale]

I got the mounts from Amayama (Febest) and were only about $20 each if that helps reduce your costs any?

[Axis]

I had the rear diff bushes replaced last year on the NS (are you talking about the round rubber bushes you can see from the rear?). My mechanic said these are a pain in the proverbial to do as specific tools are needed.

He also has an NS so had made up his own tools for this when he did his car. Not sure what the tools are but should be shown in the online manual.

I bought genuine bushes from MM and if I recall my labour was far less than expected (Approx $200).

Cheers,
James

[Meremale]

Yes there are three special tools required, but unfortunately I could only source one, at about $230....was thinking on using a 80 mm masonary hole saw as a bracket, then pulling them out with a washer I cut from 6mm plate, but not sure that they would move even then...

[Meremale]

Sorry, I should have mentioned that if you use the special tools, then the differential carrier must be removed fully to allow access....

[GHendo]

I got the mounts from Amayama (Febest) and were only about $20 each if that helps reduce your costs any?

Yes, that is a good idea - I've bought stuff from Amayama before. Do you have the part numbers?

Geoff

[Meremale]

Drriers side rear - MR554076 at $26.20 or FEBEST part number MAB-103 at $19

Passengers side rear - MR418671 at $26.80 or FEBEST part number MAB-104 at $18.90

Thr front mounts are only available as OEM and the FEBEST part numbers ate MVB-V97R and MVB-V97L at $39 each off ebay.

Hope this helps.

[Jeffwatkins]

Drriers side rear - MR554076 at $26.20 or FEBEST part number MAB-103 at $19

Passengers side rear - MR418671 at $26.80 or FEBEST part number MAB-104 at $18.90

Thr front mounts are only available as OEM and the FEBEST part numbers ate MVB-V97R and MVB-V97L at $39 each off ebay.

Hope this helps.

Any idea if they fit the NS?

[Meremale]

Sorry i dont know, but I think they would be the same....try calling a dealer and quote the part number to them?

[GHendo]

Drriers side rear - MR554076 at $26.20 or FEBEST part number MAB-103 at $19

Passengers side rear - MR418671 at $26.80 or FEBEST part number MAB-104 at $18.90

Thr front mounts are only available as OEM and the FEBEST part numbers ate MVB-V97R and MVB-V97L at $39 each off ebay.

Hope this helps.

Thanks heaps.

Geoff

[Meremale]

Ok, finally bit the bullet and managed to replace the passenger side mount myself, but after removing the drivers side mount i couldnt squeeze the new one in so had to take the old girl to a 'specialist'. Just picked it up and the owner told me all went well....when i got home i crawled under to inspect there work and they have left the mount hanging out about 5 mm and pulled the rubber in to the diff carrier, so the rubber is constantly being stretched. Not only that he has got the orientation wrong so that the rubber part that should be at the horizontal is now about 30 degrees off. Went back straight away and after a heated argument he said he will check it but is not pulling it out again.....frustrated is an nderstatement!!!

[Meremale]

On the bushings there are some painted dots, i can only guess to indicate which side is up, but can anyone point me in the direction of a reference that details the correct orientation....eg. does the painted bit sit at the 12 oclock position? 3 oclock position? etc.

When i removed the old bushings they had an arrow on the rubber which was pointing horizontal, but the new (Febest) bushings have no such markings....i was under the assumption that i would match up the rubber 'architecture' for want of a better word but using the painted dots as a reference does not match this theory.... Cheers