Wailing Xantia

Unread post by **Old-Guy** » 17 Dec 2008, 13:00

The only thing that slightly spoils our 1995 1.9TD as a long-distance express is the muted wail from the final drive. She's only done 88,000 and has wailed from the day I bought her a couple of years ago.

I drained the transmission (warm) and refilled with the correct type/grade at the first (catch-up) service.

Is this common?
Should I worry?

The Xantia BoL doesn't cover the transmission and without an exploded drawing, I can't even guess at possible causes/cures. Any suggestions please?

Guy

vince · Unread post by **vince** » 17 Dec 2008, 13:17

I dont think this is common, certainly nothing ive experienced before.

Sure its not driveshaft rumble? or a bearing?

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 17 Dec 2008, 13:40

Three out of my four XMs have transmission whine, one I have done over 70k miles in and it hasn't got any worse. I wouldn't worry about it unless it suddenly changes.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 17 Dec 2008, 17:49

I fully agree with Peter. My 1.9TD has had a little whine for years. As long as it's not ear-splitting or grating, nothing much to worry about. Is it present in all gears?

Worry if it gets rapidly worse all of a sudden. You may have a bearing on the way out but if it's just a gentle diff-whine, live with and enjoy it. You car is talking to you

Unread post by **Old-Guy** » 17 Dec 2008, 18:48

I reckon it's definitely the final drive - the pitch is speed related and independent of the gear. I'd guess at crown wheel and 'pinion' mesh being towards the outer limit. But to blue them up to see what how they mesh looks like quite a major job - box out and part dismantle.

It's just loud enough to be slightly annoying after a while, and our daughter's Xantia (S1 2.0Si) has a silent diff on a lot more miles and a lot less TLC.

Really all I wanted reassurance from the collective experience that it's not a classic sign of impending failure. It doesn't seem to have got worse in 12,000 miles - but you know how one doesn't notice a slow deterioration.

Not wanting to temp fate - but one day the clutch will need changing. If the diff isn't too hard to overhaul, that would seems to be the obvious opportunity.

Guy

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 17 Dec 2008, 19:06

Old-Guy wrote: Not wanting to temp fate - but one day the clutch will need changing. If the diff isn't too hard to overhaul, that would seems to be the obvious opportunity.

Guy, with the 'box out to do the clutch, having the final drive out is a piece of the old proverbial. Four big bolts and four little ones and it's in your hand.

Warning, the crownwheel is big and it's heavy! I'd be temped to replace the bearings whilst it's out.

Some BE3 'boxes have had the sun and planet gearcasing break and exit stage-left into the bellhousing. Rare though and usually without much warning. The roll pin holding the gear axle in the housing breaks and comes adrift.

Unread post by **myglaren** » 17 Dec 2008, 19:25

citrojim wrote:
Old-Guy wrote: Not wanting to temp fate - but one day the clutch will need changing. If the diff isn't too hard to overhaul, that would seems to be the obvious opportunity.
Guy, with the 'box out to do the clutch, having the final drive out is a piece of the old proverbial. Four big bolts and four little ones and it's in your hand.

Warning, the crownwheel is big and it's heavy! I'd be temped to replace the bearings whilst it's out.

Some BE3 'boxes have had the sun and planet gearcasing break and exit stage-left into the bellhousing. Rare though and usually without much warning. The roll pin holding the gear axle in the housing breaks and comes adrift.

Happened to my BX. Big bang on an upramp to ASDA then nothing.
When I came out I could see a pool under the car, presumed it was LHM but the car lifted OK so went home and phoned the Citroen specialist.

Drove it down to him (about ten miles) and it went OK, no funny noises or anything. Put it on the lift and there was a big hole in the side of the box and very little oil left in it.

He put a second hand box on and I got it back the next day (it was tea-time when I took it to him) £60 inclusive. Never go anywhere else but there now, he could have told me any sort of story and charged three times as much and I'd never have been any the wiser.