TR2/3/3A Possible differential problem

[BobbyO]

With the rear end off the ground should you be able to rotate a wheel about a quarter turn before the driveshaft starts to turn? If not, what's the problem and how do you fix it?

 

[CJD]

Not to worry. That is not a failure mode of a differential. Failure will be a whine at about 60mph, that changes pitch from drive to coast. The failure of a bearing is evident by a rumbling noise any time the car is in motion.

When you turn a wheel, there is an even chance that the other wheel will turn as the drive shaft.

 

[mctriumph]

Having exploded a number of these over the years, you hear a loud bang and roll to a stop.....
If you dont like walking home, clean fluid (75/90) helps a lot. Late in the life of an old diff,
they shed teeth from the pinion. You notice this when ,in reverse, it stops suddenly as a tooth
jambs the ring gear. For a while it will work more or less normally , then BANG!!!
Mad dog

 

[DavidApp]

Sounds lie an accumulation of wear in the rear end. Any noises as you drive?

When I got my TR3A kit the nut that holds the pinion flange was lose.

David