Any issues with Britpart D3/LR3 rear driveshaft/propshaft?

[hillstrubl]

My LR3 needs a new carrier bearing, looks like a simple swap to a new driveshaft. I put on a new Britpart one but there is a tiny gap regardless of how tight the bolts are where it meets the rear diff flange. Because of this gap there is a BIG vibration when at highway speeds. The truck has balanced tires, recent alignment and the vibes disappeared when we swapped back the old/bad rear driveshaft.

My concern is that there is a manufacturing flaw and a new/replacement Britpart shaft will have the same problem. Any insight to this?

 

[EricTyrrell]

My LR3 needs a new carrier bearing, looks like a simple swap to a new driveshaft. I put on a new Britpart one but there is a tiny gap regardless of how tight the bolts are where it meets the rear diff flange. Because of this gap there is a BIG vibration when at highway speeds. The truck has balanced tires, recent alignment and the vibes disappeared when we swapped back the old/bad rear driveshaft.

My concern is that there is a manufacturing flaw and a new/replacement Britpart shaft will have the same problem. Any insight to this?

I'd return it to the vendor and try a new one. Put a flat edge on the replacement before installing. If it's still off, return it and buy from another source.

 

[hillstrubl]

Working with them now. One thing about your suggestion. Its not that its too short (eg, doesn't reach the flange) its seems more than its just not flat.

 

[454]

There's a reason that Britpart is often referred to as Sh$%part.

 

[A.J.M]

Welcome to Britparts quality control.

They are known as ****part for a good reason.

Return it and buy from somewhere else. Or try your local dealer and haggle on the price. It's what I do and I can get up to 25% off if I pester them enough.

 

[hillstrubl]

I called around several dealers, they all want between $725-900 for it, haggling isn't an option apparently.

 

[perkj]

Try the price here : http://landrovermerriamparts.com

I use them for all my LR factory parts...best prices and very reasonable shipping

 

[dsm02c]

Didn't see it mentioned earlier in the thread, but maybe take it to a driveshaft shop and have them balance it... I had a carbon driveshaft in my track car many moons ago and I had to do that... Really annoying vibration past 65 to about 120... $70 fixed that right up...

 

[Elbee]

Dont buy Britpart for anything mechanical for like stuff that that moves or articulates. Plastic bits and trim, but wouldn't do much more.

 

[acg]

Ditto.... I would stay away from Britparts if you can.

My recommendation is Tom Woods. Their driveshaft products are a reputable entity in the LR community:

http://www.customdriveshafts.com/Landrover.asp

 

[zelatore]

I didn't think TW did a shaft for the LR3. I suppose they COULD, but I doubt they have an existing PN for it.

 

[Victory_Overland]

I called around several dealers, they all want between $725-900 for it, haggling isn't an option apparently.

Have you looked around for a low mileage salvage yard pull for your parts? Finding a wrecked LR3/4 on the mainland can't be too hard. Do a pull, send out for media blast, paint and install. You might be able to find a perfectly good complete shaft and maybe it's bolted to a locker diff too. I say this because I now know how easy it is for an insurance company to total an LR of our year. I had a fairly minor front end damage and because the support was cracked and the radiator hit the fan, they totaled it. I bought mine back for cheap cuz I knew I could fix it no problem. Most wont do that and the parts go to salvage in perfectly good shape.