'Throbbing' sound at 100 Km/Hr plus - 2008 Pajero GLS
Good day all. New member to the forums having just acquired a 'previously owned' Pajero 2008 3.2 GLS LWB (225Km on the clock).
Having done a service, wheel balance and alignment on the vehicle to 'get it up to scratch', I notice a peculiar sound (for me) at around 100 Km/Hr upwards.
The sound is very slight and I'd describe it as a 'throbbing' sound, sort of a 'rumm, rumm, rumm' when the engine is under load (i.e. accelerating) even on a 'flat surface'.
Taking the foot of the accelerator removes the noise (only tyre and wind noise) so I assume that the drive train is OK (?).
This is my first diesel so any advice/suggestions would be appreciated.
I did, however, drive a 2008 3L LWB petrol Pajero for 7 years overseas so I'm familiar with the vehicle per se.

Thanks!
G3PajV6
Re: 'Throbbing' sound at 100 Km/Hr plus - 2008 Pajero GLS
Hi Tony
If this is an auto then check the ATF oil it should be red colour and not black. Wipe the dips tick with a white cloth to check. If red you should be fine and it's something else.

I had the same pronlem on my 2005 model started 1000km before the auto gearbor went into limp mode. Changed oil and gearbor filter and all is fine now. This also resolved the vibration at 100km/H .

I had a block in the radiotar section that cools the AT oil.

Could also just be tyres that needs to be rotated.
Re: 'Throbbing' sound at 100 Km/Hr plus - 2008 Pajero GLS
Thanks for your help G3.
Since posting the issue I have had the 230K service (R8K) where they emptied the oils and replaced them. I was told all was fine - no metal particles or anything.
BTW, hesitant to check the gearbox oil as it's a mission to get the dipstick back in!
Earlier this year had all four wheels balanced and rotated and this month A&G gave it a once over. Ran it elevated in 4WD but picked up nothing but they can hear the noise at 100 Km/Hr (actually think it starts but is very faint at even lower speeds like 80 Km/Hr) during a road test.
They did pick up both upper wheel ball joints were pretty bad and replaced them. Makes a big difference to the 'feel when driving - more 'taut'.
The other thing A&G found was that all 4 wheels were 'out of round' when they ran the Paj with the wheels off the ground. Strange because they were almost new when the Paj was purchased.
However the noise disappears when one takes one's foot off the accelerator so it does seem to be drive train related so they're suggesting taking the vehicle to a gearbox specialist ($$$$).
But then the noise seems to be coming from the front - not under - the Paj. :o :?
Mystery still abounds ...
BTW, Yes, it's a 5 speed auto box.
Re: 'Throbbing' sound at 100 Km/Hr plus - 2008 Pajero GLS
Had a similar rumm,rumm, rumm noise on my 2001 Auto one.
It was not just under load, even when standing on N but reving the engine exactly between 2000-2250 rpm, which reflects to 100-110Kmh when driving. So it could be the same famous Pajero noise I've heard about in many Pajeros.
What solved it in mine (not completely, but most of it) is by removing the dynamic damper bolted by 4 bolts to the rear of the transmission.
Its a 4Kg steel brick, that is installed there just to dampen noise harmonics of the transmission. When the rubber mounts and bushed holding the transmission become old, it's characteristics change and the damper is not doing its designed for job. In this case you either have to replace the rubber parts with new ones, or simply remove the brick, and accept the reduced noise remaining.
I removed it 3 years ago, and I'm not annoyed with that noise since then.
Re: 'Throbbing' sound at 100 Km/Hr plus - 2008 Pajero GLS
Hi There
Seems you've had good advice from those in the know, but I was wondering if the experts have any thoughts on my 'noise'?

I have a 'whine' more than a 'throb' at 80kms hour and was told by dealer it was from the diff.
I've not done anything (other than putting up with noise) as yet but wondering what does 'fixing a diff whine) involve? Scared to ask the dealer!

I have 2008 Did 3.2 with about 135000kms on the clock. Auto box.
Re: 'Throbbing' sound at 100 Km/Hr plus - 2008 Pajero GLS
h_hezzah wrote: Sun Apr 01, 2018 11:44 am Had a similar rumm,rumm, rumm noise on my 2001 Auto one.
It was not just under load, even when standing on N but reving the engine exactly between 2000-2250 rpm, which reflects to 100-110Kmh when driving. So it could be the same famous Pajero noise I've heard about in many Pajeros.
What solved it in mine (not completely, but most of it) is by removing the dynamic damper bolted by 4 bolts to the rear of the transmission.
Its a 4Kg steel brick, that is installed there just to dampen noise harmonics of the transmission. When the rubber mounts and bushed holding the transmission become old, it's characteristics change and the damper is not doing its designed for job. In this case you either have to replace the rubber parts with new ones, or simply remove the brick, and accept the reduced noise remaining.
I removed it 3 years ago, and I'm not annoyed with that noise since then.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Tried removing the damper on the diff this morning but all that happened was increased vibration even at low speeds - and I burnt my arm on the exhaust putting it back :roll: :)
There are 2 bolt holes on the transfer case. Wonder if this was for another damper (or provision for one)?
Transfer Case.jpg
I'll keep on searching.

Regards,
Tony
Re: 'Throbbing' sound at 100 Km/Hr plus - 2008 Pajero GLS
saltydog wrote: Mon Apr 02, 2018 11:35 am Hi There
Seems you've had good advice from those in the know, but I was wondering if the experts have any thoughts on my 'noise'?

I have a 'whine' more than a 'throb' at 80kms hour and was told by dealer it was from the diff.
I've not done anything (other than putting up with noise) as yet but wondering what does 'fixing a diff whine) involve? Scared to ask the dealer!

I have 2008 Did 3.2 with about 135000kms on the clock. Auto box.
I think I'm correct in saying that a whining diff is due to damaged internal gears through 'wear and tear' or because of running with low level/old lubricant in the diff.
Not sure if the gears can be machined :(
Re: 'Throbbing' sound at 100 Km/Hr plus - 2008 Pajero GLS
Tony M wrote: Mon Apr 02, 2018 12:30 pm Thanks for the suggestion!
Tried removing the damper on the diff this morning but all that happened was increased vibration even at low speeds - and I burnt my arm on the exhaust putting it back :roll: :)
There are 2 bolt holes on the transfer case. Wonder if this was for another damper (or provision for one)? Transfer Case.jpg
I'll keep on searching.

Regards,
Tony
The damper I mean is sure not the one at the differential. In fact mine doesn't have one at the diff from factory.
I can't remember if it was attached to the transmission or the transfer case.
Most probably it was at the rear end of the transmission.
Will check to be sure when I'm home tonight.
Re: 'Throbbing' sound at 100 Km/Hr plus - 2008 Pajero GLS
Hezzah, seems like the Gen 4/2008 Pajero is different.
Following is the dynamic damper holder which is empty (no weight):
Dynamic Damping.jpg
Dynamic Damping-2.jpg
Although the vehicle is second hand doesn't seem to have had any weight added from new.
Perhaps it's because the prop was changed to CRFP? I have found mention on the internet that this was done to reduce vibration.
Anyway I'll go to Mitsu parts tomorrow and check via the VIN number just in case.

Otherwise the search goes on :(
Re: 'Throbbing' sound at 100 Km/Hr plus - 2008 Pajero GLS
Checked it now. It's probably the same holder you pictured.
It is located at the end of the transfer case, right bellow where the rear prop shaft goes out.
Yours could have been removed by the previous owner.
Below is a photo of my empty holder
IMG_20180402_225443.jpg
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