[Erik53]

Hi FishEagle

I have the same problem as you explained, all I had done was the drive shaft seals replaced (rear). I'm taking my van back on Monday .

[FishEagle]

It turns out it is my rear left inner CV that has failed after being reconditioned 2 months ago. The spacers i installed 2 years ago on top of my already spring raised suspension appears to be the culprit. I was warned by fellow Pajero Club members 2 years ago, but thought that since my NS Pajero was not tearing CV boots as he had described on his CK Pajero "I think thats the description" , that i was in the clear with my 60mm + lift. It seems the CV's have been operating right on their limits of angle. I was also advised by the spacer supplier that it would be fine , that sure the CV's would wear quicker than normal, but nothing so rapid as 1 year !!!!! I thought , if they last 200 000km instead of 300 000Km, its a trade off i could live with. But i have learned my lesson. Only modify with tried and tested products and modification practices.

I am praying that Imperial brings my new CV in on time. I am travelling through Namibia on the Faces of the Namib with my wife and in laws. I leave home 20th March, assuming i have the part on time ...

The Spacers are removed.

The story actually started beginning 2013 when i installed my Onca Bumpers and rocksliders at a "Professional 4x4 fitment center"
which i had always held in high esteem. WHen they had completed the car they delivered it with a spacer installed in the front. I had queried their professional opinion whether i shouldnt rather order the heavy load spring for the front, but they assured me the spacer was the way to go. They are a big well known chain and i trusted them. When i collected the car it looked like a Hyena. Tall in front low at the back. I asked them if i installed my heavy duty rear spring whether that would level the car. They indicated nonchalantly yes. This was in PE.

I collected my car from PE and fitted the hard rear coil only to find i still had a Hyena. So what did i do against fellow Pajero members excellent advise ? i bought a spacer for the rear. The car has been a flipping machine offroad and awesome still on the tar. up and over anything and everything the transkei has to offer.

The deterioration started last year in May when a vibration started. This is described in the above post.

I have a superb CV fitment center in EL who has called in Propshaft and Gear-box specialists to assist him with finding the source of the vibration. Eventually after checking all the side shafts and CVs and finding a front right bearing needing replacement too, they found that the left rear inner CV has failed again since November last year. Scored from the angle of operation.

I found an advert from TJM where they pretty much condemn spacers as an alternative to sprung lift. The spacers increase the droop and put undue stress on the CV's and Balljoints. It also extends the Bump stop , causing the end of the shock to be the limit. Thus risking catastrophic failure of the shock.

I need to mention a further 2 events i have experienced with the "Professional 4x4 fitment center". The sumpguard i had fitted by them in 2012 was fitted flush against my intercooler. In 2013 i was blowing black smoke which i blamed on the Racechip. It was due to a flipping hole in the intercooler worn against the bashplate.. They have the damaged intercooler at their dealership, and i asked them to find out what they could do for me. Nothing but silence. The intercooler set me back nearly 10 clips.

I also ordered the ONCA rear bumper from them and they decided they didnt like it. "It was developed by their flipping principle franchisee and advertised in the Leisure Wheels magazine" remember that ? They refused to fit it. I had it fitted in EL by a reputed panel beater who is also a 4x4 fundi. Its rugged and perfect for the Paj.

All i have to say is carefull when you enter unchartered territory when modifying your 4x4, obvious as that may be, i am pretty passionate about offroading and overlanding. But i have learned an expensive lesson.

I really hope that MItsubishi SA (Imperial) can get me my new CV by the date promised. I really need the coming holiday and hope it doesnt have to be cancelled because of a 2 month wait for the part. I am really nervous about that possibility as it has happened to me twice now.

[FishEagle]

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