Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

Hi,

I took my Pajero to the Mitsu Agents today. (Had new clutch and flywheel done in December 2010. Clutch still felt funny with and had bad shudder couple of times pulling away on a steep incline. Also towed dad's Getz up incline last week and smelled burning rubber inside cab. Since then clutch feels much smoother and couldn't reproduce shudder yet again. Wanted agents to check it out while still under guarantee - couldn't find anything wrong today.)

However, the technician picked up on the following (something I have been aware of, but wasn't too bothered about it) : Clunking sound (and feel) when changing gears. Mainly at speed and mst pronounced between 4th and 5th when slowing down and then accelerating i.e. taking foot of accelerator and then on accelerator again.

Technician reckoned it might be slack in the diff, they however don't open diffs - only replace them. Said I must keep an eye on it for now and get second opinion. They referred me to gearmax for a second opinion. Spoke tot them telephonically - wasn't convinced it's the diff. Said I should keep an eye on it and report if it gets much worse.

Quick search on internet mentioned anythin from bush between gearbox and propshaf, u joints, bushes on aluminium "arm" that attaches diff to chassis to problems with gearbox itself.

Looking into sevice history the previous owner had the car to a break and clutch workshop. Rear diff mounting and 2 rear diff bushes was fitted in April 2010.

Any ideas of where to start looking and who to ask to help with that ?

The gen3's have a reputation of the dual mass flywheel failing.

Other than that I would crawl underneath the car and try to rotate propshafts while car is in gear. Seriously play will be felt.

Lastly, I would check engine mountings. Hard driving in a manual can kill engine mountings pretty quickly.

Hi 4e,

Thanks for reply. I had dual mass flywheel and clutch replaced by agents in Dec 2010 (still under guarantee. Technician reckon it's fine - by driving only, no inpection at this stage obviously). R22K job.

If the problem is with the prophaft and I pick up play on testing - how would that be corrected. I have little mechanical knowledge. Where do I take it since agents didn't seem to be very interested.

play could be in diff, cv joints, gearbox or transfer case.

A gearbox specialist should be able to give an accurate diagnosis.

Hi 4e,

Does this sound urgent ? Should I pay attention to it, or can I just live with it ?

get a diagnosis first. Then share here and we can advise on the repercussions.

Thanks, will do so.

Hi Wessel,
I have exactly the same problem on my Gen 3 auto. Did you have any feedback yet?

Wilddog