Land Rover Repair: disco clutch/drive train noise?, train noise, whinning

Question
Hi. I have a 1996 discovery with a manual transmission and 105,000 miles. We love the truck.

I have recently noticed that when I down shifit and re-engage the clutch, there is a big noise that comes from just under between the two front seats ( I think).

Almost like a big whinning/ grinding noise. The noise only lasts for a half a second or less. The truck only seems to make this noise when I shift down that results in a higher load on the transmission with the engine reving higher. (not 5th to 4th and 2500 rpms, but happens say 5th to 4th at 4,000 rpm or from 5th to 3rd. It does not make any noise when shifiting up or cruising.

Otherwise I think there may be slightly more vibration when cruising than before but barely noticeable.

Please let me know your thoughts. I am going to travel about 500 miles next week, and a little concerned that the transmission/clutch/drive accel might break.


Regards,
Hiroshi Hatano  

Answer
Hi Hiroshi,

it could be the clutch that's failing.  It's in a crucial area and hard to guess from here.  It's rare to read about 5speed manual failures.  Usually its the clutch or the transfer gearbox that has problems, rarely the transmission is at fault...but you never know.

I'd suggest a visit to your local LR repair shop and let them take an expert look.  This will save you time and possibly money (towing fees).  The slight vibration you mention would make me nervous.

If it was the driveshaft, I think you'd hear the problem more often and constantly.

Best of luck,

JohnMc