Land Rover Repair: noises in drivetrain, wheel bearings, brake caliper

Question
ive always heard a clanking/shifting sound in the drivetrain, i guess some noise is normal since it is a 4x4, ive checked my axles and u-joints and theyre fine, so im just wondering. thanks

Answer
Hi William,

Noises from a 4x4? If you're off-roading this may be true from the suspension but I don't think it's normal to come from the driveshaft.  Could it be your trackrod or perhaps your shocks?  I hope its not wheel bearings.

Most clanking noises indicate something is loose and hitting a solid surface somewhere.  Could it be a loose brake caliper?  I had a bolt come off and the caliper kept swinging back when I hit a bump or rolled over a large stone (off-roading).  

Check the full length of the driveshaft, especially right behind the transfer gearbox.  There is this rubber doughnut-like (actually more like a large bagel) that cushions the torque on the driveshaft.  This rubber piece can wear-out eventually and can get noisey.  Easy to replace.

Best of luck,

JohnMc