Vauxhall Monterey transmission judder

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Tue 4 Mar 2003 14:42
Vauxhall Monterey transmission judder - vxman22
Hello, wonder if anybody can help with a problem thats got my garage baffled and me going crazy!

Vehicle:
Vauxhall Monterey 3.2 Petrol Auto Diamond LWB. 1996 (N) 92,000. Converted to LPG. Towbar fitted and certainly used by previous owner

Problem:
Vibration, shudder, thrash, rhythmic knocking or throbbing in transmission on take off and at low speeds.
Appears to come from beneath driver seat/to rear of car but can also be felt slightly in steering.
Worse when moving off slowly and much worse when hot, but no vibration at speed.
Whine from transmission Under Power ONLY, and at all speeds. Disappears on the over-run.
Note: Auto box has been checked electronically, changes correctly, and as smoothly as a 92K example can be expected.

Tests/Action so far:
Auto transmission fluid changed (as far as is possible). Colour was much darker red than the new, but I guess it had never been done. Levels carefully checked. No change.
Propshaft examined by garage (and me). No obvious signs of wear at all. UJ?s and splines greased, again probably for the first time! No change.
Back axle oil drained and refilled. Whine greatly reduced. Vibration remains.
Transfer box drained and refilled. No change..
With auto in Drive, handbrake on and footbrake applied, applying gentle revs does NOT cause any judder.
Any advice gratefully received. Thanks in advance,
Graham
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Tue 4 Mar 2003 17:33
Vauxhall Monterey transmission judder - rg
Graham,

I have a 3.1 manual '96N Monterey.

Service intervals were, so I understand, extended by Vauxhall in order to make running costs attractive, so neglect is quite common. Transfer box needs synthetic engine oil every 24K.

The back axle on mine takes a very special and expensive limited slip differential oil. Is it the same on yours? If it is filled with EP90 or similar, it wrecks the limited slip diff plates. Did LSD oil come out? And go back in? This is a common mistake, and can, I understand, cause judder, particularly at low speeds.

You may wish to consider contacting Central Isuzu in the West Midlands 0121 526 6500 ( I think - or do a search on Google. They are one of the few indpendent Isuzu specialists in the UK, and they looked after me quite well. Ask for Nick, and mention me, so that I can rack up favour credits. Other staff a bit gruff, but don't be put off.

HTH

rg
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Wed 5 Mar 2003 09:47
Vauxhall Monterey transmission judder - vxman22
Hi Rob,

Many thanks indeed for your response.

I'll check with the garage that changed the rear axle fluid, but I fear the damage may already have been done. In fairness to them, the problem had been evident long before I asked them to change the oil. I wonder how much a new/reconditioned one is going to cost?!

Thanks too for the contact info.

Graham
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Wed 5 Mar 2003 09:59
Vauxhall Monterey transmission judder - rg
Graham,

You are welcome!

There is no DIY workshop manual for this vehicle, so knowledge is scarce.

My axle is marked on the rear "bulbous" bit with "Use LSD Oil" on a white sticker. LSD oil only available from Shell via main dealers or Central. It takes about four litres.

Also, most Vx garages do not see them that often, hence most 50/hr workshop wallahs will not know them.

Try Nick at Central. Isuzu-trained and a helpful chap. But normally "out the back" under a vehicle... Central also break Troopers, so may be able to deal on a new axle.

Let me know how you get on!

Rob

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Fri 14 Mar 2003 08:56
Vauxhall Monterey transmission judder - rg
Graham,

Any developments on this one?

rg
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Sat 26 Apr 2014 18:37
Vauxhall Monterey transmission judder - mrhigh
Hi mate, I know your post was years ago about the judder as you pull away but did you ever find out the problem because I am experiencing the same problem on my R Reg monterey and it's driving me insane.
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