Quieter, Quicker? Smoother?

[maffy]

Hi Everyone, perhaps i'm just being simple!!!! but yesterday being at a loose end I decided to look under the Freebie, and before you know it Mr WD40 is out and playing, I sprayed the joints on the drive shaft big time! so much so it left a nasty stain on my drive-still gives me something else to do with the power-washer! took Freebie out for a spin----what a difference, seemingly quicker, definatley quieter and generally smoother, don't tell me I've now invalidated my warranty or the drive shaft will now drop off or dead raccoons will now stick to the underside of my beast, Does anyone else spray these parts regularly? I Love Mr WD40, anything else under there that I could spray and do good and not harm?
Answere on a Postcard please.

[TEMPL4R]

The driveshafts should have Gaiters on the joints, so you won't get anything in them. If you can and they are split, WD will wash away any grease.

Chris

[maffy]

Err! Thanks for that, I am a complete dums##t, I didn't mean drive shaft I think I meant prop-shaft or whatever the long thing is that goes from front to rear connecting all wheels-told you I didn't know anything, sorry.
I suppose I look like a complete Dumbo now don't I (please don't answer that) anyway was it OK to spray them or what-youve got me worried now!

[TEMPL4R]

The only thing that could ease off, is the big lump in the middle, that is the VCU ( Viscous Coupling Unit) if it can get into the unit.

Ask away,we don't mind any questions ( if we know the answers).

Chris

[maffy]

What do you mean "could ease off" if it can get inside? I am to mechanics what Tony Blair is to world peace!!!!!! have I done something wrong and more to the point, something expensive??? this is a 2005 HSE TD4 auto-my pride and joy were talking about here. all help would be appeciated---it's not even bed time yet and already I can't sleep!!!!!!

[TEMPL4R]

They have a nasty habit of seizing, ( read up on the threads) the shaft goes in the unit and has been known to rust up where it enters. It doesn't slip as it should.

I live next to the sea and we have all sorts of problems with corrosion. We use gallons of Duck Oil ( similar stuff to wd40)

There isn't a lot you can do to damage the underneath, as long as you don't spray the brakes, obviously. I tend to spray the under tray bolts, they seize. The gear linkage where you can get at it and the door hinges.
We use spray grease on the slides/window rubbers, the Freelander is well known for window regulator failures.

Chris

[JimGNR]

Lubricating moving parts is a good idea, but WD40 is n ot the best to use. It only offers a short term solution because it is very light and dries quickly, often washing out grease or oil and leaving the problem worse.:eek:

Use a proper lubricating oil rather than a release oil, or spray grease or engine oil.

I doubt you have done any damage and doubt you have really made things better, we just like to think that if we have done something it will make a difference.