A friend in Sydney had the unfortunate experience just recently of having the pinion shaft shatter. The car was out for a brake test as part of the annual registration requirements here in NSW, Australia. Reportedly, after having stopped following a brake test, his Rover then failed to move forward, instead making crunching sounds. Returned to Graham Cooper Automotive on the back of a truck, his Rover then awaited a spare pinion extension case complete with all internals to be fitted. A new pinion oil seal was fitted at the same time. The following photos illustrate the damage and the broken shaft. From memory, his Rover has around 140,000 Miles (225,000km) covered. He said that there had been a vibration within the car for the last few years, but could not be located. None of the usual suspects were the problem. After having the replacement complete pinion extension case fitted, the vibration has disappeared. It may well have been the broken shaft delivering a warning some while in advance prior to complete failure.
Ron.
Ron.