We Broke Down (again)….
There we were, driving merrily along a ‘ripio’ dirt track from the Salinas Grandes salt pan to San Antonio de los Cobres, in the middle of nowhere, when there was an almighty noise from underneath Big Bertha. We stopped quickly, expecting a puncture. But no, it was something much worse, the front propshaft, along with the transfer case output shaft, had come out of the transfer case (along with a lot of oil). The flailing propshaft had caused damage to our exhaust and diesel tank protection plates. Worse, part of the transfer case was also broken.
We were well and truly stuffed! But luckily for us, the first car that stopped was Martin, a major in the Gendarmeria stationed in Buenos Aries, and he asked if he could help. Yes, please! He was on his way to visit the local Gendarmeria in the next town (San Antonio de los Cobres) and said he would arrange for them to come and tow us to the town.
While waiting, Dave removed the front propshaft (because the front wheels would turn it), disconnected the rear propshaft from the rear differential and strapped it up and disconnected the gearbox to transfer case propshaft at the gearbox (even in neutral, the internal drag would rotate the gearbox output).
By the time Dave had done this, the Gendarmeria had arrived and we got the tow ropes attached. The tow to the town went well and we were deposited outside the Gendarmeria. Fortunately we had water and there were some small shops for provisions, if we needed.
Dave then turned his mind to what the hell had happened. MAN sent him the workshop manual for the transfer case and from this Dave ascertained that the mechanical components had been wrongly assembled.
Here is a diagram which explains how the output shaft should be assembled (top) and showing how the output shaft is secured within the transfer case. The bottom shows the actual assembly – nothing holding the shaft in.
The split ring sits within a recess on the output shaft. The retaining ring (cone ring) then sits between this the bearing. Unfortunately, on disassembly Dave, found the split ring was on the wrong way around and the retaining ring was on the wrong side of the split ring. Not good. And this 10 minute mistake has cost us several thousand Euros in new parts and extra hundreds of kilometres to collect them. VERY frustrating.
On the positive side, with the help of the Gendarmeria and a local blacksmith, we were able to seal the broken transfer case housing and continue driving in rear wheel drive (our normal mode). This was very lucky indeed – as the alternative would be some very long weeks spent in a small (but nice) Argentinian town. We are indebted to Martin for his help.
Sargent Gomez and Mechanic Marcello from the San Antonio de los Cobres Gendarmeria.
The locals were very friendly. On day three, Lucindo, a local resident asked what we were doing there and we explained our situation. He immediately invited us to his family home for an asado. Wonderful.
We have now ordered parts from MAN Germany and await their delivery.
To be updated as we progress with repairs…
This is a very disheartening experience. All thoughts and prayers with you for now.
Thank you Felix!
Crikey Dave and Francine. One v big adventure. Costly, but you can’t put a price on people’s help and kindness, hospitality and experiences like that are something must of us only dream of. You have made reality of your dreams happen, bad comes with good whatever we do. I take off my hat to you both for taking all the chances and living this adventure. I sincerely hope Big B sees you through to whatever you want to happen next. Love to both. Kate F.
Thank you for the lovely words Kate!
Just another chapter Dave and Francine. Ok, an expensive one for you guys, but you’re living that dream, right? And we keep getting to follow along. Love it!!
All the best, currently from Toraja, Sulawesi, our two week Indonesia island hop for this year.
Thanks David and Dewi – enjoy – we miss Asia. We loved Sulawesi when we were there.
Wow, I am in awe! how you two just get on with it.
Dave’s knowledge is remarkable, most people wouldn’t know which way to start dismantling and fixing these ‘things’.
It’s so heartwarming to hear about these wonderful people you keep meeting along your journey,
I hope BB gets better soon.
Take care, looking forward to your next adventure.
Hope Big Bertha is fixed soon. At least it’s the truck and not your health. Rooting for both of you.
Carole
People are wonderfully helpful, wherever you travel, but it takes open hearts and minds to see and hear them. And the help you receive is proportional to your own competence. You guys have it all in spades.
Sounds like Dave has his new career sorted for when you stop travelling.. I wish I’d been as brave & knowledgeable with our MAN when we had it.! Well done… 👍
Sloppiness, shoddy indeed!
Makes Greenheart’s 80 litres of diesel bug pumped out and subsequent filter changes and electrical problems pale …
Hi there I felt so sorry for the elderly lady Big Bertha being towed along, so sad🙂. How we very happy to read the news that she is on the mend and long may be continue to give you and everyone who reads your blog great interest and pleasure. Good luck and safe travels to you both🥰🥰
What a wonderful family meal! It’s too bad about Bertha and the expense!!
Muchas Gracias!