My td4 Freelander project.

[eddieann]

Just bought a freelander, and it as recomendations on the past mot saying front and rear suspension components coroded, would this be expensive to rectify?

 

[resto_d1]

It's a how long is a piece of string scenario. You don't know until you investigate. I don't know how bad they rust or much about them at All but your best to get digging around with a screw driver to find out.

 

[eddieann]

It's a how long is a piece of string scenario. You don't know until you investigate. I don't know how bad they rust or much about them at All but your best to get digging around with a screw driver to find out.

Thank you! am now on it, will take to a garrage tommorow to get a verdict! it needs to go up on a ramp to have a good look. hopefully it wont be to drastic.

 

[eddieann]

Also in the last mot it says prop shaft centre bushes coroded! just wondered is this much of a job and is it expensive?

 

[rob_bell]

Look up VCU support bearing replacement - there are a number of webpages and youtube videos on this. Use original quality GKN VCU bearings - the aftermarket stuff appears to be of inferior quality and have a reputation of not lasting...

If the rear suspension and bearings are corroded, I'd hate to think what state the fuel tank cradle is in...

 

[eddieann]

Look up VCU support bearing replacement - there are a number of webpages and youtube videos on this. Use original quality GKN VCU bearings - the aftermarket stuff appears to be of inferior quality and have a reputation of not lasting...

If the rear suspension and bearings are corroded, I'd hate to think what state the fuel tank cradle is in...

You are right! Cradle is rotten, am starting to think I have bought a pig in a poke, bodywork 1st class engine great, looks and drives superb ! Any idea of cost to fit a new cradle?

 

[rob_bell]

About £70 on eBay when I last looked. I haven’t done mine yet, but have a look at the Freelander section for some hints on this.

Are you doing the work yourself?

 

[eddieann]

Rob.Thanks for your reply, No i wont be doing work myself, was thinking a local garage could carry out the work. Thats the worrying part will the cost of these jobs be so much that economicly it wont be worth it. and then i would be left with a vehicle that looks great drives great but is basicly scrap?

 

[eddieann]

Well sorted it out hopefully! full service, barings and prop bearings sorted, new break pipes and mot £950. have bit the bullet and getting it done. lets hope i get some fun out o it.

 

[rob_bell]

Ouch, but glad its sorted!

 

[eddieann]

Well TD4 now back, new copper brake pipes, new barings, underside waxed, 12mths mot. air con regassed two new brake cylanders, But still more recomendations on the MOT. front shocks rusty, rear back box (exhaust), both front wishbones slight cracking. Allso it is had a full service. Am £1044.00 lighter in my pocket, and still can see more work needed. Thinking i will byte the bullet and sell it with a good MOT, and just cut my losses. It will have been an expensive lesson, Must not repeat again!. All in all, i am about £2500.00 out of pocket, but have the landi, decisions decisions!!!

 

[rob_bell]

A bit of old car lottery I fear.

I bought mine for £275. Plenty of problems as it had been neglected by previous owners and badly bodged by “mechanics”.

It would have cost me a massive fortune, but bought it as a fun DIY project. Consequently, the costs have been in parts and sundries only, and I’ve been rewarded with that warm “I’ve saved this car” feeling

I’ve rebuilt the engine, front brakes and suspension. I even did the tracking myself

If I were you, I’d get out and enjoy the car before passing it on: you might as well get some value from it before passing it on

 

[eddieann]

Thanks Rob! think your right, The car looks fabulous, it looks brand new, Engine wise its great it has the BMW engine it's a TD4 serengeti, interior very good and all electrics are fine. I have just spoke to the garage and they said only minor work needed now. My main car is an E class Merc. So the freelander was just a hobby for me, something to mess about in, Yes am going to keep her and over a period add bits and pieces to make her like a show car. I wish i was like you and able to do some jobs myself, Anyway happy Landrovering and good luck with your Freelander. Eddie

 

[rob_bell]

Thanks Eddie - it’s been a great project and I’ve learnt a lot from doing it.

Enjoy your Freelander: it should be great to enjoy a car that you’ve laboured over!

 

[eddieann]

What next! Water coming out of interior light, don't have a sun roof! can only think it must have got in through the aerial. Any thoughts on this. Eddie.

 

[rob_bell]

It hasn't rained down our way for ages? Dunno where your leak has stemmed from, but the aerial mast seems like a good port of call...

 

[eddieann]

Hi Rob! its rained here good style, And we now have the hosepipe ban, But it always rains round Mancheaster.Yes it could only be the aerial, will sort it with some mastic. Eddie

 

[rob_bell]

Has the rain put all the fires out? Still crispy around here...

 

[eddieann]

Yes Fires long gone! always wet around here, Northwest UK not good weather wise!!

 

[eddieann]

Aw Noooooo! ble....ng Rear door handle has come off now! have sent for new one £80. My god is this car trying my patience, it feels like it has direct access to my wallet. grrrrr.