About VCU and IRD

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T

The_Ghost

New Member
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4
Hello everyone!

I'm new to the site, found it while looking for information about the Freelander. So here is a quick backstory:

I love Land Rovers! I guess that's given. I currently own a 1994 Range Rover Classic, and I have had at least 3 Rangies more.
I'm a mechanical Engineer and a regular menace to all that is cars, I perform most service and repairs to the Range myself; and I am not afraid of learning new tips.

Currently, I am interested in buying a 2002 Freelander. (Not going to trade my RR, don't worry!)
The car is in pretty good shape; well looked after; and I have been reading around about the care I need to have with it (I know the issue with the V-6 engine and overheating, for example.)
It has about 100 K miles, and it runs and feels very well. The owner is the first one, and it seems that he has been giving it reasonably good maintenance.

The only issue it has it that it's currently a 2WD. The current owner has removed the rear propeller shaft, due to a peculiar noise when the shaft is in place.
I put the shaft back, and the car works all right at first; but after a couple of minutes rolling it starts to vibrate and there's a "brooming" noise that sound almost, but not quite, like a bad bearing. The noise seems to come from the middle of the vehicle, rather than from the rear. Also, I can feel pretty clearly like the rear wheels are "sticking" - as if they were breaking slightly.

My guess is that the viscous coupling is at fault; it's starting to seize prematurely.
However, I would like advise on this, and on what else to look for.

I would venture to guess that since the car works perfectly in 2WD mode, there is no problem with the IRD unit. Am I guessing right? Or could there be any damage to the IRD and not be noticeable when just removing the prop shaft?

Also, my diagnosis pointing to the VCU is that, if the car has been stopped for a while, there is no noise at all or any problem at first; the noise and drag starts after it's driven a few miles. Is my impression correct?

On the other hand, could these symptoms be related to the rear differential or the IRD itself?

I would appreciate any advise.

Thanks in advance.
 
Plenty of info, photo's and video on how to check if you do a search. Even if the VCU fluid has solidified you would still get no noise from the VCU it's more likely to be the bearings either side of the VCU. A faulty/worn VCU can knacker up your IRD and rear Diff, that's usually the reason the rear drive train is removed.
 
Make sure that the new bearings are not the cheap foreign imports that many ebay, and other, sellers supply, some have failed within weeks of fitting.
 
nickcc said:
Make sure that the new bearings are not the cheap foreign imports that many ebay, and other, sellers supply, some have failed within weeks of fitting.
Click to expand...


cant agree more, use a good supplier, cheap isnt always quality and you'll get cheesed off buying it twice!!!!
 
Sounds like your VCU is siezed, the feeling of the rear brakes being on is typical. Because the front & rear diffs have a slightly different ratio (front diff is in the IRD) even when driving in a straight line on tarmac the front & rear of the VCU have a relative speed difference, if the VCU is siezed this will cause the drive train to wind up, feels like the brakes are on & usually ends up with a broken rear diff or IRD or both. Try the VCU test in the stickies & if it is siezed take the prop shaft out again, you might have caught it before it's damaged anything else (but I doubt it !!)
 
The problem with the VCU's is the fluid becomes "thick" over time and needs to be changed, unfortunately this is not a DIY job and the only answer is to replace the VCU. It is recommended that 70,000 miles is the approximate mileage when the VCU should be renewed even if no defect is suspected. Some people suggest that later cars, which have a different front to rear drive ratio, will last beyond the recommended change mileage but the reconditioning companies (perhaps for good reason) still recommend the VCU be changed at this mileage no matter how old the car is. Bell engineering seem to be the best priced (where I bought mine from) and also the most helpful, £260 will give you a recon VCU with new bearings including delivery and collection.
 
Thanks to all for your replies.

Some additional info that may be useful:

- Yes, it's a V-6. It's also a North American specs vehicle, but I believe there are no significant differences in parts. (I am in Central America)

- I suspected the bearings too; but I have my doubts. The noise is not the typical bearing grinding, it's more like a rumble and a vibration. It does feel like the rear wheels are attempting to spin at a different speed.
Also, since only the rear prop shaft has been removed, both central bearings are still in place. Should these make noise even without the shaft, in the event they are faulty?

- There are no knocking noises when reversing or in first gear (by the way, it's an automatic transmission). I have read in the forums that when the IRD fails, a typical symptom is a loud knock when reversing, is that correct?

- What other tests can I make to be sure the IRD and rear diff are not damaged?

The key detail here is that the noise does not happen when the vehicle starts moving after being stopped for a little while. It starts when it has been driven for a mile or two.
That's what makes me think it's the VCU, and that it's not completely seized up yet.

I am willing to change the VCU (even though it's kind of expensive) if I buy the car, but I'm a little worried that there could be other more serious problems waiting to show up later.

Thanks again everyone. I look forward to learn more!
 
The_Ghost said:
Hello everyone!

I'm new to the site, found it while looking for information about the Freelander. So here is a quick backstory:

I love Land Rovers! I guess that's given. I currently own a 1994 Range Rover Classic, and I have had at least 3 Rangies more.
I'm a mechanical Engineer and a regular menace to all that is cars, I perform most service and repairs to the Range myself; and I am not afraid of learning new tips.

Currently, I am interested in buying a 2002 Freelander. (Not going to trade my RR, don't worry!)
The car is in pretty good shape; well looked after; and I have been reading around about the care I need to have with it (I know the issue with the V-6 engine and overheating, for example.)
It has about 100 K miles, and it runs and feels very well. The owner is the first one, and it seems that he has been giving it reasonably good maintenance.

The only issue it has it that it's currently a 2WD. The current owner has removed the rear propeller shaft, due to a peculiar noise when the shaft is in place.
I put the shaft back, and the car works all right at first; but after a couple of minutes rolling it starts to vibrate and there's a "brooming" noise that sound almost, but not quite, like a bad bearing. The noise seems to come from the middle of the vehicle, rather than from the rear. Also, I can feel pretty clearly like the rear wheels are "sticking" - as if they were breaking slightly.

My guess is that the viscous coupling is at fault; it's starting to seize prematurely.
However, I would like advise on this, and on what else to look for.

I would venture to guess that since the car works perfectly in 2WD mode, there is no problem with the IRD unit. Am I guessing right? Or could there be any damage to the IRD and not be noticeable when just removing the prop shaft?

Also, my diagnosis pointing to the VCU is that, if the car has been stopped for a while, there is no noise at all or any problem at first; the noise and drag starts after it's driven a few miles. Is my impression correct?

On the other hand, could these symptoms be related to the rear differential or the IRD itself?

I would appreciate any advise.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I will let you know. These are the same symptoms as mine! My gut feeling is prop shaft bearing, but as it has done 75k i'm going to change the VCU also. End of!
In hope, that it saves me a bigger bill of the IRD & Diff.

I will post later this week when the work is done.

Cheers
 
My ird was fine without the prop unfortunately it vibrated that badly with it on it caused the nearside driveshaft to commit hari kari. The ird drive to the rear is a crown wheel and pinion it is this that gets destroyed when the vcu causes strain up the drive train.
As far as i'm aware all v6 hippos were auto only.
I really do hope for your sake that it is the vcu bearings, good luck.
 
The OPs in Central America they do have roads but "not as we know 'em Jim"

Or if you mean me, fek orf (respectfully of course)
 
Hoyt-Protec said:
The OPs in Central America they do have roads but "not as we know 'em Jim"
Click to expand...

Hey, what's life without the danger of lions and tigers lurking in the jungle? :p

.... er, wait. We don't have lions.
... or tigers.
.... or a jungle, for that matter.

But we have lots of stray dogs, dumb pedestrians, and Hummer drivers. And potholes. Killer potholes. :mad:

And yes, most vehicles are 2WD, including plenty of 2WD "posers" - like Pathfinders and 4Runners that are only 2WD. ( I fail to see the purpose of those).

But for us, 4WD enthusiasts, there are many choices available. Although the only true choice for serious off-roading are, of course, Land Rovers. :cool:
 
Last edited:
Soloby Rob said:
If you aint gonna go off road, and I mean off road, not just up the bloody kerb, you don't need that daft thing on the arse end of yer Hippo. Just let it be 2wd. Much cheaper in the long run. :D
Click to expand...

Actually, I am looking for a 4X4 because I am planning to do some off-roading.
Not really impassable places - for that I take the Rangie. (and it has been trough really impossible places! Never let me down.) But some friends like to go mountain biking, and we always want to have a support car following just in case.
So far, we have been taking the RR; but with current fuel prices we are looking for a more affordable alternative. Since I am a Land Rover fan, I wanted a Freelander; but I am starting to think I might be getting into a potential mess.

My dream car would be a Discovery TDI; all the benefits of a true Land Rover and the fuel economy of a Diesel. Unfortunately, since what we mostly find here are USA imports; Diesels are scarce - not to mention veeeeeeeeeery pricey!
For example, I can get a 2002 petrol Disco for about $6000 to $7000 (USD), while a 1996 Diesel Disco is easily priced above $9000.

If I am forced to pass on the Freelander, I will have to go with a Suzuki - the only other true 4X4 amongst the small ones. But I don't want to give up yet; I'll exhaust the possibilities first.
 
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