Diagnose my Freelander?

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S

Se7enS1ns

Member
Posts
23
Location
Leeds
Hi all,
Picked up a Freelander 1 at the weekend, took it for a brief test drive at viewing and went ahead with the purchase knowing it needs a bit of attention - wondering if there are any Landy gurus local to the Castleford area who'd be interested in lending their experienced ears in pinpointing the knocks and whistles? Got the odd suspension grumbles on heavy bumps, and is seriously underpowered at speed with ****-poor MPG (suspect stuck turbo solenoid).

Mechanically I'm capable of doing the grunt work, but my experience is in old Minis not Landys, so I'd really appreciate someone pointing out the faults.

Payment in unlimited tea/coffee and assorted biscuits of preference.
 
The Mad Hat Man said:
Are all the tyres the same make and model, with newest ones on the rear?
Do the one wheel up test.
Does it have a propshaft and VCU?
Click to expand...

Hi, thanks for replying. Re the one wheel test: I think I understand how to test (jack one wheel up, apply force to turn slowly) and that if its seized I won't be able to turn it at all - or alternatively if it spins freely then Im in 2WD only... correct?
 
Se7enS1ns said:
Hi, thanks for replying. Re the one wheel test: I think I understand how to test (jack one wheel up, apply force to turn slowly) and that if its seized I won't be able to turn it at all - or alternatively if it spins freely then Im in 2WD only... correct?
Click to expand...
That is a good start. Instructions are in here.
 
Stupid question time; but if its seized up, what are the implications? I assume that would mean its running in 4WD constantly and therefore using more fuel?
 
Se7enS1ns said:
Stupid question time; but if its seized up, what are the implications? I assume that would mean its running in 4WD constantly and therefore using more fuel?
Click to expand...
That is 1 scenario, and all that fuel will be used wearing down the gears and bearings in your transmission as the car's not going any further!
 
Thank you - I'll get right onto checking that out. I did report a tight binding feeling on full lock (but not under general cornering), and was told "that's normal, that's the VCU engaging rearwheel drive" - I'll do a torque test anyway as you described :)
 
Se7enS1ns said:
Thank you - I'll get right onto checking that out. I did report a tight binding feeling on full lock (but not under general cornering), and was told "that's normal, that's the VCU engaging rearwheel drive" - I'll do a torque test anyway as you described :)
Click to expand...
If it was "tight" then the VCU is almost certainly shot or you have mismatched tyres. You need to do those tests and if need be fix the tyres and/or VCU before driving the car. Alternatively remove the props (between IRD at front and diff at rear until you resolve any problems. You will probably need to inform your insurance company if you removed the props as they may see it as an alteration to the car.
 
Not necessarily - depends on the price and any damage already done. Let us know how you get on and there's plenty of peeps on here who can help you turn it into a good reliable motor.

Mine went 'BANG' big time 4 years ago. I signed up on here and with help from those on here, I got it back on the road and its been boringly reliable since. It has been a real work horse and tour bus and never (hardly ever!) had any problems.

Its been a super car. :)
 
GrumpyGel said:
Not necessarily - depends on the price and any damage already done. Let us know how you get on and there's plenty of peeps on here who can help you turn it into a good reliable motor.

Mine went 'BANG' big time 4 years ago. I signed up on here and with help from those on here, I got it back on the road and its been boringly reliable since. It has been a real work horse and tour bus and never (hardly ever!) had any problems.

Its been a super car. :)
Click to expand...
tour bus?
 
As alluded to above, do your best to not drive it till its checked. It has been known for a V stiff VCU to destroy the IRD in about 70 miles :(. that could be a bill of circa £2K!
 
The Mad Hat Man said:
tour bus?
Click to expand...
Always doing tours around the South Island in the old girl - she loves it :) Often with relis and friends that are over but also just Family Grumpy or local friends. Sometimes just 2 of us in the car, other times 5, maybe the boat on the back and maybe all the camping gear to :)

This is from the weekend before last, 850kms touring the West Coast over 3 days with friends (the vid is only 90 seconds!)...

 
Quickly checked the tyres on my lunch break. All 4 are the same sizes, front 2 are brand new, rear are nearly new - the radial difference must be 1.5mm max Id say. Will check pressures when I'm home, and jack up a rear wheel.
 
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