DIY VCU service

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GrumpyGel said:
Were you removing them to replace them? Did you notice whether removal damaged then at all?
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They flex at the rubber bush part like you are pressing the middle of a balloon which looks alarming. But as far as I can see they look fine. Yes I took them off and put them back on again as when transporting the entire pro/VCU in the back of the car it doesn’t fit so had it bend double and the bearings resting on something that must have knocked the bearings skewwhiff. So took them off like in Nodge68 photo and just taped them back on with a big socket and tap-o-meter.
 
Madmustang said:
They flex at the rubber bush part like you are pressing the middle of a balloon which looks alarming. But as far as I can see they look fine. Yes I took them off and put them back on again as when transporting the entire pro/VCU in the back of the car it doesn’t fit so had it bend double and the bearings resting on something that must have knocked the bearings skewwhiff. So took them off like in Nodge68 photo and just taped them back on with a big socket and tap-o-meter.
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I tap them on with a brass plumbers tank fitting.
20131122_123400.jpg
 
If he didn't rotate the VCU while filling it then the fluid won't be between the disks. Not sure if that would be an issue but it looks like he's done it before so maybe he's worked out a method that gives the correct level.
 
Alibro said:
If he didn't rotate the VCU while filling it then the fluid won't be between the disks. Not sure if that would be an issue but it looks like he's done it before so maybe he's worked out a method that gives the correct level.
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The video shows him pouring a random amount of fluid in the pump and rotating the VCU whilst filling.
 
Its as simple as that :)

He's obviously done a few and has the process down to a fine art (to make it look so simple!). Wish I could understand what he's saying.

You can understand why he puts a drill on it for the last of the flush, but I wonder if that might wear the plates. They're not designed to rotate passed each other so quick, you could imagine that would cause friction given how closely the plates are packed in, maybe the flushing fluid gives it a bit of lubrication. Its obviously getting, as near as makes no difference to, all of the old stuff out though.

I'm wondering if the video shows the complete fill process - it seemed to be very quick (even slowed down to 1x). As soon as the fluid started to come out, that was it and he finished. Given how viscous the fluid is, even though he was turning it while filling, I doubt it had permeated through the whole coupling extracting all the air. Maybe those gaps not filled by the process equate (luckily) to the air gap required.

If the fill is 'variable', while its on the bench you could presumably use a torque wrench to test against the LR quoted values or a known good VCU, or do a 1WUT type test given timings from a VCU known to be good. That way, you could tune the fill before sealing up the holes and installing on the car.

Great video. Maybe the RR guys aren't just knobs after all :)
 
GrumpyGel said:
Its as simple as that :)

He's obviously done a few and has the process down to a fine art (to make it look so simple!). Wish I could understand what he's saying.

If the fill is 'variable', while its on the bench you could presumably use a torque wrench to test against the LR quoted values or a known good VCU, or do a 1WUT type test given timings from a VCU known to be good. That way, you could tune the fill before sealing up the holes and installing on the car.

Great video. Maybe the RR guys aren't just knobs after all :)
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.???????
 
Hi! I just joined your club, as I now own Freelander as well. I do not have problem with VCU yet, but for sure, I will com across some day. As I know russian language very well, I might translate, what in that video is explained. Hi is saying, that VCU must by filled up to 90% of all capacity - as fluid is starting to come out, there still is some 10% of air, which is enough for fluid to expend in different temperature conditions. I have to apologies for my language (I am from Latvia), but I am doing my best, to share information and learn from your experience!
 
Nauris said:
Hi! I just joined your club, as I now own Freelander as well. I do not have problem with VCU yet, but for sure, I will com across some day. As I know russian language very well, I might translate, what in that video is explained. Hi is saying, that VCU must by filled up to 90% of all capacity - as fluid is starting to come out, there still is some 10% of air, which is enough for fluid to expend in different temperature conditions. I have to apologies for my language (I am from Latvia), but I am doing my best, to share information and learn from your experience!
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Hi Nauris
Good luck with your new purchase, don't apologise for your English, some locals seem to have a worse grasp of the English language. :rolleyes:
You say you have no problem with the VCU. Have you tested it yet?
Lots of info here how to test it and what to do if it is too tight. ;)
 
No problems on sharp turns and as we have lots of snow she drives perfectly 4x4. First sign of problem must be some kind of jumping on sharp u turns - it means VCU stacked.
 
If you don't test it properly you won't know for sure. Many people felt nothing wrong until their diff or IRD went bang. Google the one wheel up test to find out how to test it.
BTW a faulty VCU will be BETTER in the snow, not worse. Right up to the day the drive train goes bang.
 
Nauris said:
No problems on sharp turns and as we have lots of snow she drives perfectly 4x4. First sign of problem must be some kind of jumping on sharp u turns - it means VCU stacked.
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The IRD breaks long before the vehicle hops round bends. Do the one wheel up test. ;)
 
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