Freelander 1 New Owners

Hi All, we have just purchased our very first Land Rover Freelander, a 2001 TD4, and would like to ask the following questions....

1) When replacing rear differential bushes would you use axle stands or ramps? Or Both?

2) If I want to replace the prop shaft bearings, can I do it without buying a vice, so as to remove the universal joints etc?

3) Three x window regulators need doing. If I buy the full part, minus the motor, should I be able to just bolt on the existing motors and replace without a lot of grief, or is just buying the cable bits easy to replace and configure? Or would you buy the whole kit including the motor? If so, is that a straight swap as well?

4) Is it common for the boot cubby hole to suffer from severe condensation? If so, any tips on preventing this would be most welcome.

Thanks in advance for any sensible replies!

N&J

Hi N&J and welcome.

Q1I . I use stands. The diff bushes are a faf to change but not difficult. I do one at a time so the diff remains supported on the other two. I do them in this order. Driver's side, passenger side, then front bush last.

Q2. You don't need a vise to change the VCU support bearings. A press is useful but not necessary. You can knock the bearings off and on with a chisel and hammer.
However it's sensible to do the OWUT to check the condition of the VCU before replacing the bearings.

Q3. I just re-cable the window mechanism. It's easy once you have done a few.

Q4. It's common for the boot locker to be wet inside. I comes from a couple of sources. The rear door seal is one place. The seam around the cubby to floor joint is another possibility.
Have fun.

The cubby hole is a well known problem ,go on search a lot been written I lined mine with heat shield seems to work,I would use propper high axle stands ,remember its more heavy than standard motors ,the door motors are a pain but do able I changed the whole lot ,pays to grease up your window cables at the same time, not sure about other bits ,but sure some one will help . . .best oh luck Earthling

Its likely that only the front diff mount needs replacing. If you get all 3 - might be worth checking if you can return the other 2 if they're not needed.

When removing the diff mounts, the bolt holding them on the chassis has a captive/welded nut - so undo them with a socket on the bolt not the nut.

Don't buy cheap prop shaft bearings - they may only last a matter of months - possibly weeks! Go for OEM. I think the same advice may be true for the diff mounts.

Check out videos for replacing window regulator cables on youtube (search for Freelander regulator) and then decide but check the motors are working before ordering anything. I have found the rears were successful but now just buy regulators minus the motor for the fronts after a couple of fails.

Grumpy is right about the front diff support being more likely to fail but check the others before deciding. I had to change all three last time.

Lots of advice here about testing and replacing the VCU if you do a quick search .

Edit:
Just reread your last comment and that is really asking far too much here.

Many thanks folks for taking the time to reply. It has been VERY helpful.

N&J