Siezed Viscous coupling - how long will it last?

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nije

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50
Just bought another freelander - vc is solid - dare I drive it for a while or is certain IRD failure iminent??
 
hi,nije,ive heard iys not a good dea to drive it if the vc is shafted it could cause all sorts of probs along the drive train,when you say the vc is solid,canyou give more detail !
 
To check the vc I think you have to jack one rearwheel off the ground and than with a lever on that wheel try to move it, as far as I can recall it should be possible to have it move very slowly but it will cost quite some effort to have it move. By doi!ng a search you should be able to find this item back.
 
If you believe it is seized - it can only have a detrimental affect on the rest of the transmission. :(

My advice:
1. If unsure - get someone who sees a lot of them to confirm seizure
2. Buy a new one and replace immediately - OR:
3. Take off the prop shafts & VCU and run in FWD until you save up/ shop around & buy a new one.
4. Be careful if driving in two wheel drive - it will not handle as well, will be easy to wheel spin from junctions, will be no good off the black stuff

Oh and it probably won't last as long as you would like it to :)
 
AGB_123 said:
If you believe it is seized - it can only have a detrimental affect on the rest of the transmission. :(

My advice:
1. If unsure - get someone who sees a lot of them to confirm seizure
2. Buy a new one and replace immediately - OR:
3. Take off the prop shafts & VCU and run in FWD until you save up/ shop around & buy a new one.
4. Be careful if driving in two wheel drive - it will not handle as well, will be easy to wheel spin from junctions, will be no good off the black stuff

Oh and it probably won't last as long as you would like it to :)

Plus the TC light will come on regularly.
 
Oh hell - I think I'm going down the same route with my X reg - I'd only had it 2 weeks when it started a clonking noise reversing on full lock - then dearly beloved went out to see what was wrong and another noise started. Useful friend has pulled her apart and she is now FWD and I was told I could drive about a bit - dare I ask what the bills are likely to be? I asked a so called 'expert' and he quotes £2K + asked if I had a manual for it! :mad:

:p I'm a VERY dumb female by the way - just have to trust the garage which is a bit of a snag!
 
Cathy - hi,

seems to be a common problem at the moment - occurring about 40,000 miles or so.
just had ours done - I'm afraid you might be in for a big bill - depending on what needs doing.

Just the VCU is about £370 + labour - if the support bearing need replacing at least £35 each if you are 'in the know' - £70 each from a dealer.
If the IRD has gone too - at least £400 for a reconditioned exchange unit - double that for a new box from the dealer - if the rear diff needs doing - probably another £350 or so - then your labour on top for it all.

The key thing is - what has gone....you need to take a good mechanic's advice......If its just the VCU - as i said £370 plus the labour - the VCU is available from Ashcroft Transmissions.
.:(
 
Ive just had one done by a garage - cost £550 all in - I also have a brand new viscous diff, genuine item, not a rebuilt item ( I believe ashcrofts are rebuilds)...yours for £350...theyre 700 plus vat from landrover!
 
Thank you - good advice, which I'm taking here.

Off to see 4wd specialist garage today - in my 2WD Freelander! I noetd the comments how this affects steering so will take more care than usual!!

Local L?R dealer is noted for replacing 'everything' and not actually telling you what has 'gone', shame really as we've been a customer for new vehcles for years but if they can't be trusted to be honest......
 
nije said:
Ive just had one done by a garage - cost £550 all in - I also have a brand new viscous diff, genuine item, not a rebuilt item ( I believe ashcrofts are rebuilds)...yours for £350...theyre 700 plus vat from landrover!
Seems a good deal nije. The Ashcroft units are advertised as new £370 - and certainly they look brand new.

I think there may be £15 for delivery too...
 
May get back to you on that one - waiting to hear what the 'damage' really is on my Freelander!
 
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