Freelander 1 Td4 auto whining in reverse (both when stationary and moving)

Hello to all.

I have been having this issue described in the title for several weeks but I stopped driving the car the first time i heard that whining noise ( or something close to a whine, I am not sure how to describe that noise but it is present.). I suspected the IRD and I took it of 3 days ago but first of all the oil in it was ok and no obvious signs of wear were spotted. I had taken the IRD off because I ruled out the transmission as culprit because I got it serviced last year at a reputable specialist shop and they assured me that they have reconditioned it and it is working 100%. They even issued me a warranty. So now I am baffled what to think...??? I have spent so much money on this vehicle and I am afraid this could turn to be another costly repair or exploratory disassembly.

What could cause that sound even if the car is not moving but engaged into reverse??? There is no trace of that sound in drive or in neutral/park.

Does any of you had that issue? Share your thoughts.

Well what components are loaded in D but not in P or N?
Torque converter?
Does the whine vary with engine speed even when you're not moving?

Low auto fluid level can cause a whining noise. Was the level corrected after the IRD was repaired? Also was a compatible fluid used to refill?

Hi Nodge68 and davidsmith1307,

The IRD is still out and we haven`t put it back in as I am still thinking what is best to do next. I might have to take the gearbox out. Compatible fluid was used when the tranny was reconditioned last year. Since then I have not driven it much , no more than 7000-8000 kilometers so it shouldnt have played up so soon. I believe the fluid spec was LT 71141 but cant recall what make but the gear changes were smooth and overall feel of the gearbox was almost like new.

I called the shop today where the reconditioning took place last year and they told me I should go back there to have themselves check what is the exact noise and to pin point the location it comes from. They suspect , and I am not sure if i quote right, the reverse brake band or something like that. It is whole another story I cant make it to the shop because not only I have to put back in the IRD but both front drive shafts are damaged in some manner (one inner cv joint the other has a split boot), Also they explained me that they have not fully recondition it. They have flushed it,changed the filter, replaced the TC and changed the oil. I was obviously living in false believe that it was completely striped and thoroughly examined.

The whine is only present when I engage into R (reverse) and keep the vehicle stationary(with applied break), and also while driving in reverse. And ,yes, the frequency of the noise is directly related to engine speed .

What could that be? Could this band be the culprit?

Low fluid level can cause the noise you describe. So can a cracked piston. If the noise is there and vehicle isn't moving, there's nothing wrong with the IRD. It's sounding like a quick patch up job on the gearbox to be honest. I'd expect a full recondition to include new clutches, pistons and the reverse brake. Ideally it should have had new sensors and solenoid valves to complete it thoroughly. A filter, flush and new fluid is a long way short of a recondition.

So the two options I got are: to top up the fluid and cracked piston. Why do you consider this piston to be a quick patch up job? Is it so easy? If it is , i might give it a go myself under a proper guidance of course as I dont want to hurt my beloved landy neither my already empty wallet. Any guidances/tutorials are welcome if you have links to such or care to share your wisdom.

I was expecting the same but I am to blame because I didn`t pay enough attention to the paper they handed me with the job done on the gearbox. I agree it is a long way from reconditioned. I paid dearly for that job - 750 euro . Now IRD is already off the list of repairs. It is in sound condition.
Does any of you know how much the auto gearbox weigh? I am asking as I may try myself to take it out and possibly send it to the shop. Correct me if I am on a wrong path here but I think it can be dropped down from the engine bay. I have already taken off the subframe so there is nothing in the way. I wish to do that as I shared ealrier with you I am stuck without front drive shafts. This way I can at least try to fix the gearbox. You can post a link with the info i need if you came across it somewhere.

The Jatco box suffers from cracked pistons, more than it should. The box recon can be done on on a DIY basis but it's not for the faint hearted. You'll need somewhere dry to work on it. It's a heavy lump at almost 100Kg so assistance will be needed to move it. Also be careful when removing the box from the engine as the drive plate /torque converter is easily damaged if the box is allowed to hang, unsupported correctly.