VCU mileage?

Harold 4x4 · Oct 12, 2010

If you haven't had a new one, what mileage do you have with the original VCU unit of your vehicle?

I have 109k miles and have started to get a 'stiffness' when turning at low/parking speeds. It works fine as a 4x4 but I'm advised that the life of a VCU unit is approx 70k miles....

I think I'll be getting a replacement anytime soon!

rippedoff · Oct 12, 2010

Recommended change every 70000 miles

The Mad Hat Man · Oct 12, 2010

rippedoff said:
Recommended change every 70000 miles

Although I do not doubt that changing a VCU every 70K miles might be a wise investment, is that recomended by Landrover or in any documentation, because I cant find that as a definative statement anywhere, except by those wishing to sell replacement VCUs?

Harold 4x4 · Oct 12, 2010

I take your point MHM, and I'm as cynical as the next guy when it comes to advertising etc. However, at what point does one make an educated viewpoint based on the experience of other owners (on here for example) and experts within their field?

If a vehicle with a VCU is showing the signs of wear, and the possibility of compounding damage to other parts of the drive-train is high (and possibly expensive). It would be prudent to get it sorted? No?

The problem IMHO with this particular 'problem' is that it is a sealed unit, and there appear to be no definitive methods to test it for the amateur mechanic.

If a reputable landrover 'Specialist' (there are a few about

)advises you it would be wise to change it.... what do you do?

The Mad Hat Man · Oct 12, 2010

:doh:
I like your "definitive". That is why I suggested the Torque test in the FAQ section and the follow-up "post your results" thread. But it seems I am a "cock" for suggesting such a definitive test. Glad I aint the only one.:hysterically_laughi: :croc:

In answer to your Q - the best answer is always play safe and replace it - it has to be the cheapest option.

Harold 4x4 · Oct 12, 2010

Where did you get the torque test idea from? Is it something that Land Rover have suggested?

rippedoff · Oct 12, 2010

The Mad Hat Man said:
:doh:
I like your "definitive". That is why I suggested the Torque test in the FAQ section and the follow-up "post your results" thread. But it seems I am a "cock" for suggesting such a definitive test. Glad I aint the only one.:hysterically_laughi: :croc:

In answer to your Q - the best answer is always play safe and replace it - it has to be the cheapest option.

Not still dwelling on that are you?:frusty:

rippedoff · Oct 12, 2010

Harold 4x4 said:
If you haven't had a new one, what mileage do you have with the original VCU unit of your vehicle?

I have 109k miles and have started to get a 'stiffness' when turning at low/parking speeds. It works fine as a 4x4 but I'm advised that the life of a VCU unit is approx 70k miles....

I think I'll be getting a replacement anytime soon!

I changed mine at 94000 along with an IRD rebuild (which i did myself) and a rear diff change. VCU had totaly siezed and so caused alot of damage. I only had the car av few months and was not aware of the problems a siezed VCU can cause. So im guessing that figure of 70000 miles is probably about right.

The recommended figure that i suggested has come from various ird refurb companys i admit. But who knows better??

The Mad Hat Man · Oct 12, 2010

Harold 4x4 said:
Where did you get the torque test idea from? Is it something that Land Rover have suggested?

If I remember correctly it came from a couple of sources - I think it was from AULRO (Australian Land rover owners) and Austen (who works for a refurb company).

The Mad Hat Man · Oct 12, 2010

rippedoff said:
The recommended figure that i suggested has come from various ird refurb companys i admit. But who knows better??

Landrover?

Although it is no secret that I believe LR did such a **** job designing the Gaylander that I wouldnt trust them either

.

rippedoff · Oct 12, 2010

The Mad Hat Man said:
Landrover?

Although it is no secret that I believe LR did such a **** job designing the Gaylander that I wouldnt trust them either .

But Landrover do not have a recomended mileage change for the VCU on a freelander.

The Mad Hat Man · Oct 12, 2010

rippedoff said:
But Landrover do not have a recomended mileage change for the VCU on a freelander.

Exactly. That was my point. I can only conclude from that, that they think its a "replace when defective" item, similar to a clutch, or brake pads.
I agree that when in any doubt, it is best to replace it. It is just that I have not seen any statements saying "replace at 70K miles". I would like some form of concensus on this, rather than a figure just bandied about, without substantiation.

Harold 4x4 · Oct 12, 2010

Can anyone answer the original question?

If you haven't had a new one, what mileage do you have with the original VCU unit of your vehicle?

The Mad Hat Man · Oct 12, 2010

I sold my KV6 at 73193 with original VCU.

Northern Irelander · Oct 12, 2010

Harold 4x4 said:
Where did you get the torque test idea from? Is it something that Land Rover have suggested?

Its in the RAVE manual testing a VCU on a rig at 75rpm.

Can someone check as I dont have RAVE,

ertin · Oct 12, 2010

To answer your question, Harold I have an 02 td4 with 80,000 miles and original VCU. I also did NOT initially follow the recommendation to fit new tyres on the back. I ran it for 20,000 miles with the original tyres on the rear to 60,000 miles, with new ones on the front after 38,000 miles! I had four new tyres fitted at 70,000 miles. This made a difference to the stiffness in the transmission when turning - it felt less tight. It still feels O/K when turning, as the front tyres are wearing faster than the rear. However, I WILL be following the recommendation re. tyres in the future! Hope this helps, Eric

Harold 4x4 · Oct 12, 2010

Thanks guys! Very helpful.

Tomo1971 · Oct 12, 2010

Just passed the 100k mark and still on original VCU.

Steve

CJK · Oct 12, 2010

130k miles on original vcu. Recently removed as one of the support bearing got very noisy. Contemplating new vcu.
Was keeping "an eye" on the unit with six monthly "tippex" tests and monitoring the torque to turn the rear wheel. All appeared ok!!!
But as it is off and for the cost - may replace as a precaution.

Chris.

tincan · Oct 12, 2010

186000 still original i no this to be true cauce have had it from new

VCU mileage?

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