Hi there,
My 2002 Freelander TD4 has suddenly developed a grinding noise when turning/cornering which makes me suspect a problem with the rear diff or drivetrain. Traveling in a straight line is fine, but more than a 30 degree turn/corner generates a grinding noise from somewhere in the back end.
Any ideas as to what the problem is, how serious and potential fixes would be much appreciated. Also, is it ok to continue to drive or will this make the problem worse?
Thanks for your help. I am looking to replace the vehicle soon as it has done almost 140,000 kms so don't want to spend a lot of money on it.
Regards
BCCJ

PS It has been very wet here in New Zealand (the leftover rain from Oz), so the vehicle did go through some deepish water yesterday. Could that have lead to/exacerbated the probem?

sounds like a bearing giving up the ghost,jack the rear end off the floor and see if there is any play on the wheels,

might as well check the rear diff at the same time.

with the back in the air, turn one wheel, see if other turns in the opposite direction.

hopefully its just a wheel bearing

Having paid a visit to the stealer, after a drive round the block they advised the diff would need to be replaced and quoted big $$$s. I took it to my local mechanic to get a second opinion; he put it up on the hoist but couldn't replicate the problem, even when slowing one rear wheel and then the other with the power on. However, he did think a bracket that holds the drivetrain in place looked like it was ever so slightly bent out of shape causing the rubber bushel to rub. After applying a bit of grease between the bracket and the bushel, this seems to have done the trick as the grinding (or squeaking) noise when turning has gone away. Can't explain what caused it all of a sudden and it may yet be wishful thinking, but hopefully that was all it was. Thanks for y'all help.

Has the problem gone now? I too am in NZ and my td4 (2004) has also developed a deep rumbling/vibration noise when cornering at lower speeds!
Hope its not because there not used to being 'upside down'

I have only recently got my car back after the garage had it for 35days while waiting for parts for the sump I smashed when I hit a rock!

I'm hoping its a bent drivetrain bracket and not more sinister.

Having greased the bracket, I have not experienced any more problems so worth a try!

Turns out the prop bearing mounts were bent from the rock running under the car.
As I have to take off prop and wait for parts anyway, I will order a VCU to fit at same time seeing as I've done 60k miles. It's common knowledge the VCU is virtually a serviceable part @ 70k miles anyway!