2000 (non td4). Have been searching for ages but had to post in the end to find an answer. I have had a grinding noise (very slight) for a while but the garage have never been able to pin point it. The last few weeks it has got a lot worse. Only way I can describe it, it sounds like when your pads/discs have gone but this only happens when you are moving. The noise is coming from the engine area but nothing when you stop and lift the bonnet. The mechanic has taken a look (not specialist) and he seems to think its the transfer box. He span the wheels thinking it was a bearing or disc guard rubbing, checked there was oil in the box but all checked out ok. If it is the transfer box, (£500 used) I think its time to let the thing go to scrap as its not worth spending on a vehicle this old. I thought it was worth a post though, just in case im thinking the worst and its not.

Might be worth taking off the prop/VC and see if the noise reduces.

Check that it's not the exhaust vibrating on the sub frame where the down pipe lifts over it, piece of towel folded up and rammed in the gap will do it. Mine had me and various mechanics talkin **** for weeks until the front box welds finally gave up the ghost.

Old?? It's only 10-11 years old!¬ That's nothing! IRD is only about £460 + for a recon which is good enough. If you don't want to fix it then sell it on ebay as spares/repairs and let someone else keep it on the road.

I agree with removing propshaft and seeing if noise goes. If it is coming from front but goes when prop removed then possibly IRD bearings, as suggested.

Thanks for all your replies! Sorry but only get internet time in the evenings, so slow response from my end. Well I have a few things to look at over the weekend now, is removing the propshaft reasonably easy? Im quite hands on but sounds quite daunting... I will also check that the exhaust is not fouling anywhere.

I would like to keep the old girl going but am getting a little tired of the things going wrong. There was a time when I was happy to tinker away on the weekends but no longer seem to have the time or enthusiasm I once had.....im getting old (40 last week!)


Thanks again for all your time........

Check that the anti-roll bar isn't scrubbing against the wishbone.

I have the same year non TD4 also and was told it's a common fault with that model and stuff.

Mine did it a while back as 1 of the 'clips' either side of where it is clamped underneath came off and let the anti-roll bar move slightly and it started grinding.
(if i remember correctly)

Hope this helps

Hi JumboPeanuts,
Thanks for yet another 'check' to add to my list. At least I will have a good few things to look at on the weekend. Thanks for your input, much appreciated.

Prop VCU removal is easy but the bolts have strange heads on them that need special type sockets - pop under and gave a look.

I had exactly the dame on my last Freelander 2.0D - grinding noise on slowing down - took prop off noise gone performance better an extra 4 mpg but less grip in snow etc. New VCU is about £300 - worth doing if it is the cause - puts strain on the IRD and so noise before bearings collapse.

The Prop weighs a fair bit - take it off as a complete unit - no need to split it.