Stof2484
Member
No manual pal
Nodge68
Well-Known Member
If it's a vibration which feels like the power unit is shaking on pulling away, up to about 40Mph, then it's normally the front drive shafts. As the inboard joints wear, they begin to stiffen as torque is applied under acceleration. The normal fix is to replace the front drive shafts, however there is a catch. The Freelander is hyper fussy on the actual replacement shafts that are fitted, meaning only genuine GKN shafts are free of vibration. Unfortunately all the aftermarket shafts I've tried, along with many members on here have had vibration issues after non-OE shafts have been fitted. However on fitting genuine GKN shafts (they have unique scalloped inboard joints), the vibration is cured.
Nodge68
Well-Known Member
Never had an issue on a Freelander 1, or another car?
The Freelander 1 is pretty unique as the shafts aren't straight when installed, they are articulated downwards at quite an angle, which puts the joints under stress. Pulling away makes the front rise up, articulating the joints further, resulting in vibration.
Are both front shafts aftermarket?
Nodge68
Well-Known Member
I can only go on 15 years experience on the Freelander. But experience has shown that anything other than genuine GKN shafts can cause vibration on a Freelander, either straight out the box, or very shortly after installation.
However I've fitted many aftermarket shafts to many different vehicles over the last 30 years and never had an issue, so it seems the Freelander is unique here.
