Sucram

Sucram

Active Member
Hi Chaps

Well after 12 years and 122k miles it looks like I need to replace my VCU, I've done the test that Bell Engineering advised over the phone. Put it on full lock drive forward or backwards and knock it into neutral, if it comes to a stop after a couple of yards like the brakes have been applied, then the VCU is on its way out.
So I phoned Bell Engineering in the week with regards a recon VCU and they told me to call back after Christmas/New Year as they are snowed undered with work.
So on that note I've been looking at different suppliers, such as Island 4x4, they advertise a new GKN VCU for just shy of 300 quid plus vat, but I'm not 100% sure if its a recon unit or not.

Then I was looking on the Ashcroft Transmissions website and they also supply new VCU's, but it doesn't state who the manufacture is for around £400.

Rimmer Bros do genuine Land Rover ones at £675, but they also do an OEM one for £445 which according to the website says part is supplied by an Original Equipment Manufacturer, but is not in the original Brand packaging.

Anyone on here had a VCU from any of these guys, any good, still working ok?

I'd really like to get it sorted sooner than later

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

If you prefer to PM me then please feel free.

Cheers.
 
I just put a new one from Island 4x4 on mine. Been on for about a month. No problems. It appears to be a new genuine GKN. No sign of it being a recon'd one. If you buy a "LR" one it will be the same as the one from Island 4x4 as GKN is the original supplier.
 
You may want to take the "feeling like the brakes are on at full lock" with a small grain of salt. How much it feels like the brakes are on will depend on how fast you are driving it in the turn. Also it should be noted that if you have spacers on the wheels it will increase the radial distance difference between the the wheels so will increase the speed difference between the plates in the VCU, causing it to bind sooner at full lock. It is not a simple as it sounds to check a VCU. That said I am a great believer in "if in doubt chuck it out" before you bind up the rest of the drive train.
 
pardec said:
Island 4x4
Click to expand...


:behindsofa:

+ 1.

They are new, not recon.

If you order and they have one in stock it will be delivered next working day F.O.C. e.g. Order over the weekend or Monday, get it Tuesday (U.K. only).

Don't forget the support bearings if you are unsure of the condition/age of the originals.
 
Portchy said:
You may want to take the "feeling like the brakes are on at full lock" with a small grain of salt. How much it feels like the brakes are on will depend on how fast you are driving it in the turn. Also it should be noted that if you have spacers on the wheels it will increase the radial distance difference between the the wheels so will increase the speed difference between the plates in the VCU, causing it to bind sooner at full lock. It is not a simple as it sounds to check a VCU. That said I am a great believer in "if in doubt chuck it out" before you bind up the rest of the drive train.
Click to expand...

I was going pretty slow when I did the test, about 2-3mph if that on full lock and knocked into neutral, it rolled for a couple of yard then came to a stop as if one had slightly applied the brakes, but I guess by then the speed would have halfed.
 
Last edited:
When mine was knackered it really was like putting the brakes on. With the bell one it's great. Full lock and me dogs not in the footwell:D
 
Hi guys

Thanks for the info and tips it's all been a great help, hopefully I'll be able to order a new GKN one Monday. :)
 
Ok, just incase anyone is interested, I ordered a new one from Island 4x4 @ £347 delivered.

It was in a Britpart box but has GKN stamped on the VCU plus some other numbers, also the damper is a GKN item.:)
 
Island 4x4 are well respected on the Rangie section. I have used them for years without a problem. Their shipping is first class. :)
 
im in same boat at the minute and cant decide where to get from, doing the back wheel up test i get 38 seconds i think it was, going backwards she seems to brake but not going forward, but i do get a single "clunk" from front drivers when on full lock going forward.
 
Sucram said:
Ok, just incase anyone is interested, I ordered a new one from Island 4x4 @ £347 delivered.

It was in a Britpart box but has GKN stamped on the VCU plus some other numbers, also the damper is a GKN item.:)
Click to expand...
I think they may have used an empty box. So don't worry about the box.
 
Irishrover said:
:behindsofa:

+1
Yes they often do that.

I have had stuff from them in Kellogs boxes !!!:confused::confused:
Click to expand...
Packing materials are eggspensive so as long as they protect the item enough I don't mind. Recycling etc is good. But I wouldn't trust a seller who used an all bran box. :eek:
 
Think I read a post on here a couple of weeks ago that Bell are very busy fulfilling orders and there is a waiting list. I would definately go for a Bell recon. but if you need one urgently. either Island 4x4 or Autopost are good suppliers. Advantage with Island is that they deliver next working day FOC for stock items.
 
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