Hello all, just thought I would introduce myself and let you know about my XEDI project which I am sure I will be asking for some advice at some point.

This weekend I picked up a 1999 XEDI in light gold colour no MOT or Tax for £450.

Good points, last owner for 7 years and local. Engine starts and runs on the button, New clutch fitted a few hundred miles ago, 4wd system renewed at local main dealer a couple of years ago. body and interior in great condition. Leather good and air-con works. No unusual transmition noises and HDC works, all warning lights extinquish on dashboard.

Not so good points, 2 front tyres needed, front and rear brakes need overhaul fronts may just be pads, rears need shoes and handbrake seazing on. steering a bit wobbly in a straight line and steering wheel not centred. knocking from front when hitting low speed bumps. engine oil leak yet to be identified but looks like rocker cover. engine a bit tappity.

My parts list for the moment..
brake pads, disks, shoes.
track rod ends, front ball joints and drop links

after all of that MOT Tax and then engine service.

Any advice or pearls of wisdom on the vague steering would be appreciated, It doesnt feel like steering rack play and both front tyres are bald on the outside edge and the ball joints are pointing outwards towards the disks quite drastically so I am guessing this is causing the tyre wear and steering feel?

I wil keep you all updated with my progress and looking foward to getting it on the road, just hope I wont regret buying a DI but hey £450 is not so bad

I'm in a similar situation, having bought a Y plate TD4 for a grand, it was dirty and with seized brakes, but it has a sound engine and electrics, with only a few minor grumbles. But as I like to tinker with cars, I'm looking forward to working on it. Good luck with your Freelander too, and lets keep our fingers crossed that the drivetrain holds out, as I see a recurring theme with IRD and VCU failures..........

Crockett007, not Y97 JFO by any chance?!

Once you get the tracking sorted and new tyres on - hopefully with the same make as the ones you are keeping and the new tyres on the back, chances are this will work wonders for your steering.

Finnaly got a chance to make a start today and started with the rear brakes due to the handbrake being jammed on and not being able to move the freelander at all! after much banging and swearing managed to get the locked rear brake drum off to find the braking pad had come off the shoe and jammed in the drum, wipped it all out and new brake shoes has cured this and the brake cylinders are in good nick so happy with that. fronts just needed a bit of cleaning and changed the pads even though they were ok just so once it's on the road I wont have more work in a few months.

Found 2 brake pipes are needed, nearside front (looks easy enough) and offside rear (looks a nightmare and a fuel tank out job!!!)

Checked suspension and all seems in good nick so one less job to worry about.

Now to find a new brake flaring tool and some pipe ready for next week!

bsa77 said:

Crockett007, not Y97 JFO by any chance?!

Click to expand...

No BSA, it is on a Y plate, but not that one!

Good - was the one I bought first time round from a dodgy trader in Windsor - had been clocked by 40K - I did get my money back.