Hello,

I have searched the forum, and have some ideas and much more of an idea of the common problems with this, but am still not sure which is my problem:

1999 freelander, 2l diesel, LHD

A few years ago my girlfriend had a problem with a droning/whining noise from the back end of her freelander.

The mechanic tried new bearings, then tyres but didn't work.

Then he took the whole prop shaft assembly off and that worked. (he kept the prop assembly! I would have at least kept it myself!)

Since then she drove without (which I now see you call 'Mondo Mode' - why btw?)

However, her mechanic went to Angola and when we tried to get the MOT with a new garage they said the car must be complete, and that it would be 1500 Euros for the new parts.

We went back to the buisines partner of the original mechanic and he said (after swearing about the guy who went to Angola) that his partner took off many, but that there was only one old one left in the stores now.

So we took the second hand prop assembly, which we are sure was NOT the original one since it doesn't make the same noise.

The garage put this on and got it through the MOT.

However.....

Now it is occasionaly (but more and more) making a drumming/hammering/rotational drrrt-rrt-rrt-rrt-rrt-rrt-rrt-rrt-rrt noise from the back/centre (?). sounds like an air gun torquing up a bolt

It definately wasnt there without the prop assembly

It happens at lower revs, when loading the engine, i.e. especially when in too low a gear pulling away, especially when turning - classic is exiting or entering a mini-roundabout.

Any ideas/links to posts I have missed?

Also, I want to sort it out, but then may take off the prop anyway - what is current wisdom concerning Mondo mode?

Thanks in advance

Bife

Its called mondo mode 'cause your running on one axle.I'm no genius on this or many other matters,but your rear diff could need filling up.I'm not going looking for my haynes but I think its 75w90 api gl5.
Some one else here will know what it might be,knackered diff/diff bushes,I think I've read will cause a knocking.

I wish I were in portugal,lucky ..... .

Thanks,

I am pretty sure the garage said they topped up all oil levels, but will check

Portugal's not bad, anyhow I'd better get used to it, now I've got a brand spanking new half-portuguese daughter, I can't run away when I get frustrated with the 'work ethic' here

VCU bearings, there are lots of threads on here about them.

Ask Mondo re mondo mode, if he's not still banned that is.............

The original propshaft noise you describe was probably the VCU support bearings. The noise you have now with this propshaft fitted from your description could be the rear diff damaged. Early freelanders such as yours with the original IRD ratio are more prone to IRD or rear diff failure especially when new tyres are fitted to the front.
Hopefully though it will turn out to be worn diff bushes. There's plenty of previous posts on these subjects if you search ........ 'tyres', 'diff mounts', 'diff failure', 'bushes', 'vcu bearings'.....

Thanks for the replies,

I haven't managed to check the rear diff oil level, but I did see that it is leaking.

My dad (retired mechanic) is here visiting and says it sounds like something hammering on the bodywork somewhere.

The noise happens fairly rarely, but when it does it can be on on both left & right turns, or even when going over bumpy roads.

We think that if the diff was making those sorts of noises it would have melted by now, fingers crossed we are right!

He is here to visit his new granddaughter, but hopefully I can get him under the vehicle to have a look

Will concentrate on VCU mountings & diff mounts. The VCU damper is not knocking.

I also checked the temp of the VCU with my hand after a long run, and it was cold, which if it isnt siezed I guess indicates it isnt thickened up?

Will let you know how we get on

Thanks again

Bife

Ok, also check rear subframe mounts....search 'cracked chassis'