Alltmor

Alltmor

New Member
I am considering removing the propshaft on my Freelander. Is this the same as the VCU and will removing it increase fuel economy and put less strain on the engine?

I'm getting some tyre wear on the outside of my drivers side rear tyre and think this may be due to the VCU.

The hill descent does work going down steep hills although the dash light doesn't come on?

Sorry for all the questions.

Thanks,

Alltmor
 
"I'm getting some tyre wear on the outside of my drivers side rear tyre and think this may be due to the VCU."

What makes you think this?
 
When I reverse it seems very stiff although from what I've read in the forum this is relatively normal. I just had the tracking done recently and the tyre wear has happened just in the last couple of weeks and I've read that excessive tyre wear on the rear tyres can be caused by a faulty VCU.
 
There is a lot of information on these subjects if you do a forum search mate. If you tyre scrubbing has only been happening since you got tracking done then I would take it back and ask them to do it again. If they tell you its ok then take it somewhere else and get them to check it. I know this will cost but its still cheaper than tyres.
Surely taking your prop shaft off amid the threat of one of the worst winters for years cant be a good idea?
How do you know the hill descent is actually working?
 
I've tried the hill descent on a very steep hill along the road and it works as it should although the dash light doesn't work.
 
Wouldn't remove the prop with winter around the corner, would suggest investigating the problem and try and resolve it. As others have said, there is loads of information available on here about testing the vcu.

If you're worried about fuel economy why not just sell it and buy something more economical??
 
Alltmor said:
I've tried the hill descent on a very steep hill along the road and it works as it should although the dash light doesn't work.
Click to expand...

I'd suggest taking it to a COMPETANT local garage if you aren't sure what you're looking at or doing yourself before any more potential damage is done...

That or take your time to search for and read threads and carry out your own tests...

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
 
bushwwacker said:
I'd suggest taking it to a COMPETANT local garage if you aren't sure what you're looking at or doing yourself before any more potential damage is done...

That or take your time to search for and read threads and carry out your own tests...

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Given some of the horror stories of cars coming back from garages in worse condition than they went in - researching to find a "competant" garage might take longer than researching and fixing it yourself ;)

I didn't think its right that the car should feel stiff in reverse. I stand to be corrected, but its actually a sign that the VCU is stuffed. What ever it shouldn't feel stiff in a straight line - only when turning.

If it feels stiff in a straight line - make sure you have the same (make/pattern/size) of tyres on the front & back, they have roughly even wear and they are inflated to the same pressures. If its a problem with tyre pressure, this may explain the wear you're getting and it will kill your transmission very quickly. Freelanders are very different animals to 2WD cars or 4WD with a center diff.

If the tyres are OK, for the 30 mins it takes to remove the props & VCU its probably worth taking them off to see if the car feels better - it may just give you an answer as to whether you need to change the VCU.
 
bushwwacker said:
"I'm getting some tyre wear on the outside of my drivers side rear tyre and think this may be due to the VCU."

What makes you think this?
Click to expand...

Is it an uneven feathering type of wear?
If it is, you could be right. My L series had the same and it was due to then VCU stiffening up.

If the wear is even you may have positive camber on your rears, but I'm not sure what would cause this.
 
Alltmor said:
When I reverse it seems very stiff although from what I've read in the forum this is relatively normal.
Click to expand...

No!
Light stiffness is normal when reversing on full lock.
Anything more than that, check it out urgently.

Do the "One-wheel-up" test and post the results.
 
OldIrishWulf said:
This time of year most of us consider refitting our propshafts, ie ,if the support bearings and UJs are ok .

The wear on your tyres might well be knackered shock absorbers .;)
Click to expand...

not a mechanical person then ,not likely shockers ,springs due to camber angle maybe amongst stuff
 
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