Nodge68
Well-Known Member
It was earlier then 2001 when the gear ratio between front and rear was changed. I'm sure is was 1999 or there abouts. I can't think that many of those early components exist now.
Landy-Pandy
Member
Well that's good. So the gearing in my IRD and diff should be fairly robust...
I've also noticed a quiet whine whilst i'm driving above 50mph. Could this be the IRD? It's completely quiet at lower speeds and seems to have no other problems.
Am i paranoid?
I've also noticed a quiet whine whilst i'm driving above 50mph. Could this be the IRD? It's completely quiet at lower speeds and seems to have no other problems.
Am i paranoid?
Nodge68
Well-Known Member
Give the IRD and rear diff an oil change. A lot can be deduced about the mechanical condition, simply by looking at the oil that's drained.
Also are all the tyres identical, with least worn on the rear? Incorrectly maintained tyres puts strain on the system, which causes noise and mechanical damage.
Also are all the tyres identical, with least worn on the rear? Incorrectly maintained tyres puts strain on the system, which causes noise and mechanical damage.
Landy-Pandy
Member
Thanks Nodge, an oil change is next on the agenda for the IRD.
The tyres, unfortunately, aren't identical all round... but are all the same size with a matched pair both on the front and back. All tyres are in good condition too.
I've also just done a sort of lazy man's OWUT (lifted one wheel and rotated it by hand) which seemed to produce a promising resault.
I don't have a long enough bar or a big enough socket to do the full test but i think i have a good enough indication of the state of the VCU for the meantime.
When i'm able to do the full test though, i'll post it here!
The tyres, unfortunately, aren't identical all round... but are all the same size with a matched pair both on the front and back. All tyres are in good condition too.
I've also just done a sort of lazy man's OWUT (lifted one wheel and rotated it by hand) which seemed to produce a promising resault.
I don't have a long enough bar or a big enough socket to do the full test but i think i have a good enough indication of the state of the VCU for the meantime.
When i'm able to do the full test though, i'll post it here!
GrumpyGel
Well-Known Member
You are asking for trouble with mismatched tyres.
I think a 1WUT on a wheel nut would be better than by hand.
Nodge68
Well-Known Member
Remove the propshafts until all tyres are identical. This is important or the IRD explodes.
Alibro
Well-Known Member
If you want to test it properly put the wheel brace on a nut inline with the centre of the wheel and strap on a piece of wood to extend it.
However if you can turn one wheel by hand without too much difficulty then the VCU probably isn't too bad. On my first Freelander I couldn't budge it by hand and it had a owt time of near 3 minutes.
As for the tyres the other guys are right, all manufacturers have different interpretations of tyre sizes so they will have different diameters, different stiffness's etc.
There's a reason why the MOT man said my car was one of the few still with a propshaft. It's because tyre fitters all over the country have been fitting new odd sized tyres to the front of Freelanders without realising they were doing the worst thing possible.
Landy-Pandy
Member
Damn, well in that case i was considering putting a fresh set of all terrain tyres on her anyway, so maybe i should do that sooner rather than later.
Does anyone have any recommendations as to a budget all terrain tyre?
Alibro i was quite pleased with how (relatively) easy it was to rotate the tyre... i more or less just put my weight on it and let it turn.
Does anyone have any recommendations as to a budget all terrain tyre?
Alibro i was quite pleased with how (relatively) easy it was to rotate the tyre... i more or less just put my weight on it and let it turn.
Nodge68
Well-Known Member
I've always found the Yokohama AT-S to be very good, although not a true AT or budget tyre. They are better in the wet than most AT tyres and still provide excellent grip off road. This is assuming you have 16" wheels of course. 17" and 18" wheels really limits your tyre options.
Landy-Pandy
Member
I do have 16" wheels. I've heard that they're the best size to have for off tarmac driving because, as you say, your options are limited by larger sizes.
I'm thinking it might be worth just fitting two new tyres on the back to match the front as it'll A) be cheaper and B) will leave me with the least worn on the rear.
Although they won't be AT...
I'm thinking it might be worth just fitting two new tyres on the back to match the front as it'll A) be cheaper and B) will leave me with the least worn on the rear.
Although they won't be AT...
Alibro
Well-Known Member
It's not the ideal answer but better than 99% of Freelanders out there. I guarantee if you ask the tyre shop to swap the wheels around to put the new tyres on the back it will be the first time they ever heard of such a thing.I do have 16" wheels. I've heard that they're the best size to have for off tarmac driving because, as you say, your options are limited by larger sizes.
I'm thinking it might be worth just fitting two new tyres on the back to match the front as it'll A) be cheaper and B) will leave me with the least worn on the rear.
Although they won't be AT...
