Simessail said:

I would have to say that looking at the VCU issue from the out side, the twister the road the better.

Click to expand...

The rear diff is over-geared in comparison to the front. So when going strait, the rear half if VCU is slipping slightly, over-running the front half. So going around a gentle bend, does take a small amount of pressure off. This situation progressively increases, as the front tyres wear down.

Simessail said:

As I understand it the VCU is supposed to deal with 6% difference and that more than that will engage 4 wheel drive.

Click to expand...

It's about 5% IIRC, but the drive doesn't bang in, it slips in gently, as it tries to keep the slip to within the slip window.

Simessail said:

It seems that this is not the case.

Click to expand...

With age and misuse, the 5% tolerance reduces, so more drive is transferred, when it shouldn't.

Simessail said:

Just as thought, what happens when (if) you get a puncture?

Click to expand...

As long as it's noticed quickly, then it shouldn't make any difference.

Simessail said:

The spare is almost certainly of a different size as it has been stowed on the back door for a few thousand miles.

Click to expand...

This is true, and a trap for those who don't know about how the VCU based 4x4 system works.

I personally think the spare should go on the back, so minimising any potential problems.

Nodge68 said:

The rear diff is over-geared in comparison to the front. So when going strait, the rear half if VCU is slipping slightly, over-running the front half. So going around a gentle bend, does take a small amount of pressure off. This situation progressively increases, as the front tyres wear down.

It's about 5% IIRC, but the drive doesn't bang in, it slips in gently, as it tries to keep the slip to within the slip window.

With age and misuse, the 5% tolerance reduces, so more drive is transferred, when it shouldn't.

As long as it's noticed quickly, then it shouldn't make any difference.


This is true, and a trap for those who don't know about how the VCU based 4x4 system works.

I personally think the spare should go on the back, so minimising any potential problems.

Click to expand...

Hi V6,
What a well thought through response. Everything you say there makes good sense to me and, I think, echos my own thoughts.
I have just driven the new (to us) FL1 back from Roscoff to home. It does drive very nicely, there is a bit of drive train noise (no more than on my older Series 3 or on the Disco 2) so I guess that there is no inherent issue. I am away with work again tomorrow for a week, so will post pics when I get back.
thanks for your help and advise.
Regards

Simes

Simessail said:

I have just driven the new (to us) FL1 back from Roscoff to home. It does drive very nicely,

Click to expand...

That's good.

Simessail said:

there is a bit of drive train noise (no more than on my older Series 3 or on the Disco 2)

Click to expand...

The Freelander's drive train is almost silent, and shouldn't be audible over the tyre noise.

I'd drain the IRD and rear diff fluids, to get an idea of the condition of the gears and bearings.

Also check the VCU mounts, as the bearings on those fail too.

Simessail said:

so I guess that there is no inherent issue.

Click to expand...

I hope not, but noise isn't a good sign.

Hello all.
Thanks for all your advice and comments. I would stay away from the Halfruads gauge that also features in Auto Express article. No where near worth £12.00 plus. My idea is.. Get digital times two for comparison. Cheaper than a new IRD??

cHEERS ALL.