Freelander 1 04 Freelander - Rumbling from Front End

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Brothock Burn

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Hi All

I have a 04 Freelander TD4 and a few weeks ago it developed a rumbling noise from the front end. The noise does sound like a wheel bearing going bad, but there isn't any play from any of the four wheels, and the noise doesn't get worse/go away when cornering, so that leads me to believe it probably isn't a wheel bearing.

Has anyone else had a similar issue? Any ideas where to begin looking?

Thanks for your assistance!
 
Brothock Burn said:
Hi All

I have a 04 Freelander TD4 and a few weeks ago it developed a rumbling noise from the front end. The noise does sound like a wheel bearing going bad, but there isn't any play from any of the four wheels, and the noise doesn't get worse/go away when cornering, so that leads me to believe it probably isn't a wheel bearing.

Has anyone else had a similar issue? Any ideas where to begin looking?

Thanks for your assistance!
Click to expand...
I should also probably say, I am confidant its drive train related, as the noise changes based on road speed, not engine speed.
 
VCU bearings are a common source of rumbling sounds. Some tyres can also make a bearing type noise too. We recommend that all FL1 owners do the one wheel up test too. The VCU is subject to wear, ageing and damage, so needs to be tested at regular intervals. ;)
 
Thanks for the advice. Don't think its the tyres, as they are all the same, good quality, inflated to the same PSI.

I changed the fuel tank cradle a couple of weeks ago and visually checked the VCU for leaks then. Didn't look at the bearings, but that will be happening tomorrow. I will also do the one wheel up test at the same time. (it was making the noise before I had the prop shaft off to do the cradle, so I didnt break it!)
 
You'll know how easy it is then to remove the prop shafts & VCU - you could remove the props and drive it to see if the noise goes away.

If the noise does go away, its not a definitive answer that it is the bearings (although you can examine them off the car) as there will be fewer stresses on other components in the drive train. If the noise is still there though, you'll know its not the VCU support bearings.
 
Nodge68 said:
VCU bearings are a common source of rumbling sounds.;)
Click to expand...

This diagnosis appears to be spot on. I didn't take the prop off, but there is certainly play in those bearings. Also didn't bother with the one wheel up test, the car has done 120k and by the look of the bolts the vcu has never been changed. So I'm going to change both the vcu and the bearings at the same time.

Thanks for the replies
 
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