Just bought one!.....is this normal?!

Hi guys,

Just got the wife a freelander (2002 51reg GS 1.8 petrol), I have had P38s, TD6 RR's etc. We had a Freelander before but just want to check if this is normal.

When on full lock in either 1st or Reverse it feels as if there is some resistance almost as if the brake is on 1/2. Absolutely no problem when it is off totally full lock. Is this normal?

Car has a 12 mth warrentee so not so concerned but keen to know if there is a prob or if this is normal!?

Thanks in advance.

Miles

Tiz quite common - "They all do that"

Think what MHM above is isinuating is that your VCU is knackered does happen to a lot...get it checked asap before it knackers your tyres, diff, etc...get it checked by someone who has at least a bit of knowledge re Freelander.

doobreydog said:

Think what MHM above is isinuating is that your VCU is knackered does happen to a lot...get it checked asap before it knackers your tyres, diff, etc...get it checked by someone who has at least a bit of knowledge re Freelander.

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Is it an expensive fix?!

I think Grippas phrase of bear/woods springs to mind

Milesg said:

Is it an expensive fix?!

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Simple bolt on and bolt off...have seen selling for over £300 and these on eblag at present freelander vcu, Car Parts, Cars, Parts Vehicles items at low prices on eBay.co.uk Beware plenty are removed because theyre shafted and as no visible sign whether good or bad.

doobreydog said:

Simple bolt on and bolt off...have seen selling for over £300 and these on eblag at present freelander vcu, Car Parts, Cars, Parts Vehicles items at low prices on eBay.co.uk Beware plenty are removed because theyre shafted and as no visible sign whether good or bad.

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Thanks Doobrey - just to check, should the freelander reverse and forward slow on full lock easily, with no resistance. Everyone I have driven (4 or 5) all had the same feeling?!

Thanks in advance

its normal for the freelander to do what you are describing.

Milesg said:

Thanks Doobrey - just to check, should the freelander reverse and forward slow on full lock easily, with no resistance. Everyone I have driven (4 or 5) all had the same feeling?!

Thanks in advance

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It should have a very slight resistance...if it feels like brakes on as in your first post its normally a good indication that VCU is buggered (ie ie locking driveshaft as on when it should be moving as 2 separate parts when front wheels have traction)... There are a few simple tricks to check, tipex a straight line along length of VCU and run motor for a short distance...the lines on both halves should separate...if they dont then repeat a couple of times (to eliminate councidence) and if line stays as one along length then almost certainly VCU gone.

Can be a number of other things but symptoms you describe is normally VCU.

Mine does this as well. In a previous thread I was told this is normal. I might try the tipex tip just to make sure.
Ta,
Hamish

doobreydog said:

Think what MHM above is isinuating is that your VCU is knackered

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ERM! I dunt think he is insinuatin that at all

Its quite common fer a perfectly servicable vcu t do this !

doobreydog said:

It should have a very slight resistance...if it feels like brakes on as in your first post its normally a good indication that VCU is buggered (ie ie locking driveshaft as on when it should be moving as 2 separate parts when front wheels have traction)... There are a few simple tricks to check, tipex a straight line along length of VCU and run motor for a short distance...the lines on both halves should separate...if they dont then repeat a couple of times (to eliminate councidence) and if line stays as one along length then almost certainly VCU gone.

Can be a number of other things but symptoms you describe is normally VCU.

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NOOOOOOOO !

Tipex the input an output props not the vcu!

the vcu drums dunt rotate seperately if yer look.. its one of the shafts(input i think) that spins while the rest of it is locked tgether

Ah! someone who knows wot he is talking about. (occasionally)

Its a good check to do every now and again - just in case.

The Mad Hat Man said:

Ah! someone who knows wot he is talking about.

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Where ?? who? wernt me!

doobreydog said:

It should have a very slight resistance...if it feels like brakes on as in your first post its normally a good indication that VCU is buggered (ie ie locking driveshaft as on when it should be moving as 2 separate parts when front wheels have traction)... There are a few simple tricks to check, tipex a straight line along length of VCU and run motor for a short distance...the lines on both halves should separate...if they dont then repeat a couple of times (to eliminate councidence) and if line stays as one along length then almost certainly VCU gone.

Can be a number of other things but symptoms you describe is normally VCU.

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Should have said propshaft Doh!!

Along length as opposed to what I have heard described as "around vcu" and obviously joining input and output.




""When on full lock in either 1st or Reverse it feels as if there is some resistance almost as if the brake is on 1/2."" is how problem was initially described

Slight resistance is normal...think ive already said that?? If it feels like brakes on then normally a problem...As a guide try above without any use of accelerator...if it stalls or feels like its going to then would get it checked properly


Sorry will try and be more perfectly proper next time

Just had 10 mins so have stuck my head under motor and took these (apologies for quality just used phone and guard dont make things easy) Have marked line from rear of front prop (in) to front of rear prop (out)...

1. Shows VCU complete and in attempt to show what moves and what doesnt I have marked along its length from prop to prop



2. Shows after about half a mile ( 2 checks prior were still inline...by coincidence so dont take first read as definite) You will note that line has gone (rotated out of sight) on one half (doesnt matter which) and is still visible on the other half.



If lines do stay together on both halves then start looking for your wallet.

Hope that helps

Couldn't you make the VCU guard a little more substantial??

Have already bent that (Mk 1) at bottom (look closely) Dont know of any Mk 2s being bent as they were a slightly different/stronger design ..Mk 3 on its way shortly

Mind you original only built from ****e lying round behind my shed.

MK1 Testing


MK2


Testing See Ramp

doobreydog said:

Have already bent that (Mk 1) at bottom (look closely) Dont know of any Mk 2s being bent as they were a slightly different/stronger design ..Mk 3 on its way shortly

Mind you original only built from ****e lying round behind my shed.

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Excellent - I have saved about 4 old beds (spring type) for the angle iron (which looks identical to your Iron on the guard). I'm planning to build a trailer to move a motorcycle, boat and also accept hinged aluminium sides that can create a reasonable loadspace or fold flat and be secured. Just need the time and garage space