Knocking/Banging from under car when turning

Hi All

Would really appreciate your help here...

My freelander started making some unhealthy noises recently. Firstly there was general increased noise (sort of whooshing/grinding) from under the vehicle and secondly a tendancy for and intense vibration (banging) that occurs usually when at a speed of 20mph when doing a turn or going round a tight roundabout (also more often when slowing than when accelerating).

Took it to a recommended independant garage and they told me it needed a new rear diff so had this done (with a LR reconditioned unit as was half the price of a LR dealer). Having done some research, I read that it is normal to replace the VCU at the same time as the rear diff and I mentioned this to the garage but they didn't seem to think this would be necessary.

Well, it cured the general noise, but still get the banging/knocking on turning.

Took it back and they replaced both shaft bearings either side of the VCU and also the rear diff mount which were all worn (car has done 125k miles).

This has still not fixed the banging and so they have said that the only other thing it could be is the VCU.

The noise certainly sounds as though it is coming from under the car in the location of where the VCU is, but I am cautious of spending another £300 - £400 and find that this is not the problem after all.

Have been under the car and can't find anything that is loose enough to cause such a loud vibration/banging.

Any advice or opinions would be very welcome.

Many thanks

If you do not replace you vcu you will be paying a lot more.
As you ird and rear diff destroy them selfs .i have no doubt your
Rear diff fail was due to you vcu being to tight.

dito

Go to a decent garage, who in there right mind would fit a new diff onto worn out mounts?

Get your VCU changed, it's a racing certainty that's whats caused your rear diff to self destruct & it sounds to me like your IRD is knackered as well, caused by the same tight VCU. Oh and change your garage for one that knows what they are about.
New (OEM) or recon VCU will cost between £300 to £450 fitted. If your IRD has failed that is going to cost you many more beer tokens. If I were you I wouldn't drive it because if it damages the IRD casing no one will accept it for exchange which would up significantly increasing the number of beer tokens that would have to be diverted to pay for it !!, Scary stuff eh !

Thanks all for your helpful comments. I have booked it in to another garage on Monday - still independent, but Land Rover specialist.

Am keeping my fingers crossed that the IRD is still ok and it is just the VCU.

Car has been serviced at LR dealership all it's life, given that VCUs (as I have now learned) tend to be replaced at around 70k miles, I am very surprised that they did not tell me about that/advise that I should get it replaced, heaven knows they are always keen to get other non essential work done.

Will let you know how I get on.

Cheers

Karen

In case anyone is interested..it turned out to be a sticking/siezed Univeral Joint.

well done for posting the resolution up

don't be a stranger

If the orginal garage replaced the diff, VCU bearings and diff mounts how on earth did they miss a siezed UJ which may have been the only problem? Who were they?