Local mechanic

Hi I am looking for a reliable mechanic to look at my Freelander and check Diff,VCU and IRD. I am live in Verwood Doset but would travel a little way for the right person. Anyone know of anyone?

I have noticed when I put the steering into full lock and in reverse or going forward it feels like the Brakes are slightly on. Also when driving it seems the noise from the back of the car (Axle I think) gets louder the faster I go and when I turning right there is a rattling noise from front Left wheel.

I've only had the car two weeks and I bought it privately with 12 months MOT but I guess this is going to cost

Many thanks for your help

Bell Engineering will do a free check on a those component - they are in Worcester but well worth the trip as they are probably the best in the business on these.

They have a website - Google Bell Engineering and look for the Land rover references.

Thank you

Agree with angeloc , also the slight braking efect is normal , make sure all 4 tyres are the same make/model/size

Thanks for the advice money's a bit tight so i took car to local MOT centre and he put it up on the hoist and had a look underneath for me he thinks the noise is not from front wheel but from the centre of the car and the VCU he had seen worse but it looks worn and the back axle has a leak from side seal I checked the oil level and as soon as I unscrewed the plug oil came was dripping out he said the rear tyres showed signs of stepping which is a tracking issue all 4 tyres were just legal so for now I'm going to fit a blanking plate on the IRD box and remove the prop shaft and try to replace the leaking oil seal. any advice you could give I would really appreciate as I'm going to attempt to do it myself.

noise from front left wheel when turning right it is the cv joint hope this helps

If the rear Tyres are stepped its a sure sign of the VCU going not tracking.

You can remove the prop without a blanking plate - unbolt the front and rear couplings then drop the VCU bearings and the whole lot comes off in one piece - heavy though and the VCU is best supported on axle stands as you take it down.

The car may then be more economical 2mpg perhaps but handle awfully in comparison, wheelspin often and you have to notify your insurance company who may charge you more for removing a safety feature - sorry.

I removed mine a few times sorting out faults - not anywhere near as good as with it.

Thank you for the advice going to remove prop shaft temporarily next tues which is my next day off will let you know how I get on

Just to update I removed VCU and prop shafts three hours later rusty bolts don't come off easy and it's very fiddley I'm ready to test drive have ordered a blanking plate just in case, quite proud of myself so far.

csideuk said:

Just to update I removed VCU and prop shafts three hours later rusty bolts don't come off easy and it's very fiddley I'm ready to test drive have ordered a blanking plate just in case, quite proud of myself so far.

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No need for a blanking plate - its a waste of money. You will be putting it back to 4x4 soon anyhow ha ha ;-)

Yes your right it seems to drive ok with it removed but will put it back when I can afford a new VCU. The rattling noise from the front N/S wheel when turning right is still there someone suggested when I have new tyres fitted as mine are al just legal it might cure it ?. I'm going to have a go at putting a new side seal on the Diff as that has a bad oil leak.