VCU Torque test results
- Thread starter The Mad Hat Man
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MollyNomad
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Haha If I tried that in my TD4 I would end up going back in time..I need my VCU back on soonest
kernowsvenski
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Results of my latest test.
Recon VCU from Bell, fitted November 2017
Current vehicle mileage approx 182000, VCU mileage approx 63,000
Test carried out after the vehicle has stood overnight, temp approx 12 degrees. 8kg at 1.2m
Test 1 = 40s
Test 2 = 36s
Test 3 = 45s
Test 4 = 60s
Test 5 = 34s
Test 6 = 26s
Test 7 = 25s
Test 8 = 27s
Test 9 = 44s
Test 10 = 28s
Now there are a couple of obvious anomalies. On tests 4 and 9 the wheel rotated in jerks rather than smoothly for half of the test distance which is a bit odd. I wonder if there is a dry section in the plates or something? On all the other tests the wheel rotated smoothly.
What's the consensus here? do I need to be looking at a replacement in the near future?
Recon VCU from Bell, fitted November 2017
Current vehicle mileage approx 182000, VCU mileage approx 63,000
Test carried out after the vehicle has stood overnight, temp approx 12 degrees. 8kg at 1.2m
Test 1 = 40s
Test 2 = 36s
Test 3 = 45s
Test 4 = 60s
Test 5 = 34s
Test 6 = 26s
Test 7 = 25s
Test 8 = 27s
Test 9 = 44s
Test 10 = 28s
Now there are a couple of obvious anomalies. On tests 4 and 9 the wheel rotated in jerks rather than smoothly for half of the test distance which is a bit odd. I wonder if there is a dry section in the plates or something? On all the other tests the wheel rotated smoothly.
What's the consensus here? do I need to be looking at a replacement in the near future?
Hippo
Lord Hippo
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Time for replacement. You could lift the rear wheels to check they spin freely. Nowt catching. Those timings are high.
kernowsvenski
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Yeah, I'm thinking that too. What I thought was strange was the difference between the tests which were all carried out under the same, quick fire conditions;
Worst Test (#4)
Best test (#7)
GrumpyGel
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The pole the weight is tied to is a bit flexible. I think that as soon as it gets a little 'bounce', for what ever reason which could just be the weight scraping across the pole from vertical, it will bounce the rest of the way down.
kernowsvenski
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Interesting point. I'd not thought of that. In previous tests I've always used a length of box section steel but that in itself is quite heavy. I wanted to do the test with something lighter to get the results more accurate. The broom handle was all I had to hand and I was slightly concerned it would split under the weight to be honest.
Alibro
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I've always used 5kg at 1.2m so it's difficult for me to comment but I'm pretty sure all the Freelanders I've owned were much worse than that when I first got them.
GrumpyGel
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Try some lube on the top of the pole
Might stop the weight catching.
The fastest time of 25 seconds though looks slow and concerning compared to Hippo's test time of 16 seconds. However his tests were done at 23 degrees compared to your 12, which I think would make quite a difference.
kernowsvenski
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Suits you Sir.Try some lube on the top of the pole
Either way, I think it's time to prep for replacement. I don't think it's mega urgent, but It's now on the list of jobs to do in the coming months.
Arctic2
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I always thought the test was supposed to be with the weight to the front of the car wheels driving forward, the broom handle need to be changed for some alloy tubing, what is the official weight when doing this 5kg or 8 kg, also buy refurb by twice i think at that mileage.
new GKN is not that dear really
1
new GKN is not that dear really
kernowsvenski
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I'd be interested on the consensus on this. I've always done the test forwards but on this occasion I was avoiding the bodywork with the weights and as I was parked on a bit of a slope I needed the extra ground clearance to get to horizontal.
Alibro
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I've always done it forwards but have no idea if it makes any difference.
kernowsvenski
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I might give it another go then, before condemming the VCU and whipping off the prop this weekend.
andyfreelandy
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Seeing as the diff works with same ratio in both directions and VCU is plates in fluid that are symmetrical, I don't think the direction matters.
kernowsvenski
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I don't think it'll make a difference either, but it'll add to the discussion.
That's quite a range of times. I must admit, I'm surprised by those, as every time I've done it, they have been within (say) 5 seconds of each other. I've only ever done it with 5kg on the end of the bar, though, and they typically take 45-50 seconds, with the wheel rotating forward. (5 litres of water weighs 5kg, so I generally just use a plastic gallon can). Definitely worth trying both wheels (in case you've got a sticky brake on one), and trying them rotating forwards, I'd have thought?
Alibro
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