Worsening vibration

I posted a while back about an intermittent vibration at about 50mph on my 2004 1.8 Freelander. It was suggested that it was the VCU, or front CV joints, but I have not replaced either, as the problem disappeared for a while.

Unfortunately, it has recently got much worse. At any speed over 40 mph it is vibrating badly, although this is greatly lessened when drive is disengaged (although it doesn't disappear completely). Below 40mph there is little sign of any vibration.

Car has done 75k miles, so is due a new VCU, but before I order one I'd like to have some idea of whether this is the source of the problem. I'm also worried that I may have damaged the IRD - not sure what the usual signs of issues with this are.

I know this is an old chestnut, but I can't find anything in the archives that exactly matches my problems.

Any ideas greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

JP

First thing to do is drop the vcu and the prop shafts off to rule out the vcu bearings

How are the tyres? Mismatched tyres, or worn tyres are a problem on Freelanders from time to time.

One of the many steps we took to get ours from horrible to nicec was replacing all four tyres, our problem was vibration, started about 35 mph and got worse up to mid 50s, then settled down and annoyed.

There are a couple of bits you can remove to check out the IRD, skim IRD scam sticky at the top of this forum for the photos, from memory they were posted by Hippo.

Sorry, it's the IRD recon sticky, not the IRD rip off sticky you want to look at for the photos.

Hi , is your VCU hot after a trip of 5 miles or so ? get under the car and feel it , if its very hot it will be mismatched tyres , as it was with mine !