2003 v6 vibration/wind noise while driving

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So I just bought a new to me freelander for the wife. Its in excellent shape with 137000 kms on it. Upon the test drive I found that it has a vibration or excessive wind noise on the right hand front side ( I'm from Canada so it's the passenger side for me) it starts to make the noise as soon as we start driving and generally seems to go away as we speed up. What would be the first thing I need to be looking at? I thought it was a wheel bearing but I could not feel any play in them.
A couple of other questions, if I pull the VCU and driveshafts do I have to plug any holes or can I drive it like it is?
What would be the first things to get looked at, change in it with this kinda mileage? Supposedly it was maintained by landrover here, but I didn't see all the paper work yet.
Thanks from Canada.
 
if I pull the VCU and driveshafts do I have to plug any holes or can I drive it like it is?
I assume you mean the propshaft(s) - You can but you don't really need to as the holes go all the way through so unlikely to get blocked.
What would be the first things to get looked at, change in it with this kinda mileage? Supposedly it was maintained by landrover here, but I didn't see all the paper work yet.
Most obviously that the tyres match in pattern and wear, then the usual i.e. check if the storage box in the rear gets wet when it rains,
is the coolant level consistent, any coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant, etc., and very importantly the normal VCU checks (does it feel like brakes are on when reversing slowly on full lock, the "one wheel up" test, etc)
Thanks from Canada.
You're welcome :)

Regarding the noise, it could just be a VCU bearing - probably at about the right mileage for a second change.
The VCU is most likely stiffened as well by now if it's original. Need to check that ASAP or risk expensive damage, but it looks like you have that covered.
 
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So I just bought a new to me freelander for the wife. Its in excellent shape with 137000 kms on it. Upon the test drive I found that it has a vibration or excessive wind noise on the right hand front side ( I'm from Canada so it's the passenger side for me) it starts to make the noise as soon as we start driving and generally seems to go away as we speed up. What would be the first thing I need to be looking at? I thought it was a wheel bearing but I could not feel any play in them.
A couple of other questions, if I pull the VCU and driveshafts do I have to plug any holes or can I drive it like it is?
What would be the first things to get looked at, change in it with this kinda mileage? Supposedly it was maintained by landrover here, but I didn't see all the paper work yet.
Thanks from Canada.

Follow Canadian here. What province are you in? I am in ontario

On the vibration noise, does it change when turning in a circle at roughly 40 KM/h either going left or right? I find doing so help narrow down if it is a suspension part or wheel bearing on a specific side.


On the maintenance front, it is imperative that you figure out if the replacement of the timing belts were done, along with water pump and idler pulley and tensioner pulley. If the belt goes, it is not pretty.

You should be able to call the dealer to get the maintenance history.

In case you do not know, the KV6 engine cannot tolerate any kind of overheating without possible bad things happening (head gasket , etc etc) so on a weekly basis, check the coolant level, and when driving the moment the temperature gauge jumps up, stop and check coolant level. I cannot say this enough.

Welcome
 
follow canadian here. What province are you in? I am in ontario

on the vibration noise, does it change when turning in a circle at roughly 40 km/h either going left or right? I find doing so help narrow down if it is a suspension part or wheel bearing on a specific side.


On the maintenance front, it is imperative that you figure out if the replacement of the timing belts were done, along with water pump and idler pulley and tensioner pulley. If the belt goes, it is not pretty.

You should be able to call the dealer to get the maintenance history.

In case you do not know, the kv6 engine cannot tolerate any kind of overheating without possible bad things happening (head gasket , etc etc) so on a weekly basis, check the coolant level, and when driving the moment the temperature gauge jumps up, stop and check coolant level. I cannot say this enough.

Welcome

+1 ;)
 
I assume you mean the propshaft(s) - You can but you don't really need to as the holes go all the way through so unlikely to get blocked.
Yes I forgot that you called them prop shafts, I fit airplanes so a prop shaft goes out to a propeller.


Most obviously that the tyres match in pattern and wear, then the usual i.e. check if the storage box in the rear gets wet when it rains,
is the coolant level consistent, any coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant, etc., and very importantly the normal VCU checks (does it feel like brakes are on when reversing slowly on full lock, the "one wheel up" test, etc)
You're welcome :)

No coolant in the oil, no water inside at all very dry, but it had not snowed for a bit, I'll have to wait till spring time to see about that. It reverses normal not sign/feel of brakes dragging. The only thing I could not really heck was the VCU, that's gonna be the next couple of days when I'm off shift.

Regarding the noise, it could just be a VCU bearing - probably at about the right mileage for a second change.
The VCU is most likely stiffened as well by now if it's original. Need to check that ASAP or risk expensive damage, but it looks like you have that covered.
After a lot of reading on the forum, I came to that kinda conclusion as well. Is there a good way to check the bearing? Or just replace it? I'm not sure if it's on the original VCU yet, but it will be on my list of things to swap out as soon as I can. I hope to have it tonight, depends on weather if I can pick it up before insurance place close if not I'll have it for tues night! Looking forward to driving the little car, and hope it gonna be problem free except for maintence
Thanks
 
After a lot of reading on the forum, I came to that kinda conclusion as well. Is there a good way to check the bearing? Or just replace it? I'm not sure if it's on the original VCU yet, but it will be on my list of things to swap out as soon as I can. I hope to have it tonight, depends on weather if I can pick it up before insurance place close if not I'll have it for tues night! Looking forward to driving the little car, and hope it gonna be problem free except for maintence
Thanks

There are many threads on VCU bearings, let me know if you need help searching.

Did you pickup the car yet?
 
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