Back after a good few years, but with a few questions...

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Geodark

Geodark

Active Member
Posts
224
Hello all, got rid of my freelander a good few years ago now (7 or 8 years), but the bairn is getting older so really fancy getting another TD4 now. But have a few questions (so I say thankyou in advance :)) ...

1) I remember when I had mine (2001 plate) about the VCU and IRD issues - on looking at 53/54/55 plate ones now - do they still suffer as bad?
2) is the best way still the tipex test and/or reversing with full lock to listen for any bangs etc?
3) are the electrics on the windows and sunroof still as iffy?
4) I am looking at a 53 plate with 80k+ miles and a55 plate with 123k+ miles - how bad are these at high miles now?
5) Other than the VCU, Crank case filter and stuff mentioned above is there anything else I need to look out for now?

If there is a buying guide on here and I have just been too lazy to look for it I apologise in advance :)

Geo
 
1 Yes
2 Whichever works for you. I prefer checking whilst reversing.
3 Ooohhh yes
4 Either /or, same checks apply as always, to facelift or not to facelift, that is the question
5 Higher mileage = more wear on parts, see what's been changed if possible, listen for the usual clunks and whirs.

To be honest, you've had one before, test drive it, see if you like it. Does it look like it's been looked after?
Buy it, then kick yourself for the next 5 years, while you remember all the daft niggles these cars have.
Wouldn't sell mine though:)
Mike
 
Tippex is worthless as a test. The best test that has been come up with is the One Wheel Up Test (OWUT). You'll find out how it's done at the top of the page. It is easy to carry out at home using a socket, bit of wood a 5Ltr container of water and a watch with a second hand. Basically you measure the time taken for your known length lever to travel 45° of rotation. This will give you a clue as to how stiff the VCU has become. Times vary from about 18 seconds to over 2 minutes. I'd suggest with times over 50 seconds or so be considered as danger times for the IRD or diff unless a replacement VCU is fitted. Opinions very but it's simple not worth taking a costly gamble.
 
Nodge68 said:
Tippex is worthless as a test. The best test that has been come up with is the One Wheel Up Test (OWUT). You'll find out how it's done at the top of the page. It is easy to carry out at home using a socket, bit of wood a 5Ltr container of water and a watch with a second hand. Basically you measure the time taken for your known length lever to travel 45° of rotation. This will give you a clue as to how stiff the VCU has become. Times vary from about 18 seconds to over 2 minutes. I'd suggest with times over 50 seconds or so be considered as danger times for the IRD or diff unless a replacement VCU is fitted. Opinions very but it's simple not worth taking a costly gamble.
Click to expand...

Cool, dont suppose you know what size socket I need to take? have to say though I will probably replace the vcu anyway just in case. For the sake of £250 its worth it. I normally replace the timing belt on each car I get anyway so no biggie. Although when I say I what I actually mean is my neighbour who is a mechanic :)
 
I've got one for sale ;).....VCU has been renewed. Sunroof is sealed at the moment but can always be brought back to life if necessary.
 
Geodark said:
Cool, dont suppose you know what size socket I need to take? have to say though I will probably replace the vcu anyway just in case. For the sake of £250 its worth it. I normally replace the timing belt on each car I get anyway so no biggie. Although when I say I what I actually mean is my neighbour who is a mechanic :)
Click to expand...
lol, I think that's a perfect buying attitude for Freeanders :)

The socket's a 32mm. It may be worth doing the test for a couple of reasons (1) it might not be 4WD any more, there's various ways a Freeander can be made to be 2WD, not all f them are obvious just by looking at the car and plenty have been converted nowadays. If you jack a rear wheel and it turns quite easily, its 2WD. (2) if its a really slow time, for example 2 mins, consider what damage may have already been done to the IRD, If its not making any noises though even an abused IRD will probably still be OK for ages just with replacement of the bearing in the pinion.

The VCU/IRD is obviously an important consideration when buying Freelanders, and you do get some threads of people having lots of various other problems, but generally I'd say they do appear to be holding up well as good reliable cars - especially the diesels.
 
I found the easiest way to understand the One Wheel Up Test was to watch a YouTube video.


It is very easy to do once you have found the bits. I will be doing mine periodically to keep an eye on it.
 
If the car has done 83k it probably needs a new VCU, if it has done 123k it almost certainly needs a new VCU so factor approx £270 into the cost, plus fitting if you pay your neighbour.
 
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