Broken VCU

lakey · Mar 3, 2009

While on my 1st off road day it became apparent that my rear wheels were not getting traction. We put one front wheel on a set of rollers the other wheel was chocked with a brick to stop it turning, we then tried to to drive off the rollers and chock using traction from the rear wheels. Nothing happened, I looked under the car from a safe distance to see if the propshaft was spinning, the front shaft was the rear was not. To me this indicates (a novice) the VCU is slipping not gripping the rear drive. It is not the classic VCU sizing up and buggering up the IRD or rear diff.The VCU was replaced less than two years ago.

I have heard of a company called bell engineering which supply recon VCUs, are they a good reputable company? or can any one recommend another source for a reasonablly priced unit.

Cheers
Lakey

Darmain · Mar 3, 2009

Ashcroft Transmissions is a favoured supplier also. I notice they've got new VCs on the shelf when I was looking last night. The loss of power transmission is a known failure mode but not so well documented because, as you said, it doesn't trash the IRD or rear diff.

At £350, I place the question 'do you need four wheel drive?' as you are doing no harm driving like this, unless it did seize. If you're intending off roading then the answer is obvious.

nnnncat · Mar 4, 2009

HI There just joined today my freelander prop and vcu collased took it all off as im not off roading at the minnet have got seconed hand one ready to fit when weather gets better, just wondered if it would pass mot with out it, Go second hand one with both props and hanger bearings 200 pounds.

lakey said:
While on my 1st off road day it became apparent that my rear wheels were not getting traction. We put one front wheel on a set of rollers the other wheel was chocked with a brick to stop it turning, we then tried to to drive off the rollers and chock using traction from the rear wheels. Nothing happened, I looked under the car from a safe distance to see if the propshaft was spinning, the front shaft was the rear was not. To me this indicates (a novice) the VCU is slipping not gripping the rear drive. It is not the classic VCU sizing up and buggering up the IRD or rear diff.The VCU was replaced less than two years ago.

I have heard of a company called bell engineering which supply recon VCUs, are they a good reputable company? or can any one recommend another source for a reasonablly priced unit.

Cheers
Lakey

Darmain · Mar 4, 2009

Do a search for 'Mondo Mode', which is the term given to Freelanders with the props and VC removed. Some people run them like this in the summer and go back to 4x4 in the poorer weather. There will be clues on MOTs as well.

ianda12 · Mar 4, 2009

Read on a thread somewhere on here, that it is not needed for an MOT except in Ireland.

Darmain · Mar 4, 2009

This is likely to be true. However, the car is technically modified in the eyes of the insurance company so bear that in mind.

nnnncat · Mar 5, 2009

Thanks for that guys i think i will keep an eye on the weather and fit the second hand one on ,just ordered a ABS sensor front off side Dealers wanted 360 POUNDS To replace it , So its DIY, And the wife came back from asda minus the back of the wing mirrow someone had kindly knock of can only buy compleat unit, so i had better get cracking , Thank for your help,
PS Lakey my freelander has run perfect for 6 months with out it ,

G13SJC · Mar 5, 2009

nnnncat said:
just wondered if it would pass mot with out it, .

I took mine off temporarily and submitted for an MOT. It passed with an advisory for 'Rear Propshaft Missing'.

Regards,

Steve

nnnncat · Mar 5, 2009

cheers steve

Broken VCU

lakey

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Darmain

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nnnncat

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Darmain

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ianda12

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Darmain

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nnnncat

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G13SJC

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nnnncat

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