Can someone explain the freelander drive system

Im a bit confused with the whole system, can someone explain the 4wd system for me, i know its non selectable. Think im just overall confused could someone shed some light on it for me.

Thanks.

it comes under the rather dubious Central Rotational and Permanent drive system, commonly referred to, on here, as CRAP.

basically the IRD splits the output from the gearbox so that yu get a drive running towards the back via a propshaft - this goes thru a VCU or "Two tin cans filled with jelly", to give it its full technical description. This VCU is then connected to the rear diff (complete with mounts if yu are lucky) via another propshaft.
Wot happens is, when one of the rear wheels starts to slip on muddy ground or a wet leaf, the VCU says "bugger this" and locks up solid to provide drive to the rear as well. Unfortunately any slight tyre wear on the rear tyres and this confuses the CRAP system and the VCU decides to remain locked up. THis then causes the the IRD to go into hyperbole and screw itself.

Hope this helps
love Dorothy

Hi Ian
As far as I understand it, its basically a split drive system. Primarily Front Wheel drive, the propshaft and VCU deliver approx 15% to the rear wheels. If, for any reason, the front wheels slip (mud/snow etc) the viscious coupling delivers more power to the rear wheels so giving 4x4 action. To check your VCU is operating correctly, draw a chalk line on the front propshaft and continue it down onto the rear propshaft, over the VCU. After being driven for a bit, the lines should NOT line up front and rear as they rotate at different rates. If still lined up, your VCU is seized up. Anyone suffering this will usually disconnect the prop shaft and run in mondy mode until VCu is replaced.
Ignore MHM's derisory comments, he's just miffed that we can have as much fun in the mud as he can

Just to clarify a couple of things, Land Rover gave up quoting figures, I beleieve of a good hard surface the drive can be a lot less than 15% to the rear, in perfect conditions being only just enough to be able to claim it is permanent four wheel drive. I think this is particularly on the later vehicles with the revised IRD geraing.
A Viscous coupling has two plates running in a fliud, one connected to the from wheels and engine, the other to the rear wheels. In normal driving they are running at almost the same speed. When a front wheel states to spin the plate driven by the front will start to turn faster in comparuison to that driven by the rear wheels. This courses the fluid to warm up, and the viscosity to increase, and so start transmitting drive to the rear. The effect is almost instant. When working properly it is a very good system.

Golly ole Flops as gone into wun agin. . . . .Mrs Ming!!!!!

Cheers guys. Got to agree, i had a disco before i bought this and think the drive system is pretty crap. Ive had new tyres replaced all round and im getting a funny whine from the back somewhere, and a judder when turning tight corners at slow speed and also a clunk if i change gear to hard.

If i had the money i'd buy a disco, but since im a bit screwed with work at the moment cant really afford it.

Cheers for the explaining the system.

IanUK said:

Cheers guys. Got to agree, i had a disco before i bought this and think the drive system is pretty crap. Ive had new tyres replaced all round and im getting a funny whine from the back somewhere, and a judder when turning tight corners at slow speed and also a clunk if i change gear to hard.

If i had the money i'd buy a disco, but since im a bit screwed with work at the moment cant really afford it.

Cheers for the explaining the system.

Click to expand...

:amen: feckin tratters indeed:crutch:

I thort my descrippo was humourous and correct - it describes it well?

int that rite, Minge?

Judder turning tight corners at low speed is normal. clunking may be diff mountings.

I'd go with Dorothy's description.

FL1 launched 1997, customers complained of problems with the drivetrain, funny noises etc, they were told TADT sir/madam

LR basically buried their heads in the sand hoping it would go away, it took them 5 years before they admitted the design flaw it was only then did they make a new crown and pinion ratio of the iRD

The drivetrain parts are expensive, far too over-priced, non-serviceable,

The Mad Hat Man said:

it comes under the rather dubious Central Rotational and Permanent drive system, commonly referred to, on here, as CRAP.

basically the IRD splits the output from the gearbox so that yu get a drive running towards the back via a propshaft - this goes thru a VCU or "Two tin cans filled with jelly", to give it its full technical description. This VCU is then connected to the rear diff (complete with mounts if yu are lucky) via another propshaft.
Wot happens is, when one of the rear wheels starts to slip on muddy ground or a wet leaf, the VCU says "bugger this" and locks up solid to provide drive to the rear as well. Unfortunately any slight tyre wear on the rear tyres and this confuses the CRAP system and the VCU decides to remain locked up. THis then causes the the IRD to go into hyperbole and screw itself

Hope this helps
love Dorothy

Click to expand...

Unless ya drive every where backwards ya got the wheel slippy bit arse about !!!

oh!! :rolly: my drive is provided by a big yellow thing with flashing yellow lights, picks me up and takes my FL everywhere. thought it came as standard with the hippo..hmmm