Can they be checked off the Car?

mudinuri · Jul 24, 2015

Hi all,
I"ve been offered a very tidy 2005 Freelander TD4 SE Auto with 130000 miles which is running in 2 wheel drive. The present owner tells me that it was running OK with the Rear Prop/IRD etc attached but took them off to improve the MPG!!!!!!!!!!
My question is:- Is there anyway I can check the IRD and Viscous Coupling without putting them back ON the car? Can I tell if they need replacing, before I buy the car? Is there somewhere in the New Forest area that could do the checks for me? Even though the price of the Freelander is OK I do not want to buy it if I know above components are knackered.
Cheers

Retrospaceman · Jul 24, 2015

It should have had a cover plate fitted on the back of the IRD, i'd take it off and feel around the crown gear for damage.

People only tend to take them of if they are damaged in my experiance (I've had a few in the past)

As for the coupling - its quite simple to bolt everything back into place, just check the condition of the bearings either side of the VC - I would recommend buying new ones.

B34R · Jul 24, 2015

Assume the VCU is knackered, it's the safest option.

As it's already off the car, it's not that difficult to fit a new one and not that much cash if you get a rebuilt one instead of new.

A good indicator is whether the output flange is still on the gearbox - if it is, they might be telling the truth, if it isn't - and there's a blanking plate in place you're likely to need a rebuild IRD.

clarkkent · Jul 24, 2015

I'm assuming that you want to turn this back into a 4x4 ?
Some folk say the ird can get damaged in 2 wheel mode and although plenty do it, generally most think 2 wheel is a bad idea long term.
Personaly, I would be concerned they just didn't put the prop back on to sell it, as it would command a better price.
However, given you say the price is low, then that reflects the fact that this is only a 2 wheel drive 4x4.
Getting the prop and vcu off them with their assurance it's all ok is a gamble as theirs really no way to test vcu or ird.

teddywood1 · Jul 24, 2015

making it into 2 wheel drive does not really improve mpg I would suspect more damage some where.

lenny1234 · Jul 27, 2015

Assume the worst and price accordingly.

Id say you have a good chance the VCU is OK, and the UJS, but the VCU bearings almost certainly shot. Front or rear diff? That's the big gamble, also mountings for them.

Certainly possible to check all the VCU bearings and the UJs off the car - easier in fact.

I'd guess that jacking up the rear and turning the rear diff pinion by hand would reveal any obvious damage there to crown wheel and pinion.

Also the mounting bushes can be checked that way too.

Not sure how to check front transfer box at all. Others will know more than I.

Can they be checked off the Car?

mudinuri

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Retrospaceman

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B34R

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clarkkent

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teddywood1

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lenny1234

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