Custom TC

Charlot · Apr 22, 2017

GrumpyGel said:
If you start talking about swapping out the whole ABS system for a later version, that's a massive job - especially if you're thinking of a system that was never in an F1. As Nodge says there is the physical/mechanical aspects of different sensor/reluctor/bearing types - but also all the car networking - even down to silly little things like getting the ABS light lit and off again to get a MOT.

You talk about using an Arduino. As I see it, that is probably the easiest option - in the same way the torque boxes work on an engine. With those, all the sensors connect to the 'box' - it does its logic on them and then sends converted signals to the engine's ECU to make it behave differently to standard. So in your case, all the ABS sensors (and possibly other feeds as well) would go to your Arduino 'box' and it would then provide patched feeds on to the ABS ECU. In normal mode you would pass the signals through 'as-is' but when you determine a condition that requires a non-standard action from the ECU - you would pass through a modified (maybe preset) sequence of signals.

However...

(1) It will be very complicated if you've never done anything like this before.
(2) I doubt you'll improve the system.

If you look at @Hippo videos on YouTube, I'm sure he's got axle twister vids on there and the standard LR system works. I don't think I was ever in an axle twister type situation while 4WD, but when I go down the river bed with my 2WD setup the TC kicks in often to keep me moving and I've never got stuck. Nodge and Hippo are running the Teves Mk25 and I'm running the Wabco system. I suppose its possible the Teves Mk20 doesn't work as well. If that's the case though, it would be quicker and cheaper to sell your Freelander and get a Mk25/Wabco one.

I have previoussly been on axle twisters in my current setup and went over after getting momentary stuck until turning the wheel left and right and keeping the revs up. managed to do so but again without the TC Kicking in at any time. managed because the car was unbalanced and was going up and down from one corner so each time the tyre bounced on the ground it made tiny progress untill it was finally out.

as for the arduino part, that's exactly what I had in mind. not the easy I know unless I can manage to retro fit. maybe from another TD4 Pre facelift.

Also considered what you said but locally (Malta) it's not that worth it. I bought mine 2000 TD4 5dr pre facelift for 6000Euro. that's not cheap. and mainly because it has the old road licence Scheme that maxes at 325euro annually. Another car of same spec and age but on the newer scheme would be cheaper to buy (maybe 700-2500 euro) BUT road licence would max at 1800euro annualy and that's one expensive car to keep on the road. those are prices not including insuriance (average 300Euro)

That's whiy I want to look for alternative ways. Today I will test the car on gravel and see how it goes and get a definiteve result if TC is actually working / installed.

If its any help the attached pic is of the ABS module behind fuse box.

also is it possible to reed modules installed and extras using a diagnostic software?

Charlot · Apr 22, 2017

ok finally tested on gravel and although it took a few tries and flooring it a few times in tight turns. I finally got the TC light to come on although briefly. Can say it handles excellent on gravel never out of control.

so at least that's setteled. next are some good AT tyres and maybe as @Nodge68 suggested a A torque biasing rear diff.

rob_bell · Apr 24, 2017

Sounds like a good plan!

Nodge68 · May 16, 2017

Just had a thought on this while looking at a BMW X5 the other day. It occurred to me that it uses a similar ABS system to the Freelander 1. However the BMW has ESP incorporated onto the mix. It "may" be possible to get that system to work on the Freelander's "similar" CAN network.

Charlot · May 16, 2017

@Nodge68 any links with info? Please

Nodge68 · May 16, 2017

Here's a PDF of X5 ABS ECU pinouts.

Charlot · May 16, 2017

Does look like a pretty basic interface. As in, from what I can understand from the pinouts. its like a separate system that doesn't depend on other modules.
Signal input from wheel sensors and output to pump in simple words.

Am I right?

rob_bell · May 16, 2017

Calibration will be the problem I suspect even if you were able to transfer the firmware... Might be an interesting project for someone!

Nodge68 · May 16, 2017

rob_bell said:
Calibration will be the problem I suspect even if you were able to transfer the firmware... Might be an interesting project for someone!

It was just a thought that popped onto my head, while I was changing yet another X5 door actuator.
Lot's of LR systems contained an amount of BMW influence, while in there ownership.

I think the only advantage of the X5 ABS ECU, would be the possible inclusion of ESP.

Otherwise I can't see it's much a better system.

I still reckon that a proper rear diff is the way to go.

Custom TC

Charlot

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Charlot

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rob_bell

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Nodge68

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Charlot

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Nodge68

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Charlot

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