Drive chain

Please can someone advise me on the drive chain on the freelander td4's I have a 2004 and read it should be replaced after 60k and mines done 78k

Is this true?

Thank you

Think I've answered my own question, just found this..

2. The Freelander Drive Train

a) Viscous Coupling Unit (VCU)

i) In the Service History

The viscous coupling unit (VCU) is a sealed unit on the prop shaft that supports the four wheel drive function of a Freelander. All Freelander 1 models have a viscous coupling unit (unless the prop shaft has been removed, rendering the Freelander a two wheel drive vehicle).

The viscous coupling unit is a sealed unit which contains a viscous fluid. As the viscous fluid becomes thicker it over time the viscous coupling will become stiffer to rotate and this will put a strain on the whole drive train of the Freelander. Hence the viscous coupling unit is an item which should be replaced regularly, at about 70,000 miles. If there is no record of having the viscous coupling replaced and the Freelander you are buying has done 70,000 miles or more then you should be considering replacing this immediately.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

A reconditioned viscous coupling unit, which has had its viscous fluid replaced, is £270 (add an extra £65 if you replace the bearings at the same time, which is recommended), and fitting is £105.

ii) On the Freelander

Since the viscous coupling unit is a sealed unit it is difficult to know if the viscous fluid has become too thick – it is not like the oil where you can pull out the dipstick and see how it looks. If when you drive the Freelander it feels as if it is holding back or as if the brakes are binding, then this could be the viscous coupling showing excessive signs of wear. It will be especially noticeable when reversing on full lock.

Once the viscous coupling becomes stiff there is a lot of strain put on the whole drive train. If the Freelander is still driven as normal it will eventually damage the IRD unit (transfer box) and the rear differential – then things get really expensive. Generally if you can hear a clunking noise from the front of the vehicle as you go around corners then there is a good chance that there is damage to the IRD.

Have a look on bellengineerings site all will be explained , after a run get under the car and feel the VCU it should be cold , if its very hot theres a problem , hope this helps

not always so mine lasted until 173000

Freebird1969 said:

Please can someone advise me on the drive chain on the freelander td4's I have a 2004 and read it should be replaced after 60k and mines done 78k

Is this true?

Thank you

Click to expand...

Recon vcu with bearings and fitting is £300.

BTW nice speed triple in your avatar (I have a tiger 1050l

so u can replace the vcu and its bearings seperatley?
just about to pick up a freelander with 74k on the clock so want to get to know about the weak points on the freelander. wheres the best place to get a reconed vcu from? is it worth doing urself or just slip it to ur local mech?

johnsbwgood said:

so u can replace the vcu and its bearings seperatley?
just about to pick up a freelander with 74k on the clock so want to get to know about the weak points on the freelander. wheres the best place to get a reconed vcu from? is it worth doing urself or just slip it to ur local mech?

Click to expand...

You can change just the bearings and reuse vcu, but changing vcu and reusing bearings is false economy and most likely you will damage old bearings getting them off the old vcu anyway.

Best place to get a vcu and fitting in your local area, mmmm let me think........

--------v v v v v v v v v v v v -------

Not a million miles from you......Bell Engineering at Bewdley. Google them.
Many happy users on here, they are a 5 star outfit and will check yours out F.O.C..
Apart from brand new units-be warned there are cowboys out there.

cheers guys, thanks for the info. i'm a member of ukpassats and know a fair bit on them and often explain things or suggest things to check for new owners and i believe these forums r the best places to learn about ur new car and find places for parts aswell. so bewdley hey, f.o.c u say to check my vcu? worth a trip when i finally get her.
thanks again guys

Wow 173,000 miles

Is it worth the risk though, as they can do so much damage when they done wrong

Will try have a grope underneath lol just gotta make sure I feel the right bit lol

Thank you!

Austin it's a street triple not a speed triple but they do look alike . thx