Drone and strange wear on LF tyre

Hi all. New owner of 2001 Freelander, 98K miles. I've been reading all I can about the transmission. But would appreciate any guidance on this. Will try to return the favour as I get to know the car more.

I already changed the VCU and bearings with a re-conditioned one from Bell Engineering. But drone is still there. It is hard to tell which direction it is coming from. It sounds like a wheel bearing.

But, I have become concerned with the wear on the front left tyre. It is significantly more than the front right tyre. The wear is much worse on the outer edge, where all thread pattern has been worn away.

What could cause this? The tracking maybe? If so, does this situation create much damage to the transmission, and to what? Or, is it the other way around, and there is a fault in the transmission causing the wear?

Also to note that there is a small leak from the IRD.

I suppose my biggest concern is the gearbox. That is the worst case scenario. I took a chance on this car, I am hoping I get away with it.

Would mismatched tyres on the front cause the drone? They are all of the same make, newer ones on the rear. But whatever has caused it, the front two are now mismatched.

But tbh, I am new to this car and am only guessing... any advice from seasoned hands out there much appreciated...

:nopics:

Sawtooth wear is common on SUV's

Kudos for seeing to your VCU as soon as you got it though, not many do that . Welcome btw.

The drone is possibly just down to the uneven wear on your tyres, change them and get the tracking checked or just keep an eye on the wear. Since its new to you the history of the tyre is unknown, it may have been moved from a different position or even have been a part worn.

Yup. Get a new pair of tyres for the back. Move the old ones to the front. Make sure all 4 are the same make, model and size. Better still get 4 new ones. Get the tracking done at the same time.

Yup, you've learnt what I learnt recently - nearside front tyre wears quicker on the outside edge than inside. I swapped it with the drivers side and am monitoring the wear. It's not getting worse.

As others have said, new tyres on the back all the time, and move old used tyres to front to save your IRD.

I swap mine around every 5K so there is never an imbalance.

In 5K the tread wear is less than 0.5mm.

Singvogel.