Freelander 2 (LR2) Droning noise

Belting down the M6 yesterday the co-pilot turned to me and said “Isn’t it a bit loud?”
Thinking about it I had to agree. A loud droning sound that diminishes significantly on left hand bends, not so much on right handers.
Seems to be coming from the front rather than the rear of the vehicle. Very slight buzz coming up the steering wheel.
Transfer box?
Any definitive checks to pin it down.

Rank Amatuer said:

Transfer box?
Any definitive checks to pin it down.

Click to expand...

Wheel bearings more likely.

Lift the front and spin each wheel by hand, while holding onto the middle of the spring. Any roughness in the bearing can normally be felt vibrating the spring.

Thanks for the tip @Nodge68. Looks like nearside front bearing is the culprit as I can feel a rumble on the spring. I would have expected the hub to get hot after a long run though; it didn't.
Seems a complete hub & knuckle assy, complete with bearing would be the easiest DIY solution as I don't have any tools that would get the old bearing out and the new one in.

Rank Amatuer said:

Thanks for the tip @Nodge68. Looks like nearside front bearing is the culprit as I can feel a rumble on the spring. I would have expected the hub to get hot after a long run though; it didn't.
Seems a complete hub & knuckle assy, complete with bearing would be the easiest DIY solution as I don't have any tools that would get the old bearing out and the new one in.

Click to expand...

No problem. Just one of those tricks one picks up over the years.

The hub assembly is definitely the best DIY solution, unless you have access to a 20 ton press.

Wheel bearing replaced. Front nearside sure enough. I can hear the wife talking again