FL1 - vibration/rumble under acceleration

I've had my 04 Freelander Van for 8 years - its been great - Ideal for what I do - but its developed a vibration problem - it vibrates when its warmed up (20mins+) and under acceleration. Particularly around 50-60MPH. I can't feel the vibration through the steering wheel or gear stick. I made this short video under the van:



The prop shaft bearings have noticeable movement (particularly the front brearing) if the shaft is pulled side to side by hand, but the video shows more of a front to back movement.

Just wondering what the experts thought the problem is.

How are the tyres. Are they as per the LR specs?

As far as I know, Bridgestone DUELER H/T 684 all round - all about 30PSI - all good treads but more tread on back than front (could do with a front - back swap I guess). Had them for about 4-5 years.

Steve Randall said:

As far as I know, Bridgestone DUELER H/T 684 all round - all about 30PSI - all good treads but more tread on back than front (could do with a front - back swap I guess). Had them for about 4-5 years.

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That's perfect. There should be more tread on the rear.
Front CV joints can cause vibration. VCU mounts gone soft can also do a similar thing.
It's well worth doing the One Wheel Up Test to eliminate the VCU too.

One wheel VCU test gives 45 seconds for 5Kg at 1.2m - which is a bit slower than expected (35sec)

Steve Randall said:

One wheel VCU test gives 45 seconds for 5Kg at 1.2m - which is a bit slower than expected (35sec)

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That's about the same as mine and is no cause for concern.

So next is to check the VCU mounts are able to keep it controlled when it's spinning. It's a good idea to check the damper too. Those have been known to delaminate, which results in vibration.

I agree with Nodge, you look to have a good tyre & VCU setup.

If its a TD4 it could be the main pulley on the engine beginning to delaminate?

General advice is to shine a torch at it and see if there's any glistening specs of metalic dust in the area. It might be worse if the heater or AC is on if its the pulley.

My v6 developed a nasty vibration from the prop shaft, I found the tri bearing at the front of the shaft had collapsed on one roller set. New bearing ,nice and smooth again.
Quite an easy job done on drive at home. Good luck.

If the propshaft is moving forwards and backwards it could be the engine mounts or tie bars but my car had a bad vibration only under acceleration with the gearstick moving around too. After replacing both drive shafts it seems to be sorted.

Turned out to be the tri-bearing at the front of the forward prop shaft:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16828840@N07/albums/72157684459059164

I think I may have damaged it a week or so before when I put the Freelander into a small hidden ditch. The ditch was about 2ft deep at the side of the road with vegetation growing up, the land owner had helpfully cut level with the surrounding grass. That's my excuse anyway. Managed to drive out of it though.

Thanks Folks!

The front half of the prop shaft is meant to be able to move forward and backwards at the front joint you're showing, to allow for engine movement I presume, but the rubber boot torn in half will have allowed all the crap of the day to get in.
How did you sort it? I take it the VCU was off when the video was taken?
Oops, just took another look and the boot might be OK.

It was the rotational play in the tri-bearing that appeared to be the trouble. Fixed by replacing the front prop shaft assembly (which includes the tri-bearing joint).

Steve Randall said:

It was the rotational play in the tri-bearing that appeared to be the trouble. Fixed by replacing the front prop shaft assembly (which includes the tri-bearing joint).

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Have you done the one wheel up test to confirm if the VCU is OK. I'd be worried it is stressing the drive train.

Yes - 5Kg at 1.2m took about 45 secs

I had exactly the same symptoms after having a slow puncture fixed at National Tyres. Turned out they had put 50 psi in nearside front tyre.

M1REK said:

I had exactly the same symptoms after having a slow puncture fixed at National Tyres. Turned out they had put 50 psi in nearside front tyre.

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Do the one one wheel up test and make sure it has 4 identical tyres fitted, with the least worn on the rear. Failure to adhere to this strict tyre maintenance, will result in excess load on the 4X4 components, which that explode in a rather exciting manor.