Freelander 2 Torque Steer

I have a 2009 Freelander2 HSE and am experiencing very bad torque steer when power is applied in any gear. The propshaft has been removed, problem persists. Prop on, wheels changed (in case of tyre issues), problem persists.. 4 wheel alignment carried out by landy specialist, problem persists. Engine and gearbox mounts checked, problem persists. Both lower front wishbones replaced by specialist, problem persists.
Any idea where I go from here? Anyone had the same issues?
Car pulls violently to the right under power the swings violently left when you lift off.

When yer ses 4 wheel alignment... Did they actually measure and correct the rear wheels? A lot of garages will tell yer they've done a wiz bang laser 4 wheel alignment but int reality they only have kit to adjust the front wheels.

Hippo said:

When yer ses 4 wheel alignment... Did they actually measure and correct the rear wheels? A lot of garages will tell yer they've done a wiz bang laser 4 wheel alignment but int reality they only have kit to adjust the front wheels.

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No. He is a Landrover specialist and tells me he has done a complete 4 wheel alignment. At a real loss as to what's going on with this though. In the last 2 years I have changed gearbox, clutch, rear diff and haldex unit. Not related to this issue I am sure, but a lot of cash spent none the less!

Torque steer normally turns the steering wheel when applying the power and releasing it. Do you get this?

The reason why I asked about the wheels is because they're adjustable. Not all cars are. You also need to get the rear thrust angle setup correct anorl (balance of both rear wheels pushing forward together).

Hippo said:

Torque steer normally turns the steering wheel when applying the power and releasing it. Do you get this?

The reason why I asked about the wheels is because they're adjustable. Not all cars are. You also need to get the rear thrust angle setup correct anorl (balance of both rear wheels pushing forward together).

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The only reason the steering wheel moves is due to me counter steering for the torque steer. It is pretty violent though!

Just re read the first post. With the prop removed it isolates the problem to the front end.

Are the front tyres new and evenly wearing?

If you sit on a perfectly flat car park and drive slowly forwards will the car steer to one side or stay straight?

If you were to do the same but pull away fast without holding the steering wheel... Will it pull to one side and steer to that side?

If you lift the front end do the wheels spin freely via the diff?

Hippo said:

Just re read the first post. With the prop removed it isolates the problem to the front end.

Are the front tyres new and evenly wearing?

If you sit on a perfectly flat car park and drive slowly forwards will the car steer to one side or stay straight?

If you were to do the same but pull away fast without holding the steering wheel... Will it pull to one side and steer to that side?

If you lift the front end do the wheels spin freely via the diff?

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Front tyres were new back in June/July. No problem at low speed or when in neutral. I have run the car downhill and put into neutral. No issues.
If you pull away quickly from standing start car will pull to the right in a big way. Problem has got progressively worse over about a month. Don't know about jacking the front as car is still with specialist.

I came across similar with another vehicle a while ago. It too had a 4 wheel alignment but suffered torque steer. Problem is the rig only sets up the wheels when stationary and relaxed. When driving forwards the wheels are pushed back. If there's play in the bushes etc then it won't show up on the rig as the car is relaxed. When driving the bushes are under pressure so any wear will allow movement.

Under harsh eggscelleration the bushes etc are under max force so will move if they can. I wonder if this is what's happening with yours. You would normally look at bushes etc when inspecting before a wheel alignment if the owner reported the problems yer has.

I'm wondering if the wheels are turning slightly under harsh eggscelleration due to wear, away from where they are under less pressure when cruising gently.

With the prop oft I can't think of anything int transmission which would wear and cause it to pull to one side.

which bushes in particular? The lower wishbones have been changed as an assembly on both sides at the front.

Grumpybum said:

which bushes in particular? The lower wishbones have been changed as an assembly on both sides at the front.

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Specialist did say it pulled worse with the prop off

All bushes on the front wheels but they have been changed with the wishbones.

If it were mine I would put 2 cameras on it. One looking at each front wheel on an angle which allows yer to see how much the wheel turns as yer apply, and during eggscelleration. Turns, not as in rolling. They will turn outwards a bit but I would be looking for one to move more or other move less to steer it to one side.

I can't think of what could cause this on the power side. There's a diff between the wheels. I can't see how the transmission would hold back or divert the power to one side.

Are the alloy wheel centres the same temperature int middle. Indicationing the heat generated from braking on each wheel is the same. Therefore braking is balanced ok.

Hippo said:

All bushes on the front wheels but they have been changed with the wishbones.

If it were mine I would put 2 cameras on it. One looking at each front wheel on an angle which allows yer to see how much the wheel turns as yer apply, and during eggscelleration. Turns, not as in rolling. They will turn outwards a bit but I would be looking for one to move more or other move less to steer it to one side.

I can't think of what could cause this on the power side. There's a diff between the wheels. I can't see how the transmission would hold back or divert the power to one side.

Are the alloy wheel centres the same temperature int middle. Indicationing the heat generated from braking on each wheel is the same. Therefore braking is balanced ok.

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Thanks. I will tell the fitter and see how he gets on.

Grumpybum said:

Both lower front wishbones replaced by specialist

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Grumpybum said:

In the last 2 years I have changed gearbox, clutch, rear diff and haldex unit. Not related to this issue I am sure, but a lot of cash spent none the less!

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Grumpybum said:

Front tyres were new back in June/July.

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I'm not surprised you're Grumpy.

I'm surprised you haven't burnt the car.

This isn't torque steer. If it turns so violently one way when accellerating and the other when braking - surely something in the suspension's broke - and dangerously broke. I'm surprised your specialist can't find it.

If it was my motor, if I couldn't see any damage to the suspension parts or bushes, I think I'd take it along to a WOF center for a warrant (MOT) and they'd presumably fail it on what's broke! This would also do me the favour of making it less likely I'd drive the car in that state if/when they fail it.

Worn driveshaft cv joints can affect steering, have they been dismantled and assembled in a different place ?

Hi All,

Has anyone come up with a resoloution to this problem? I have exactly the same issue. HAd the car on a ramp yesterday and all bushes / props / steering rack etc are all fine. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Welcome to LandyZone

Shimsteriom said:

Welcome to LandyZone

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Thank you!

Only had my freelander 2 for a few months and started suffering with this issue within the last week.
After having a play around with the prop shift and all wheels off the floor it would appear that the issue is the transfer box at the rear. Basicallythe rear wheels are intermittently, if at all, turning when the prop shift is turned.
Gonna cost a few hundred quid for a replacement and thats just a recon but if it works then problem solved.

Magpi3 said:

Only had my freelander 2 for a few months and started suffering with this issue within the last week.
After having a play around with the prop shift and all wheels off the floor it would appear that the issue is the transfer box at the rear. Basicallythe rear wheels are intermittently, if at all, turning when the prop shift is turned.
Gonna cost a few hundred quid for a replacement and thats just a recon but if it works then problem solved.

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Are you aware the haldex at the rear connects/disconnects drive to the rear wheels?

Hippo said:

Are you aware the haldex at the rear connects/disconnects drive to the rear wheels?

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Ahhh, I was not aware no, is that on all freeanders or only the modern ones. Mines 07