Freelander Project III (Audrey)

I've gone and done it again.

This is Audrey, my third Freelander in the last two years. This time it's Doozle

She's a 2002 TD4 Serengeti with 115k miles that I bought from a lad in Coleraine and as usual for me she needs a bit of work but first the good points:-
Engine runs well
Bodywork is mostly good apart from a few rust bubbles on the back door.
Wheels are nice with four almost new tyres.
Good spare with plenty of tread.
Inside is clean and previous owner had seat covers so no wear on the drivers seat.
Towbar
Service history for almost everything except the VCU!!! The lad I bought it from didn't know much about cars but had only owned it for a year. The previous owner had it from new and looked after it fairly well.

Bad points (that I know of so far)
VCU knackered, car showing signs of transmission wind up on the way home and tight while turning into his drive way.
Radio only working on one side of the car
Back passenger window dodgy
Back passenger door lock dodgy
Rust around boot door handle.
Passenger side front brake caliper sticking.
Wheels need alignment

Now the jobs to do (no doubt this will grow)
Fix VCU.
Replace VCU bearings and refit prop shaft.
Replace rear diff supports. Believe it or not only a year old!!!!!
Check rear Diff oil
replace gaiter on rear O/S half shaft.
Fix car radio (drivers side and front passenger speakers not working). New speakers ordered.
Fix rear N/S/R window regulator.
Fix n/s/r door lock (locks OK but doesn't unlock by properly)
Tighten sloppy gear change..
Repair fuel tank support.
Clean out EGR and Inlet manifold.
Replace plastic leakoff connectors and pipework.
Replace inlet manifold gaskets before refitting.
Repair the boot door handle.
Repair the gaping holes behind the boot door handle.
Respray boot door after fixing hole which grew beyond the handle!
Refit repaired boot door handle.
Replace the missing sump guard which some complete numpty cut out and post measurements for Rimni-Scott.
Check rear brakes
Replace fuel filter
Resecure fuel hose under fuel filter
Replace exhaust back box.
Replace turbo hoses with silicone ones.
Replace Vac hoses
Replace crankcase breather filter
Replace turbo vent filter.
Replace Engine oil and oil filter
Replace air filter
Repaint spare wheel holder
Buy and Fit Ron box.
Replace missing or dozy engine cover grommets.
Repair front caliper
Install thermostat mod.
Modify and fit spare EGR valve

These are my previous project threads.
https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/i-bought-me-a-freelander.275148/ and Gerty
https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/looks-like-ive-done-it-again-doh.293904/

Oh dear, glutton for punishment!

You need help!

Sadistic pleasure??

And here me looking at my money box while pushing my trilby hat to one side. I will follow your plan with my hand on my chin with interest.

I think even if you could purchase the best one you could find even then we always seem to find jobs that need doing, I know I did on my FL 1bought over a year ago new VCU front and rear driveshaft VCU support bearings, two new lower front arms 5 new tyres, these I mainly did for piece of mind and also I knew I would be keeping the car for at least 3 years, good luck on the work and enjoy it that way you get to respect the car better

I see you are turning into a bit of a Freelander wheeler dealer Alibro
Audrey looks nice on those 17" HSE rims. What size are the tyres. I've just got an offer accepted on ebay for the same rims with Maxxis tyres. When I looked on the Maxxis site, I couldn't see any tyres of the correct standard size for the Freelander 17" rims. So I was wondering what size yours has.

What happened to your brief flirtation with buying a Disco?

GrumpyGel said:

Oh dear, glutton for punishment!

You need help!

Click to expand...

Too late, beyond help.

freelance said:

Sadistic pleasure??

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Sadistic?? - Hope you mean masochistic.

saxavordian said:

And here me looking at my money box while pushing my trilby hat to one side. I will follow your plan with my hand on my chin with interest.

Click to expand...

LOL, no plan, I just make it up as I go along.

Arctic2 said:

I think even if you could purchase the best one you could find even then we always seem to find jobs that need doing, I know I did on my FL 1bought over a year ago new VCU front and rear driveshaft VCU support bearings, two new lower front arms 5 new tyres, these I mainly did for piece of mind and also I knew I would be keeping the car for at least 3 years, good luck on the work and enjoy it that way you get to respect the car better

Click to expand...

I hope to keep this one as have been looking for a diesel. I agree that any car you buy at that age will probably need a load of work, even ones a lot more expensive from dealers. Mine came with 6 months MOT yet the diff was hanging off and the VCU is VERY tight, around 2.5 mins for 1WU test. I always factor such jobs will be needed regardless.

Nodge68 said:

I see you are turning into a bit of a Freelander wheeler dealer Alibro
Audrey looks nice on those 17" HSE rims. What size are the tyres. I've just got an offer accepted on ebay for the same rims with Maxxis tyres. When I looked on the Maxxis site, I couldn't see any tyres of the correct standard size for the Freelander 17" rims. So I was wondering what size yours has.

Click to expand...

Mike Brewer has nowt on me.
They are 225/55R17. Not sure they aren't a bit wide on the rims but they look good and are almost new.

davidsmith1307 said:

What happened to your brief flirtation with buying a Disco?

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Nah! That was just talk, I'm still taking small steps with this Land Rover lark. Maybe next time

So loads more work for Alibro. I'm not going to delve into your motives in these masochistic adventures, but have to say that you always make a good read and there's loads of information for those of us who have problems of our own. Thanks for sharing!

DevonGuy said:

So loads more work for Alibro. I'm not going to delve into your motives in these masochistic adventures, but have to say that you always make a good read and there's loads of information for those of us who have problems of our own. Thanks for sharing!

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I really enjoy working on them and sharing, I also have a MGF which needs more than its fair share of TLC so I guess I'm just barking mad but thanks for your kind comments.
I also have a mate who is Landy nut and he gives me a hand so we have fun doing it.

Parts Ordered (so far)
VCU support bearings
Diff support bushes
Inlet manifold seals
Desiel leakoff pipe and brass connector kit
Rear halfshaft gaiter
Silicone fluid for VCU
Spare inlet manifold complete with EGR.
Rear half shaft gaiter (again )
Crankcase breather
Turbo vent filter
Exhaust back box
Silicone turbo hoses.
Air filter
Oil filter
N/S/R window regulator
N/S/R Door lock
New front speakers

indicates the part is now used.

Alibro said:

Too late, beyond help.


Sadistic?? - Hope you mean masochistic.


LOL, no plan, I just make it up as I go along.


I hope to keep this one as have been looking for a diesel. I agree that any car you buy at that age will probably need a load of work, even ones a lot more expensive from dealers. Mine came with 6 months MOT yet the diff was hanging off and the VCU is VERY tight, around 2.5 mins for 1WU test. I always factor such jobs will be needed regardless.


Mike Brewer has nowt on me.
They are 225/55R17. Not sure they aren't a bit wide on the rims but they look good and are almost new.

Click to expand...

Mine arrived today. The tyres mine came with are 225/60/17. They look fine on the rims to me. The tyre wall says for 6.5" rim which is just perfect for the 17s
The only problem is that the spare is a nearly new Michelin Synchone 225/55/17. I'll have to get that changed.

Nodge68 said:

Mine arrived today. The tyres mine came with are 225/60/17. They look fine on the rims to me. The tyre wall says for 6.5" rim which is just perfect for the 17s
The only problem is that the spare is a nearly new Michelin Synchone 225/55/17. I'll have to get that changed.

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I'd get the tape measure out, if the diameter is even close it will be fine for a 'get you home' spare. I mean, when did you last use a spare? one tyre a couple of psi out would probably do more harm.

At least I'm not a the only one

Tonight I whipped off the egr and inlet manifold to see what all the fuss is about. Oh dear, there must be 2 or 3mm of gunge in both.






The EGR was easy enough to clean but the manifold is gonna take a bit of work. I think I'll buy a spare of ebay and have a go at soaking it in paraffin to get the inside cleaned

Diesel Do said:

At least I'm not a the only one

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If you mean idiot with too much free time then probably.

I just rechecked my video of the one wheel up test and it is 3 minutes give or take a few seconds.



I guess that would account for the tightness I felt while driving it home. Needless to say the prop shaft was the first thing I removed last night so there will be some new photos posted soon of number 3 VCU refurb.

Alibro said:

Tonight I whipped off the egr and inlet manifold to see what all the fuss is about. Oh dear, there must be 2 or 3mm of gunge in both.

The EGR was easy enough to clean but the manifold is gonna take a bit of work. I think I'll buy a spare of ebay and have a go at soaking it in paraffin to get the inside cleaned

Click to expand...

Its just a wannabe L Series

Alibro said:

I'd get the tape measure out, if the diameter is even close it will be fine for a 'get you home' spare. I mean, when did you last use a spare? one tyre a couple of psi out would probably do more harm.

Click to expand...

There's 20mm difference between the 225/60/17 road wheels and the 225/55/17 spare. I think that's just a bit to much for safety. I'll definitely change the tyre and possibly sell the Synchrone on.
Look like you'll be doing another VCU then.

Alibro said:

Tonight I whipped off the egr and inlet manifold to see what all the fuss is about. Oh dear, there must be 2 or 3mm of gunge in both.

The EGR was easy enough to clean but the manifold is gonna take a bit of work. I think I'll buy a spare of ebay and have a go at soaking it in paraffin to get the inside cleaned

Click to expand...

Scrap what you can out oven cleaner over night then give it a good jet wash out, please remember to remove the MAP sensor on the side 10mm bolt holds it in this too will need cleaning quick spray with carb cleaner and a wipe over will suffice.

Nodge68 said:

There's 20mm difference between the 225/60/17 road wheels and the 225/55/17 spare. I think that's just a bit to much for safety. I'll definitely change the tyre and possibly sell the Synchrone on.
Look like you'll be doing another VCU then.

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My mate is busting to see how it's done so not allowed to touch it unless he is here. It's a messy job tho so happy to share it.