Freelander 1 How do you perform tippex test VCU?

Hi all, intend on doing the one wheel up test soon but I've not got a big enough socket at the moment.

In the meanwhile I would like to check my VCU with the tippex test however I'm not sure where i should put the tippex!? Do i put it on both bits of the VCU? Or on the prop shafts?

I put marks either side of the gap on the VCU and they're still in line despite driving some miles today including some muddy lanes.

Side note, I've been reversing in circles and and forwards circles no problems.

Tippex test doesn't really show much. If yer mark the props with tippex or whatever yer have (tape etc). Marks should be in line with each other. Then drive round in 1 full circle. Doesn't need to be full lock. Close to it will do. The prop markers should be out of alignment. If they're not then the vcu is either too tight (and therefore a big risk) or something's not connected in the transmission which means yer FL isn't able to drive all 4 wheels. First option is more popular.

The tippex test was abandoned some years ago in favour of the One Wheel Up Test. Reason being the tippex test doesn't give an easy to measure comparison. It just tells you the props have turned at differing speeds, or not. All it's essentially doing is telling you if the two ends of the vcu can turn, or not. The forces applied to do this are significant on full lock.. I can't remember the figure of how far out the markers should be after one full circle. Hence why we prefer the One Wheel Up Test which uses gravity to apply a known force to the vcu, as a reference against time.

Thanks for the reply Hippo, I'll make sure I get a socket on a rear hub to check it.

lewis.landy said:

Thanks for the reply Hippo, I'll make sure I get a socket on a rear hub to check it.

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You only need a wheel brace a piece of tube or light timber and a 5Kg weight. A full 5Ltr screen wash bottle will work for the weight.
Painting tippex on the VCU is pointless as it tells you nothing worthwhile.
If the VCU wasn't turning, the wheels would be skipping. No skipping means the VCU is turning.