is ird knackered?

Hi my freelander has developed a grinding noise when slowing down,it started some time ago and i thought it was the brakes but using brakes or free wheeling in neutral the noise was still there(it is only noticeable under 10 mph).I left it for a while and the noise got worse so i change the vcu support bearings the noise was not as bad so i changed the brake pads but its still doing it,the vcu/diff mounts were also changed last year.I did notice when changing the front pads that i could turn the wheel freely for a few degrees is that normal is there meant to be any free play?also it sounded though it was grating on the drivers side hub when turning backwards and forwards within the freeplay area without brake shoes fitted.I am hoping its a bearing its a W REG(2000)1.8 petrol 48,000 miles any help would be grately appreciated.
thanks

change the oil in the ird, check the condition of the oil coming out of it for pieces of metal.
Remove the the props and vcu and see if the noise is still present. (if the damage to the ird is internal then the noise could still be evident).

yes do wot hardoo say's. . . .its very hard to determin a noise on a four wheel set up . . . .eliminate easy first [youve done all the normal bits] dont forget wheel bearings Cv's and such

what oil does the ird have in it?better get some before i drain it
thanks

recently i changed the oil in the ird
There were liitle pieces of metal, better said, filing...the magnetized cap also.
I see it as normal...is it ?

mrgsxr said:

what oil does the ird have in it?better get some before i drain it
thanks

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approx. 1.1 litres of 75w/90 gear oil to API GL5

mrey68 said:

recently i changed the oil in the ird
There were liitle pieces of metal, better said, filing...the magnetized cap also.
I see it as normal...is it ?

Click to expand...

yes its probably inevitable if they are just little flecks but not little pieces.

thank you..i think so but when anyway the ird must be tired, when i turn thoroughly my wheel i can hear a noise, like a friction...it stop with small boost

If i put in some molyslip gear protector would it prolong the life of the ird unit?