Is it worth fixing?

Mikeycraggs · Oct 5, 2023

Just looking for a bit help if possible please as I'm not sure what to do about getting the MOT work done, then possibly finding out I have more costly issues. Basically the VCU was getting tight so I took the prop shaft off but was still getting a loud whine from the back of the car. Drove it for a few weeks as it needed an MOT so wanted to know what would need doing for a pass. It needs 4 shocks, exhaust, couple of tyres and handbrake sorting so around £1,500 ish. I queried the noise and the garage said it sounded like a rear bearing. . . .but looking at the attached picture, it points more towards a diff leak or drive shaft leak I think as there's oil everywhere. If the diff is knackered from running without oil, then for the value of the car it's probably not worth investing the money as it is on 185,000 miles. Just hoping for any advice as to what peoples thoughts are about the leak on the pic as the garage seem reluctant to help . . . . .thanks, Mikey

Alteredtech · Oct 5, 2023

Hi,

If it is a bearing sound, then the diff should be OK. Only need a new bearing, seal and new oil.
If you have already done a lot work on it, sometimes is better to keep it, than buying another one to face the same issues ...
You can look how much you can have another one in better condition, before getting rid of this one.

Regards

Madmustang · Oct 5, 2023

Mikeycraggs said:
Just looking for a bit help if possible please as I'm not sure what to do about getting the MOT work done, then possibly finding out I have more costly issues. Basically the VCU was getting tight so I took the prop shaft off but was still getting a loud whine from the back of the car. Drove it for a few weeks as it needed an MOT so wanted to know what would need doing for a pass. It needs 4 shocks, exhaust, couple of tyres and handbrake sorting so around £1,500 ish. I queried the noise and the garage said it sounded like a rear bearing. . . .but looking at the attached picture, it points more towards a diff leak or drive shaft leak I think as there's oil everywhere. If the diff is knackered from running without oil, then for the value of the car it's probably not worth investing the money as it is on 185,000 miles. Just hoping for any advice as to what peoples thoughts are about the leak on the pic as the garage seem reluctant to help . . . . .thanks, Mikey

I had a recon diff sent to me when I had my Freelander 1 and a local garage fitted which was expensive (£700ish I seem to remember) I guess if you can do the work your self it would save a bit

Nodge68 · Oct 5, 2023

Mikeycraggs said:
Just looking for a bit help if possible please as I'm not sure what to do about getting the MOT work done, then possibly finding out I have more costly issues. Basically the VCU was getting tight so I took the prop shaft off but was still getting a loud whine from the back of the car. Drove it for a few weeks as it needed an MOT so wanted to know what would need doing for a pass. It needs 4 shocks, exhaust, couple of tyres and handbrake sorting so around £1,500 ish. I queried the noise and the garage said it sounded like a rear bearing. . . .but looking at the attached picture, it points more towards a diff leak or drive shaft leak I think as there's oil everywhere. If the diff is knackered from running without oil, then for the value of the car it's probably not worth investing the money as it is on 185,000 miles. Just hoping for any advice as to what peoples thoughts are about the leak on the pic as the garage seem reluctant to help . . . . .thanks, Mikey

You have to compare what you can get for the price that the Freelander will cost to repair, my guessing is not much.
I would think the diff is low on oil, as that's quite a bad leak, and not a recent one either.
Try topping it up to see if it quietens a bit. If not, and you're already running as a FWD and are happy to do so, then the rear diff can in theory be removed completely, but you'll have to take the drive shafts out the outer CV joint too. Don't whatever you do remove the rear hub nut, or the wheels will fall off.
If the body is in sound condition, and will pass the next few MOTs before it needs welding, then it makes more sense to keep it going until it becomes unsafe to do so.

£1500 sounds a lot for the work needed, you could definitely do some yourself and reduce that amount by a lot.

Mikeycraggs · Oct 5, 2023

Nodge68 said:
You have to compare what you can get for the price that the Freelander will cost to repair, my guessing is not much.
I would think the diff is low on oil, as that's quite a bad leak, and not a recent one either.
Try topping it up to see if it quietens a bit. If not, and you're already running as a FWD and are happy to do so, then the rear diff can in theory be removed completely, but you'll have to take the drive shafts out the outer CV joint too. Don't whatever you do remove the rear hub nut, or the wheels will fall off.
If the body is in sound condition, and will pass the next few MOTs before it needs welding, then it makes more sense to keep it going until it becomes unsafe to do so.

£1500 sounds a lot for the work needed, you could definitely do some yourself and reduce that amount by a lot.

Thanks for the reply which makes sense. The MOT advisories sound like next year might be a problem as they include corroded rear subframe and brake lines. . . .but the car looks mint with loads of nice comments about its condition. . .well the top half anyway haha. I'm useless with mechanical stuff but will top the diff oil up and drive it around to see if it quietens down then if not, will consider getting the garage to take it off. Good heads up about not letting the wheels fall of too!! I'll price the work up to see what I come up with compare to the quote I've been given, as the fact that they are saying the noise is a bearing yet haven't even looked under the car at the diff leak isn't giving much confidence I must admit. Thanks again.

1988smithy · Oct 5, 2023

Mikeycraggs said:
I'm useless with mechanical stuff

Get a halfords socket set, jack and axle stands and have a go

Is it worth fixing?

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