New Freelander 1 TD4 Owner...

Hello, I'm new here I've never owned a Land Rover before but always wanted one, I have just brought a 2003 TD4 Im really pleased with it and it runs well however I do have some questions:

1. the fuel pump under the O/S rear wheel arch is very loud sometimes (does it need replacing).

2. what I believe to be the Wabasto fuel heater at the front is often loud (should i be concerned).

3. the car drives well but there is a drone / noise when driving I know it is hard for someone to point me in the right direction without seeing it but I can say that its a drone that can be heard even at very low speed, Im more than aware it could be anything however is there is a procedure anyone has in pin pointing a drone with what I believe is somewhere in the drivetrain (VCJ / IRD / Propshaft Bearings / Wheel Bearings) etc...

I have reversed the Freelander on full lock and did not feel resistance if it was the VCJ.

4. the clutch pedal seems very squishy, how can I tell the difference between a knackered clutch or simply the requirement to just bleed it??!

Thank you in advance for any help you can give.

always check the prop is there and do the one wheel up test regularly.
noisy fuel pump is indicative of needing to be replaced.
check out @GrumpyGel guide.

Have a read of this...

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/tests-new-freelander-owners-should-do-on-their-car.312863/

Don't think it will help with any of the above, but shows a better way of testing the VCU and the importance of a properly working VCU and matching tyres.

The VCU/prop support bearings are prone to grumbling. Its a reasonably quick job to remove the props & VCU which would eliminate them. The car can be driven without the props installed - but obviously adversely affects traction and you should tell your insurance company if you are going to leave them off after testing. If the grumbling stops, that's not necessarily confirmation its the support bearings, for example it may be in the IRD or diff but the noise stops due to less stress going through them - but if it continues - you know its not them!

If you're having trouble locating it, you could check the oil in the IRD and diff, if it comes out metalicy looking that's the bearings ground to a pulp and immersed in the oil. If you drain the IRD ensure you loosen the fill bolt first with a good tight fitting 6 sided socket (they are soft). If the oil comes out looking OK then they are probably in good nick - unless the previous owner has just changed it of course!

Campsea said:

1. the fuel pump under the O/S rear wheel arch is very loud sometimes (does it need replacing).

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Yes it needs replacing with an OE part.

Campsea said:

. what I believe to be the Wabasto fuel heater at the front is often loud (should i be concerned).

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If it's not excessively smokey and works as it should (when it's below 5°C), then there's no need to worry.

Campsea said:

I have reversed the Freelander on full lock and did not feel resistance if it was the VCJ.

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That's not a valid test.

Campsea said:

4. the clutch pedal seems very squishy, how can I tell the difference between a knackered clutch or simply the requirement to just bleed it??!

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I could just need bleeding.

Campsea said:

Im more than aware it could be anything however is there is a procedure anyone has in pin pointing a drone with what I believe is somewhere in the drivetrain (VCJ / IRD / Propshaft Bearings / Wheel Bearings) etc

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Following GG's guide linked above will help.

Campsea said:

3. the car drives well but there is a drone / noise when driving I know it is hard for someone to point me in the right direction without seeing it but I can say that its a drone that can be heard even at very low speed,

Click to expand...

Check that all tyres are identical with least worn on the rear.
Odd tyres or incorrect tyre maintenance puts huge strain on the drive train and must be avoided.

Nodge68 said:

Odd tyres or incorrect tyre maintenance puts huge strain on the drive train and must be avoided.

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at all costs!