Possible recon VCU problem

Thought it might be helpful to advise other members of a possible problem with reconditioned VCU's.
I removed my original VCU a few weeks ago and have been running on front wheel drive but thought it was about time to replace with a recon unit supplied by a well known and reliable company. When i came to fit the propshaft splined yokes onto the VCU splined output shafts the shafts were flush with the end of the yokes which meant that the horse shoe plates tightened onto the end of the VCU shafts whilst leaving the yokes insecure. Anyway to cut a long story short the VCU supplier has advised me that post 2003 VCU's have a shorter output shaft and if you are supplied with a pre 2003 VCU you have to remove approximately 1/16" off the end of the shaft or the propshaft yoke will not tighten up correctly. Obviously not a problem for earlier Freelanders but a potential disaster for later models.

Removed both propshafts today and sure enough both horseshoe plate dimples were tightening onto the new recon VCU output shafts. Had to grind off both shaft leading edges (about 1/8") which now allows the propshaft yokes to tighten onto the centre bearings inner races and not onto the VCU output shafts.

You have been clear I am sure but I dont understand what you mean?

I have my prop off at the moment to do another job - what should I see - any chance of a photo?

Regards

Hello Angelo
If you turn the prop so the horseshoe shaped plate is in front of you with the closed part of the horseshoe at the top look to see if there is a gap between the plate and the face of the propshaft yoke if there is this means the raised dimple on the horseshoe plate, which locates the plate in the yoke, is tightening onto the VCU output shaft which will prevent the plate tightening onto the face of the propshaft yoke and result in the yoke (and propshafts) being loose on the VCU shaft.
Pouring with rain at the moment and the shaft is now back on car so unable to get a photo, let me know if you still need a photo and Ill get one when it stops raining (probably tomorrow according to the forecast)

Photo would be good thanks.

Sorry been trying for the last few days to attach photo but no go, keeps telling me that connection lost (3 different browsers) If you still need a photo perhaps you could PM me your emal address and i could email it you.
Nick

hi nick, i realise this thread was awhile ago, but im having prop/vcu problems and would like to investigate this issue your talking about...however, a picture really would help immensly as im struggling to grasp what your tryong to explain......
i really wanna check it out...so please, if you find time, could you post a pic ?
thanks
mat

Look in the FAQ section, and search. There's a complete write-up on VcU checking and testing with loads of photos.

myzeneye said:

hi nick, i realise this thread was awhile ago, but im having prop/vcu problems and would like to investigate this issue your talking about...however, a picture really would help immensly as im struggling to grasp what your tryong to explain......
i really wanna check it out...so please, if you find time, could you post a pic ?
thanks
mat

Click to expand...

Hello Mat
For some strange reason I am unable to post pics, if you PM me your email address i'll send a pic.
Nick