Problem when turning wheel (esp. in reverse)

Hi,

I have a 2001 Freelander that has recently undergone a new engine at Heathrow Engines I bought the vehicle days before this knowing that its original engine was knackered so i do not know how it drove originally. It was HPI clear and has no accident damage. However when I put the vehicle into reverse and turn the wheel I encounter resistance similar to if wheels on a vehicle were too large and it touches the wheel arch. My wheels are 205/65/16 standard and do not touch the arch or any suspension springs all round. If a little gas (accelerator pedal) is applied it simply stalls and if you force it to reverse you get a strong smell of the clutch showing just how much resistance there is somewhere on the vehicle and you can not move it back physically in neutral with wheels turned. The car is fine when it reverses in a straight line, its just when the wheels are turned it is extremely difficult to manoeuvre. The vehicle drives ok in forward gears and moves freely in neutral. I have had the car on a ramp at two garages and the driveshaft’s, steering rack etc are fine. I have had the tracking checked and this is ok too. They could not give me a ready answer. One mechanic mentioned that if the new engine is not fitted in the position from which the old one is removed then this could cause suspension problems similar to that which I am encountering but I do not understand this explanation as the car moves forward ok. Could this really be related to the new engine? It is under waarnty but I need some input in case garage try to fob me off blaming some other component. . . .Any suggestions much appreciated . . .

Sounds too drastic for the VCU but try this anyway.

well boxer, your rite, it does sound VCU related, but very drastic. do you think he should ask the garage to humor him and pop the front drive shaft, therefore removing this from the equation?

Its a thought.

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate the input. I will ask garage about 'VCU' and 'drive shaft'. . . I have found out meaning of VCU with google search! Can someone explain what the viscous coupling issue is and whether it affects or could effect any component if i continue driving? Will it be expensive to replace on Freelander? . . .

I have confirmed in testing it today that the problem is related to both front and rear movement when vehicle is on full lock either to the left or the right.

Has anyone eslse had a similar problem?

The VCU is the thing that stops the transmission 'winding up' as the front and rear wheels rotate at slightly different speeds.
On the freelander the front and rear wheels are driven at different speeds by way of the IRD and the VCU has to take up this difference by slipping continuously. When the front looses traction the VCU senses the difference and locks, transfering the drive to the rear.
Great idea but the continuous slipping induced by the different drive ratios causes the VCU to wear/degenerate at a faster rate than if it was just coping with normal axle speed differences.

This can be exacerbated if you do things like fit new tyres to the front and leave worn ones on the back , like you would on a front wheel drive. The TD4 has a much closer ratio between front and rear (might be the same i think) so shouldn't have the same degree of problems.

If it is the VCU then it will damage the IRD and diffs and other tramsmission parts idf you leave it.
Ask the garage to drop the rear prop shaft and see if it still displays the problems.

dont just get them to drop the prop - remove it and go Mondo mode till yu got it sussed.

yeah man, drop a shaft out and see if everythings ok. if it is then there is a problem with your drive chain that will end up in transmition failer.

then get the house re-mortgaged and the checkbook out.

I am grateful for the prompt replies that I have received on this site from 'Boxer,' The Mad Hat Man' and 'Universally Challenged'. Thanks Boxer for breaking down the VCU workings. I am parking the car up until next week when I will visit garage equipped with the knowledge you have shared with me . . . More gloom ,the engine management light has just come on and car splutters occassionally at low revs The engine centre say they will sort this , control valve? and the tappet issue . . watch this space . .. . I think these cars are good looking but awfully troublesome component wise. From reading other posts, I hope this new (recon) engine of mine has a modified head gasket fitted

good luck

oh, and comeback to this thread when its sorted, would be nice to know

Ok, I've booked the car in with Land Rover on Friday 26th October, so i will update post when I get the feared dreaded news. . . .

blackeeto said:

Ok, I've booked the car in with Land Rover on Friday 26th October, so i will update post when I get the feared dreaded news. . . .

Click to expand...

lets be nice to this one, he must be loaded !
(well at least until friday 26th october)

Update . . Car is with Land Rover at the moment. The bottom line is that they have not yet identified what the actual problem is, stating that they wish to "lubricate gear change mechanism" first . . . I dont know what bearing this could possibly have with the matter at hand in that the problem only causes an issue at full lock, in reverse. . . maybe you guys could provide some rationale towards this view?

I've still got an issue with Engine centre regarding the tappets, as they are occasionally quite noisy both when hot and cold but then typically when I take the car down to the garage , they quieten down . They constantly tell me that they will settle but being hydraulic shouldnt they adjust accordingly? I've done 700 miles since full recon. . . . The car is okay otherwise apart from requiring air con re-gas , rear silencer (small leak) and both inner gaitors ! I woulnt mind a cheap mobile service to come round and sort air con, the acquring of rear silencer will be a fleebay job but the inner gaitors appear to be main dealer part only @ £29 each + VAT!

I'm determined to turn my frog of a Freelander into a Prince I've done so much and spent, so much on this car. If I was to tell the full story from purchase of a vehicle with a blown engine for £1,700 2 months ago to current day . . . transporter tow from Manchester to London, new battery, radiator, full recon engine & service inc all parts imaginable, new thermostat, breather lines cleaned, saga with DVLA for dual fuel (LPG) change on V5 certificate, LPG service, new tyres, respray both sides to remove "supermarket" dents, saga to order a detachable towbar key, 2 year parts & labour warranty (post engine!) and more after being sucked into buying it for fact that it had LPG fitted! I've laid out another £4,000 + since I bought it.