Freelander 1 Rear prop shaft
- Thread starter hawke113a
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Colthebrummie
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You'll need the vcu and support bearings. But you need to find out why the prop was removed, it might be because the old vcu was kaput or the IRD might be on the way out.
Col
Col
Alibro
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Lots of people take them off because the support bearings for the VCU are knackered and they don't want to pay to replace them. Others take them off because they think it's more economical without. If your lucky it'll be one of these two reasons, if not you might be looking for a replacement IRD.
If you get a used prop with a VCU make sure you test the VCU BEFORE fitting. You should be able to put a couple of big screwdrivers in the joint either end of the VCU and with a bit of effort make it turn. If you can't turn it then don't fit it or you could do serious harm to your transmission. Whatever you do don't believe anyone who sells you a 2nd hand prop, especially if they tell you it is good, test it for yourself. Even if you can turn it by hand make sure you do the one wheel up test to confirm it isn't overly tight.
If you get a used prop with a VCU make sure you test the VCU BEFORE fitting. You should be able to put a couple of big screwdrivers in the joint either end of the VCU and with a bit of effort make it turn. If you can't turn it then don't fit it or you could do serious harm to your transmission. Whatever you do don't believe anyone who sells you a 2nd hand prop, especially if they tell you it is good, test it for yourself. Even if you can turn it by hand make sure you do the one wheel up test to confirm it isn't overly tight.
I agree with what the chaps have said: why was the prop actually removed? If the VCU was in good condition, it makes next to no difference to fuel economy - and generally it is done because of some transmission-related problem. Usually a transmission-related problem related to a seizing viscous coupling unit...
Before committing to this, I'd check the IRD. Has the prop removal been done "properly" with a cover plate attached? I'd drain the IRD oil (remove the re-fill plug first - they can be a bugger to remove) and inspect. It'll probably be black and stink - but this is pretty usual. If it comes out silver, like mercury, then you have more of a problem, as the metallic appearance is thanks to the bearings eating themselves. You may also find that the magnetic drain plug looks like a fir tree of swarf... I gather that it is also possible to directly inspect the cogs, but if the oil is silver, you're likely looking at an IRD refurbishment anyway.
And if the IRD has been damaged, there is a chance that the rear diff is too...
Hopefully you'll find none of these issues - I suspect that VCUs are often removed when there is a transmission knock (e.g. worn rear diff bushes) and a mechanic points the finger of blame at the VCU and quotes a massive replacement bill!
Good luck - and let us know what you find!
The answer to this rather depends on how much has been taken off. I am guessing that there is no longer a VCU or its support bearings? If so, you'll need the two part prop-shaft, a VCU and VCU support bearings (x2). Plus all the bolts/nuts etc required to bolt the props back to the IRD output flange, rear diff input flange.
Before committing to this, I'd check the IRD. Has the prop removal been done "properly" with a cover plate attached? I'd drain the IRD oil (remove the re-fill plug first - they can be a bugger to remove) and inspect. It'll probably be black and stink - but this is pretty usual. If it comes out silver, like mercury, then you have more of a problem, as the metallic appearance is thanks to the bearings eating themselves. You may also find that the magnetic drain plug looks like a fir tree of swarf... I gather that it is also possible to directly inspect the cogs, but if the oil is silver, you're likely looking at an IRD refurbishment anyway.
And if the IRD has been damaged, there is a chance that the rear diff is too...
Hopefully you'll find none of these issues - I suspect that VCUs are often removed when there is a transmission knock (e.g. worn rear diff bushes) and a mechanic points the finger of blame at the VCU and quotes a massive replacement bill!
Good luck - and let us know what you find!
Nodge68
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It could be as simple as replacing the missing components with serviceable replacements. However you'll also need to make sure you have 4 identical tyres as the transmission is easy damaged with mismatched tyres.
Don't forget to tell your insurance that it's been made 2WD, as it's a modification, they could refuse to cover you should the worst happen.
Personally I can't see the point in a 2WD Freelander, so would return it to a 4X4 or get some other 2WD vehicle.
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