Freelander 1 Rear Tyre Wear Pattern

Much has been written on this, but after confirmation of the following.

Td4 2002, 60k miles, VCU already identified as getting tight (1min 55sec) on one wheel up test (1m 5kg).

So - now seeing what I can only describe as peaks and troughs in rear tyre tread. Peaks appear to be about 6 inches apart around the circumference.
Tyre is now almost unworn in the centre section with the inside and outside edges looking like a scone cutter !!

Can anyone confirm this is VCU related or if another issue maybe causing this??

VCU is coming off this week !!

now seeing what I can only describe as peaks and troughs in rear tyre tread

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evidently .. that is one sign of a vcu in its' demise
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Seriously under inflated

Thanks, forgot to say pressures are, and have been, fine and kept at about 32PSI.

My car came with (I know) road tyres on the front and AT tyres on the back. When I swapped them out I found the same pattern on the AT's.

Anecdotal, but my vcu was on the way out too, locking the rear inside wheel on tight bends (or at least, making it squeal).

After replacing both tyres and vcu, I've not had it again.

If it was me i'd stop driving it or take the prop off until you get it sorted

pardec said:

If it was me i'd stop driving it or take the prop off until you get it sorted

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Agreed. The VCU is loading up the drive train more than it should.
Get the props off before it goes bang.

Land Rover did see to this problem many years ago it was the setting up of the suspension that was causing it as they said but I am not sure

Please can you clarify - are you saying the VCU is not responsible and that the rear suspension set up may be wrong? Thanks - just about to fit 4 new tyres so keen to get it right !!!!!

andyfreelandy said:

Please can you clarify - are you saying the VCU is not responsible and that the rear suspension set up may be wrong? Thanks - just about to fit 4 new tyres so keen to get it right !!!!!

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It's the constant drag of a stiffening VCU on the rear tyres that causes tyre carcass deformation.
This was known to LR in the early 2000s.

Cheers Nodge - the bit that worried me was 'it was the setting up of the suspension that was causing it' !

andyfreelandy said:

Cheers Nodge - the bit that worried me was 'it was the setting up of the suspension that was causing it' !

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The design of the rear suspension exaggerated the problem. However it's the VCU drag that is the cause. Remove the drag and the problem goes away

Some photos for reference - and a reminder of a £150 bill for delaying the VCU problem rectification ! Centre section largely unworn.

Interesting. I would imagine that the wind up needs to be released some how. The back of the car is lighter and hence less grip, so its the rears that skip. Within the tyre a flat spot will similarly offer less grip so it will continue to skip and wear those spots.

Bit like a gravel road ends up with ridges and cuts especially out of corners where cars are accelerating and putting more power down.