Freelander 1 TD4 Auto Gearbox Whine (I think)

Hello all,

Just a quick question about my 06 TD4 auto. Have had a search on here but can't find any other posts that show the problem I have.
This week I've noticed a gearbox type whine when running down hill / engine breaking. It sounds like a series land rover gowing down hill on overrun.
Its done 84000 miles, is still on original VCU. Did the one wheel up test a few weeks ago and full lock in reverse test this evening - all ok. No leaks that I can see and gear change is smooth. No warning lights. Auto gearbox fluid was changed last year.

Anyone else had this? It only seems to do it when its cold. Was wondering if its something todo with the auto box coming up to temprature in this cold weather? Only does it if the landy has been stood all night, after driving for about 2 miles it stops. Any ideas?

Am thinking of ordering a new VCU / bearings anyway just to to be sure.

id think its more likely rear diff or ird

jamesmartin said:

id think its more likely rear diff or ird

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That was my first thought, but if it was either of those I'd have thought it would be worse when putting power on? I changed the IRD and rear diff oil last year. Oil seal went on the rear diff.
Been driving it this evening and all fine, no noise at all. It only seems to do it when cold.

bevel gears are often worst under over run,diffs because a big crown wheel is now driving little pinion any pinion wear in bearings then shows,bevel gear dependant on which gear has worn bearings, id expect planet and box final drive gears to be noticeable under power

It did sound like a worn bearning. Will have to wait and see if it gets worse as it doesn't happen all the time its hard to work out exactly where its coming from. I take it that IRD repairs will be pricey?

You can repair the IRD or diff yourself if you are good with spanners. The bearings aren't that expensive really.

I don't think that "waiting for it to get worse" is necessarily the best approach. Think of that as "waiting for it to get more expensive" and see if it still seems like a good idea.

Diffs and IRDs can go wrong in loud, exciting ways, and are happy to let go at speed.

Perhaps remove your propshaft as a simple measure and see if that cures it. Have you done a one-wheel-up test?

I did the one wheel up test a few weeks ago and it seemed ok. Its definately a bit more "tight" than it was when we first bought it. It hasn't made the noise again today after driving around 20 miles.

Had a look underneath, can't see any leaks and there's no play in any drive / propshafts.

Either way I've bottled it and have got a new GKN VCU and bearings on the way. Getting them fitted and having the IRD checked over early next week. Have got loads of driving to do this year and can't be doing with it going bang! I know there's a lot of debate about these things but I reckon its best to pay £500 rather than £1500+ .

Wouldn't hurt to change ird and diff oil to check for contamination! Metal etc

That's the plan. Oil was changed last spring and was clear then, but you never know. Will at least check the magnetic filler plug to see if it looks like a hedgehog. Hope it doesn't!