VC Removal for testing.

Hi Guys,

Looking for a bit of advice. We recently bought my wife a 2001 (51) Freelander and I have a concern. When turning on almost full lock, doesn't matter which direction, it feels like the brakes come on.

Now from what I have read, this is most likely the VCU, correct?

So, having read the thread about replacing the bearings, I am fairly confident I can remove the VCU so I can send if to Bell for testing.. although my mechanical competence so far has really only gone as far as servicing our Disco.

Whilst the VCU and propshaft are off we plan on continuing to drive it (others seem to suggest this is safe). Only for as long as it takes to get it tested and back (or a replacement).

Do I need to blank off the IRD and rear dif or will it be OK for a couple of weeks?

Any help appreciated.

it is normal to feel a slight braking effect when reversing on full lock, however if it's enough to stall the engine it could be problematic.

it's not necessary to blank off the IRD or Diff

notify yo insurance co tho.

test it before yu remove it.

Thanks guys, as I thought.

The car will stall on a tight turn unless I apply more throttle.

Let's hope my me mechanic skills are up to the job of removing it!

Cheers

Marc

mfuller said:

Thanks guys, as I thought.

The car will stall on a tight turn unless I apply more throttle.

Let's hope my me mechanic skills are up to the job of removing it!

Cheers

Marc

Click to expand...

hi marc, having replaced mine this w/end, i can say removal is simples, however, i & ubersmee have had issues with the front prop not wanting to split from vcu, large must grumble, i left it soaking in wd40, then took out the original 17mm bolt from prop, put in a 10mm with a couple of washers to start, this gave me more room between the top & bottom yokes, as it started to move, i just added more washers until it came off, must say, it's totally transfomed mine, good luck, martyn

Excellent news, glad it's not too hard, and thanks for the tip.

Did you support the prop with axle stands when taking it off?

Also, did you have any problem getting the bearings back on or did you get a garage to press them on?

Thanks for the help

Ta

Marc

mfuller said:

Excellent news, glad it's not too hard, and thanks for the tip.

Did you support the prop with axle stands when taking it off?

Also, did you have any problem getting the bearings back on or did you get a garage to press them on?

Thanks for the help

Ta

Marc

Click to expand...

no i did'nt support prop's, dropped them carefully, just let them rest on the floor, however, did support vcu, as for the bearings, bought them from bell at the same time, & they kindly fitted them, opened up the box, all there ready to go, excellent service

Hi,

I had a mate give me a hand to lower it all in one piece, took ten minutes from start to finish to remove. Oh, and your FL won't self combust if you remove the VCU and drive it for however long you need to get it repaired, it just won't perform very well if you go off road!! As for wet handling in 2WD, unless you drive like a complete cock or have slicks on, it'll perform ok in that too. I know these things as I am currently in 'mondo' mode until such time as I can get mine replaced / replace it myself.

But do inform your insurers, as has been mentioned. It should be ok with them

I took the props off one at a time, then removed the vcu! Saved the letting the props hang problem and it was a lot lighter to do on your own! Refitted the same way.

Diesel Do said:

I took the props off one at a time, then removed the vcu! Saved the letting the props hang problem and it was a lot lighter to do on your own! Refitted the same way.

Click to expand...

yeah, i must say it was bloody heavy, & a bit akward with the props moving around lol, never mind, all sorted, most important to me

Thanks guys for all the feedback.

I've got the whole prop off and will have a go at splitting the VCU of tomorrow as rain stops play. Took me a couple of hours to do it, but that's due to me not being prepared. My torx socket set wouldnt fit straight on the bolts so made it difficult to undo, then wrongly assumed more space under the FL when on my wooden blocks.. damn it was tight under there (Used to just crawling under my Disco). Got there in the end though.

Going to get it up to Bell Engineering to test it. I must say, after removing it, it feels like a totally different car. Much more responsive and doesn't grind to a halt every time I turn a tight corner!

Wait till I ****es down I thought that at first!