vcu recon

Hippo said:

Yep. The theory is there. The ideas are there. The test methods are there. We have some results too. We may not be able to refill our own vcu's yet, but as a guide to help others... it's all there for them to use.

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I'm sure many folks are grateful at the amount of time that Hippo and MHM and others have put into the Freelander's VCU and how to test them.
I do wish folks would test there own VCU in the manor described and post the findings too. The more data the better.

I do feel that while it must be irritating for Hippo and MHM to repeat themselves, only MHM complains about it with his constant "use the search" comments.

I've a theory that might explain this non searching.

I suspect that lots of forum users log on with smart phones and tablets. If this is the case then, and I suspect it is, the SEARCH function does NOT work!!!!

This is a forum host problem and so is out of the user's hands.

It is beneficial to all, to have useful valid research and feedback on the VCU however, it's not useful if half the thread is "use the search" or some counter remark.
If everyone works together giving lots of data then that can only be better for the future.
Thanks

I've asked for the search results to show more text as it currently shows 3 lines. That's includes the quote if it's a replied to post. Accy said he would look into this during the next software upgrade later this year. I think this will give a betterer search result.

GrumpyGel said:

Has anyone asked LR those Qs? I've put them forward to my best (only!) contact at LR - will see if its classified or not!

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Yes, via local main dealer who asked "technical" at LR. Both said twist it to see resistance across it and if too tight replace. Or similar words. Dealer has also been asked to perform the one wheel up test by a customer who put their hippo in for a service. ound:

no need to search - just read the CFAQs.

I still maintain that because of the (expensive) damage that can be caused by a dodgy VCU, it is worth checking it on a regular basis, or if any "weirdness" in driving. Then replace it as soon as any problems manifest themselves. By regularly checking, yu get a feel as to what is "correct" for your motor. Its not exactly expensive for a refurbed/new VCU, bearing in mind the MTBF figures.

Hippo.....

Have you got a reconditioned vcu on your freelander? If so is there any sign of entry?

I've ask this a few times now to people who I belive have reconditioned vcu's....and have had no response. ..... does a gagging order come as part of the warranty clause?

there can be signs. depends on how it is done.


James - yu gorra personal email or txt no?

What are the signs then Mr MHM........Do you feel a disturbance in the force?......Do you feel a cold wind on ya neck?.....

jedi said:

Hippo.....

Have you got a reconditioned vcu on your freelander? If so is there any sign of entry?

I've ask this a few times now to people who I belive have reconditioned vcu's....and have had no response. ..... does a gagging order come as part of the warranty clause?

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Don't have a vcu fitted at the moment but I do have a new one to fit.

Some cut them open with an angle grinder or laith and clean everything out and replace fluid. You should see a weld around the circumference if this has been done.
Some drill 2 holes and air pressure the contents and replace fluid. Holes then need sealed.
Some drill 2 holes and air pressure some fluid out and reseal without putting new fluid in. Holes then need sealed.

They don't come with a gagging order but there are regular one post wonders and first time posters who suddenly join LZ and feel the need to tell us where to buy as they had such a good service... ing.

some drill holes, some cut them open. depends on the refurb co, pm austen

The Mad Hat Man said:

I still maintain that because of the (expensive) damage that can be caused by a dodgy VCU, it is worth checking it on a regular basis, or if any "weirdness" in driving. Then replace it as soon as any problems manifest themselves. By regularly checking, yu get a feel as to what is "correct" for your motor. Its not exactly expensive for a refurbed/new VCU, bearing in mind the MTBF figures.

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Absolutely. I've owned Landies for getting on 15 years, a couple of Discos and the Freelander, but only joined LZ when my transmission cooked itself and I was into IRD/VCU replacement/rebuild territory. If I'd joined earlier, read this info and understood the problems that can arise from the transmission - I wouldn't have been in that situation, put a lot of effort into fixing it, would have saved a lot of $$$ - and still been driving a 4WD Freelander.

My bell's vcu had a ball bearing blocking a hole on the side ?

It's funny you should mention it....but I was thinking the same thing about draining some of the fluid then resealing. ...just to see what the out come would be.....my guess it would loosen up, but for how long....

So do you have a recon vcu to put on or have you bought a new one?..

I only know of bell that recondition and some on ebay, but would not touch the eBay ones with a barge pole......they are also a lot more expensive. .... Im just interested for my own benefit. ...I love fixing my own stuff and learning how it all works.......its exciting!!

DTO said:

My bell's vcu had a ball bearing blocking a hole on the side ?

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Hmmmmm do you have any other pic of the bell vcu....maybe some closeups. ...were there no extra holes drilled?

If they are cracking them open and doing a proper cleaning job, they deserve the money they charge. ....I wonder if they balance them thou? I can imagine some being problematic. .

jedi said:

Hmmmmm do you have any other pic of the bell vcu....maybe some closeups. ...were there no extra holes drilled?

If they are cracking them open and doing a proper cleaning job, they deserve the money they charge. ....I wonder if they balance them thou? I can imagine some being problematic. .

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The VCU can't be balanced, well it could but I suspect it isn't.
There would be no need for the damper if it was accurately balanced. It's not easy to balanced though as it's filled with a thick fluid. This would continually alter the balance. So every time it was stopped the balance would change.

I think he's thinking about it being welded oft centre, or if the 2 pole sticking out are out of alignment.

What hippo says...if its welded wrong it could wobble....im pretty sure when the vcu is spinning the fluid equalises.....centrifugal forces etc... but centrifugal forces wont work on a heavy weld on one side of the vcu.....

So Mr Hippo what recon vcu have you got......pray tell

Nodge68 said:

The VCU can't be balanced, well it could but I suspect it isn't.
There would be no need for the damper if it was accurately balanced. It's not easy to balanced though as it's filled with a thick fluid. This would continually alter the balance. So every time it was stopped the balance would change.

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I don't think the VCU can be balanced because it would go out of balance as soon as either i) it slips and the driven plates move in relation to the driving plates and/or ii) the fluid moves around in it. Both are likely to happnen within 100 feet of setting off.

jedi said:

What hippo says...if its welded wrong it could wobble....im pretty sure when the vcu is spinning the fluid equalises.....centrifugal forces etc... but centrifugal forces wont work on a heavy weld on one side of the vcu.....

So Mr Hippo what recon vcu have you got......pray tell

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I don't have a recon vcu. I have a NEW vcu. The real thing.

Regarding wobble, the metal is far heavier than the fluid inside. If a recon vcu isn't welded inline then this can create a wobble effect. I don't think the fluid is heavy enough to make a difference. The differing plates move it about anyway.

Hippo said:

I don't have a recon vcu. I have a NEW vcu. The real thing.

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Mine was reconditioned using some "new and improved viscous fluid" i really wish i knew what that mixture consists of

but i have no reason to believe it isn't true because it was done by a very reputable company near me

Hippo said:

I don't have a recon vcu. I have a NEW vcu. The real thing.

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yu lookin' for this?