Vcu

Got a slight knock coming from under centre armrest, more dull drumming, when on tightish bend... Left more than right. Not coming from near IRD... One of the two VCU bearings has been done, why both we're not done at the same time baffles me!.... Are these typical symptoms?

Have you done the one wheel up test to gauge the condition of the VCU? A stiffening VCU can cause the symptoms you describe as well as a number of other propshaft related problems.

I expect only 1 bearing was changed to keep costs down. The front one normally fails long before the rear one. Failed VCU bearings can rumble, squeak, squeal or chatter.

Hi Nodge
Not done the wheel up test yet, but there is no tightening at all when I reverse on full lock either way.
I can reverse in circles without binding with minimal pressure on the throttle?
Had a look and the 'rear' bearing has been changed not the front one, judging by the colour! and the VCU looks like its not been on that long.... still clean and Black - but may have been cleaned :-(
May just get a new VCU & Bearing kit and cover all potential issues.
But at £300 + its a bit of an Ouch!

The "ouch" bit is if you have a decent Freelander and don't spend the £300 to replace the VCU if its needed! Unless you've just been mud plugging, the VCUs do look clean - the one that's running on my car is 19 years old and completely fubared - but externally looks perfect!

Its worth checking tyres and VCU condition, or else you could join my numpty club of having to spend a lot of money and still ending up with a 2WD Freelander - or a dead one (Freelander that is, not numpty!).

Well worth doing these checks...

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/tests-new-freelander-owners-should-do-on-their-car.312863/