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llay101

Member

• Jan 28, 2014

• #1

Hi all, For a few weeks now I have had a noisy transmission.

I had put it down to a VCU support bearing needing changing.

I sent it to the garage today to be looked at and I have been told that it is a gearbox problem not VCU bearings.

The problem is being caused by the extra strain being put on the Gearbox due to the Freelander being permanent 4 wheel drive.

The mechanic has now taken the prop off and recons it has made a big difference.

I am not sure I agree with this diagnosis as it is my understanding that it is not permanent 4 wheel drive only when the VCU kicks into life.

Does anyone have any advice please?

 

sijwhite

Active Member

• Jan 28, 2014

• #2

Sounds like it could be the VCU itself that's the problem.

Have a look in here: http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f9/vcu-torque-test-results-109486.html

 

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musky81

Active Member

• Jan 28, 2014

• #3

I definetely wouldnt agree with that diagnosis. If the noise was still there after removing the prop then you could say its possibly a gearbox problem. If the noise is gone with the prop off..............its the prop. I would say your original guess of vcu support bearing would be correct. Estimated life span of a vcu is 70k miles. If yours has done more than this, get a new or quality recon unit, plus new support bearings and fit back to vehicle once done......bet the noise is gone. If not then you might have to look at rear diff.

 

Last edited: Jan 28, 2014

Nodge68

Well-Known Member

• Jan 28, 2014

• #4

If the mechanic has diagnosed a gearbox fault "because it's permanent 4WD" then removing the propshaft will make no difference to the noise. It's not true that the Freelander gearbox will fail because it's 4WD. The Intermediate Reduction Drive or IRD will fail if the VCU has stiffened up. Freelander is a permanent 4WD but it's only a proper 4WD when needed, the rest of the time it's essentially a front wheel drive. The VCU transfers just enough power to the rear as is needed at the time.

 

Last edited: Jan 28, 2014

jamesmartin

Well-Known Member

• Jan 28, 2014

• #5

no drive at all ? why does ird have ratio differential

 

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llay101

Member

• Jan 28, 2014

• #6

Thanks for the replies chaps, I have driven her without the propshaft now and the noise has gone.

So looks like my original diagnosis was correct.

Noob:1
Mechanic:0