Low speed "on lock" noise *solved*

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kernowsvenski

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So I decided today that a recent occasional noise now needs further investigation. It's hard to describe but occurs at the same time that a worn CV joint would make a noise, but it doesn't sound like a worn CV joint!

I'm baffled. It's a sort of repetitive firm groan, when on a fair bit of lock at low speed. It's more noticeable when turning left but it also occurs when turning right, and - seemingly - only after the car has warmed up.

It's not not a knocking noise, or a rubbing noise. It's sort of in between the two and matches the road speed of the vehicle, although it only occurs at low speed (probably due to the level of lock required to make it happen can only occur at low speed). It sounds like "wrrub wrrub wrrub" lol.

Tyres are all good. VCU is spot on. ARB bar is in the right place the bushes are new. I also recently fitted decent drop links.

I'll try and record it but I don't think it's loud enough to pick up on a phone. I was just wondering if anyone has any thoughts prior to me trying to record it?
 
A soft engine mount allowing the engine to shift and rub something. I had a knocking noise and vibration on full lock while reversing. It turned out to be the IRD vent pipe was bent and touching a track rod on lock.
Just check everything carefully, with luck you'll find the cause. ;)
 
Thanks for the responses folks. I do need to look at the front left caliper as that is sticking, and I've got a new set of disks to fit so I'll have a poke around there. I did wonder about engine mounts as most of the rubbers on my car are tired. I don't think it's arb bushes or vcu bearings though as they're all new and I've double checked them. It's definitely not the pas pump either. I'll report back in due course
 
Noises are hard to pin down. Get someone to sit in front then rear and compare volume. Diffs groan when worn and oil thins down. Mileage?? Diff oil low. Top front strut mount?? Yup we're guessing a bit!
 
I was dreading someone saying diffs as i thought that could be a possibility. Hopefully not though. Anyway, I tried to record it today. You can just about make it out at the end of the video. It's hard to place at the front or rear to be honest.


*edit* it's a td4 auto on 125k
 
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I was dreading someone saying diffs as i thought that could be a possibility. Hopefully not though. Anyway, I tried to record it today. You can just about make it out at the end of the video. It's hard to place at the front or rear to be honest.


*edit* it's a td4 auto on 125k


I've use that Wickes car park to check for noises myself. I wonder if the staff think us Freelander drives are nuts.:confused::p
 
I'm no expert and its difficult to pick up on the video, but any noises do sound like a "4WD truck" type noise. Dunno what those noises are but presumably bearings or gears in a diff - they don't sound bad in the video though. Maybe IRD/diff oil change? (and cross your fingers when the old oil comes out!).
 
I did a few runs to try and get the sound so I don't know what the staff must have thought.

The noise is really difficult to pick up on the video though and you can only just hear it right at the end of that clip.

It's actually a very nice car park, perfect for testing cars. :)

I'm told that it's a bit of a dogging spot too. ;)

I'm no expert and its difficult to pick up on the video, but any noises do sound like a "4WD truck" type noise. Dunno what those noises are but presumably bearings or gears in a diff - they don't sound bad in the video though. Maybe IRD/diff oil change? (and cross your fingers when the old oil comes out!).

The general sound is pretty normal, and it's only on full lock that the unwelcome one manifests. It does sound worse to the ear than on the video though.

I had the ird and diff oils done a few months ago but I might get the ird checked to be on the safe side.
 
A quick update on this (hopefully for the benefit of someone). On changing pads this week I discovered the left front heat shield was bent and didn't look quite right. Pulled it inwards and the noise is gone. I never thought for a minute that it would be a thin bit of metal rubbing as the noise just didn't sound "metallic" enough. Seems to be sorted though and the worry of an exploding IRD or diff can momentarily pass...
 
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