Thread: I just bought a 2001 Freelander TD4 auto

Originally Posted by CJH

I did do the full lock reversing test and did notice that the VCU was a little tight and used that to get the price down further.

They are supposed to tighten up a little but not a lot.

Most likely the VCU is OK as everything you describe is normal - it will always start to lock on tight turns as the VCU detects the different turning speed of the front wheels compared to the rears.

Remember the TD4s do not have a systemic issues of failing VCUs unlike my earlier L series.

However as you have just got this vehicle and I guess you intend to keep it for a while then for peace of mind I agree with you changing the VCU.

This is about the best you will do in Aust for a new one - but they are cheaper in the UK but shipping may even the price up

LAND ROVER FREELANDER VISCOUS COUPLING UNIT | eBay

Garry

It seemed tighter later in the trip back than when I first drove it. I did a u-turn in a side road and the rear tyres lifted the road seal slightly. Also, when I was maneuvering on a servo forecourt and going around a small roundabout, the rear tyres were catching, you could feel and hear it. If this is acceptable then I won't be so paranoid but otherwise it will be getting a new VCU asap. The reconditioned VCU's I have seen are available for £372 & £410 from the UK including shipping dependng on the supplier and how it is shipped. The reconditioned units pricing also includes a core charge. The best new prices I have found are £250(V6) and £300(all the rest) plus shipping(waiting on prices but is likely to be around a£100). What I am trying to find out now is what is the difference between the 2 VCU's. Is there a reason that a V6 VCU cannot be used in a TD4 as it would save £50?

I spoke with a workshop in Sydney that reckons they still do a number of VCU's and IRD's for the later Series 1 even though the ratios are better front to rear. His recommendation was get a Series 2, although if I got it at the right price and did the VCU then I should be right for sometime. He did say the TD4 was a good engine though.

Originally Posted by CJH

I spoke with a workshop in Sydney that reckons they still do a number of VCU's and IRD's for the later Series 1 even though the ratios are better front to rear. His recommendation was get a Series 2, although if I got it at the right price and did the VCU then I should be right for sometime. He did say the TD4 was a good engine though.

If you have a TD4 you will not have what you call a Series 1 - in diesel they only had the L series diesel.

What you call the Series 2 had a minor external facelift but introduced the TD4 and V6 petrol. This is what you have.

Using your "series" logic the series 3 only had the TD4 and autos (I believe some early ones had manuals) - this version has the D2a style of headlights and better interior. This was the version that was replaced by the Freelander 2.

Garry

Sorry for my confusion, I meant Freelander 2

No worries - either way if you have doubts about your VCU I would change it - it is a lot easier to do than an IRD.

However maybe test it first by doing an in car test and if it passes then hold off and test it regularly until it fails and then replace .

Garry

Took the engine cover of earlier and discovered a Power Box tuning module has been fitted. Power Box CR Diesel Tuning LANDROVER Freelander TD4 | eBay

I found one of the low beams had failed last night so I have fitted a pair of IPF Fatboys that I had lying around to give a little more light than the standard output. I ended up driving the last bit with the high beams on but tilted all the way down which worked well and nobody seemed bothered by it.

Originally Posted by CJH

.I was going to order silicone hoses anyway, just needed to know if they were the sensor or non-sensor type. .

Paddock spares in the UK sell a silicone hose set for TD4. 89 pound.
It doesn't come with the hose straight off the turbo, Kit comes with 3 hoses, you need 4. If you get a genuine one of these it will be silicone.

Thanks for the heads up on Paddock Spares, I didn't know about them. I have already ordered the 2 intercooler hoses from here as I wanted to replace the split hose asap eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace