Thread: Testing a Freelander VCU

Hi there

After reading all the mainly positive reports about the FL1-Oilers I`ve just gone and bought a 2003 TD4 with 175K on the clock.
So far the car seems all good - she does`nt seem to burn-oil or lose-water and the auto-box does exactly what it`s told to in all-modes

There are no horrible-noises from the drive-train either however I have noticed that after driving it for a while on-the-highway there does seem to be a-fair-bit-of-drag in the steering - Also if I get underneath it and put my hand on the VCU unit it does occasionally feel VERY warm indeed

I did the VCU `turn-the-wheel-test` whilst it was still warm and although it was stiff I did manage to turn the wheel round very slowly when I kept the pressure on. Mind you I did also read somewhere that this-type-of-test was`nt a particularly reliable method anyway

To be fair on the unit it does look pretty old I have also noticed that one axle-set of tyres are a different make AND a bit newer than the other set (about 4mm difference in tread-depth) I also found that swapping the newer ones on-to the back made NO difference either (why would it anyway?! )

Therefore I suppose my question is :- does it sound to everyone as though my VCU needs replacing and if so where would be my next port-of-call for a new one or a refurb..

Thanks in advance Druid 66

At 175k and the symptoms you describe, I would say yes it needs replacement.
Do a google search for these part numbers
VCU- TOR000010
Center bearing X2 - TOQ000040
You will find heaps of options.
You can remove the drive shaft and it will run as a front wheel drive until you get the required parts to avoid damage to drive line.

Thanks Woko - Thought as much so I whipped off the prop this arvo and `Mondo`d the bugger which BTW was a piece-of-cake
Googled around a bit too and can`t seem to find any engineering-outfit in Australia who refurbs this kind of thing

Can`t understand why that is either because it seems Bell Engineering in the UK are just a small cottage enterprise - In fact given how a full-blown auto-transmission compares in complicity you`d think any old auto-trans-refit-shop would be able to sort one of these simple little units

BTW Does anyone know why some places sell those blanking plates thingies?? - As far as I can see there can`t be much harm done by running around with the IRD and Diff flanges spinning round whilst I source a new VCU for the prop.

Originally Posted by Druid 66

Can`t understand why that is either because it seems Bell Engineering in the UK are just a small cottage enterprise - In fact given how a full-blown auto-transmission compares in complicity you`d think any old auto-trans-refit-shop would be able to sort one of these simple little units

Its more than likely because of the fluid used and the availability in Australia

Originally Posted by Druid 66

BTW Does anyone know why some places sell those blanking plates thingies?? - As far as I can see there can`t be much harm done by running around with the IRD and Diff flanges spinning round whilst I source a new VCU for the prop.

Usually when the IRD fails, it destroys the crown wheel and pinion in the IRD and its a lot cheaper to rebearing the IRD and reuse the old crown wheel and discard the pinion, and use it as a front wheel drive.

I removed the drive shaft out of mine 4 years ago with no ill effects.

Originally Posted by woko

Its more than likely because of the fluid used and the availability in Australia

Sounds like a nice little business opportunity for someone

No problems with the roadworthy check either then is there?

Mine has been off for 4 years and never been questioned about it.

Mine got pinged for no prop shaft. So I ordered a reco VCU from Bell and fitted it. Annoyingly, I reckon it's tighter than the one I took out!

Originally Posted by psproule

Mine got pinged for no prop shaft. So I ordered a reco VCU from Bell and fitted it. Annoyingly, I reckon it's tighter than the one I took out!

Does your new one start to warm up when you`re just driving down the highway though?!

BTW How much did the recon one set you back all up?