Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: 1998 Freelander "Problems"?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 1970
    Location
    Moruya Heads/Sth. Coast, NSW
    Posts
    6,532
    Total Downloaded
    0

    1998 Freelander "Problems"?

    My Son is looking at purchasing a'98 Freelander Diesel Turbo Manual, is this a wise move, are there any inherent problems with this model?.
    Any information appreciated, Regards Frank.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 1970
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    18,474
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Its not my old Freelander is it - must still exist between Canberra and the coast somewhere - is a gold XEDI.

    As with most vehicles like the FL1 the front and rear diff ratios are very slightly different - helps handling and how quickly the centre viscous coupling (VCU) locks up. But in the early FL1s the difference was too much leading to the VCU failing and locking up causing transmission windup leading to IRD (transfer case) failure. Expensive to fix but cheaper now. These cars are almost 20 years old so the IRD may have been replaced or the VCUs replaced regularly. Mine failed soon after I got it and I replaced my IRD with one from a later TD4 which has better ratios. So do a search under my user name and you will see plenty on this issue on this forum.

    The engine is nearly bullet proof and while not the all that powerful has great economy - I used to get 46mpg on a long run.

    The rear door window can be problematic as it has to lower a little to open the rear door (tailgate). It does this automatically when you go to open the door but this can play up so check. Also the rear door leaks big time when parked downhill in rain - it is a design feature and the water runs into the little cubby under the boot floor - I drilled holes in mine to let the water out - so check this area for rust.

    I owned mine for 9 years - buying it with 165,000km on it and sold it with just under 300,000km. Other than the early issue I had with the failing VCU and IRD (fixed with TD4 parts), I really did not have and issues with it. They are solid, well build and ride well.

    Never ever ever get a petrol one though as they spoilt the FL1 good name.

    Garry

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Kingston, Tassie, OZ.
    Posts
    13,728
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Frank there are not enough bytes on this site for a list of reasons why he shouldn't buy one...😅. Tell him to save up for a FL2 they are 50 times the vehicle☺
    The Isuzu 110. Solid and as dependable as a rock, coming soon with auto box😊
    The Range Rover L322 4.4.TTDV8 ....probably won't bother with the remap..😈

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 1970
    Location
    Moruya Heads/Sth. Coast, NSW
    Posts
    6,532
    Total Downloaded
    0

    1998 Freelander "Problems"?

    Thanks both for that info, Garry, not your old car, Thanks again, Regards Frank.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Hunter Valley
    Posts
    942
    Total Downloaded
    0
    I'm selling my 99 L series diesel is interested
    It doesn't leak oil, Its sweating power

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 1970
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    18,474
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by justinc View Post
    Tell him to save up for a FL2 they are 50 times the vehicle☺
    Yes the FL2 is a better vehicle but was designed over 10 years later so should be better.

    Remember there were a number of firsts in the FL1 - first LR to have full 4 channel ABS, 4 Channel Traction Control, and I think the FL1 was the first LR to get HDC.

    Main issue was using a VCU to connect the rear wheels to the AWD system - not a good arrangement. A Disco 1 CDL - electronically/manually activated would have worked well and would have been cheap or even the more sophisticated systems available on other vehicles. However the old VCU did work well when they sorted the diff ratios on the TD4 models.

    cheers

    Garry

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Search AULRO.com ONLY!
Search All the Web!