Smooth Freelander at last - new VCU
Well my Freelander has just over 70,000 miles on it and at long last its smooth and a pleasure to drive!!
Bought it new in 2006 (Freelander 1 sport 5 door) and from new it has had an issue with the hill descent operating at random - in any gear -generally linked to changing down from 5th - and remaining on until you pull up, switch off ignition and electrics and restart. Stratstone Landrover were unable to rectify the issue and when given the ultimatum on 3rd and final free service (and warranty lapse) "I don't want it back" they solved it - "We've made a wiring modification it won't happen again". Yes they had - I subsequently found when I actually needed it for the first time the hill descent wiring had been totally disconnected.............
Needless to say once reconnected the fault has persisted randomly over the years.
Add to that poor gear change, vibration, (front CV joints replaced in attempt to cure) and graunching when on full lock (I assumed this to be because of the larger diameter Sport wheels).
We've lived with it, pulled up at the side of the road when necessary to restart (!) - can't say I have been impressed with Landrover product or dealer as you can probably understand.
Anyway latterly Traction Control amber "failure" light and Hill Descent amber "failure " light have both been illuminating, both together, at random, and staying on for increasing intervals. Plus graunching noises from rear axle/diff on tight parking, mini roundabouts etc. So much so I was forced to submit it back to Land Rover garage for diagnosis.
Among the many expensive "faults" they managed to identify (£3k +) was a seized VCU.
When I researched VCU seizure I began to think - "this sounds like mine from new"
Ignoring their £1165 estimate I bought a new GKN one from the internet (£338.95 delivered) and took it to my local friendly garage. I also bought 2 x diff seals (£9.96) as LandRover had advised they were also leaking (an extra £195.14 please) and my garage fitted the diff seals, fitted the new VCU and also supplied new Bearmach prop bearings at the same time for a total of £166 (that was prop shaft bearings supplied and all fitting). Total for new GKN VCU, Bearmach prop bearings x 2, and diff seals fitted £514.91.
I now have a new Freelander!! For the first time in its life from new I have a smooth vibration free drive, slick gearchange (why?) and no graunching on lock. And no warning lights! I love it!! Might even polish it now!!
I submit this thread to give hope to anyone in similar circumstances, having assumed over the years the faults were typical of any Freelander and tried to live with them. There is a cure and it is not cripplingly expensive as many would have you believe - a new VCU!!!
If you're in the Scarborough area I can recommend a garage to fit!
Bought it new in 2006 (Freelander 1 sport 5 door) and from new it has had an issue with the hill descent operating at random - in any gear -generally linked to changing down from 5th - and remaining on until you pull up, switch off ignition and electrics and restart. Stratstone Landrover were unable to rectify the issue and when given the ultimatum on 3rd and final free service (and warranty lapse) "I don't want it back" they solved it - "We've made a wiring modification it won't happen again". Yes they had - I subsequently found when I actually needed it for the first time the hill descent wiring had been totally disconnected.............
Needless to say once reconnected the fault has persisted randomly over the years.
Add to that poor gear change, vibration, (front CV joints replaced in attempt to cure) and graunching when on full lock (I assumed this to be because of the larger diameter Sport wheels).
We've lived with it, pulled up at the side of the road when necessary to restart (!) - can't say I have been impressed with Landrover product or dealer as you can probably understand.
Anyway latterly Traction Control amber "failure" light and Hill Descent amber "failure " light have both been illuminating, both together, at random, and staying on for increasing intervals. Plus graunching noises from rear axle/diff on tight parking, mini roundabouts etc. So much so I was forced to submit it back to Land Rover garage for diagnosis.
Among the many expensive "faults" they managed to identify (£3k +) was a seized VCU.
When I researched VCU seizure I began to think - "this sounds like mine from new"
Ignoring their £1165 estimate I bought a new GKN one from the internet (£338.95 delivered) and took it to my local friendly garage. I also bought 2 x diff seals (£9.96) as LandRover had advised they were also leaking (an extra £195.14 please) and my garage fitted the diff seals, fitted the new VCU and also supplied new Bearmach prop bearings at the same time for a total of £166 (that was prop shaft bearings supplied and all fitting). Total for new GKN VCU, Bearmach prop bearings x 2, and diff seals fitted £514.91.
I now have a new Freelander!! For the first time in its life from new I have a smooth vibration free drive, slick gearchange (why?) and no graunching on lock. And no warning lights! I love it!! Might even polish it now!!
I submit this thread to give hope to anyone in similar circumstances, having assumed over the years the faults were typical of any Freelander and tried to live with them. There is a cure and it is not cripplingly expensive as many would have you believe - a new VCU!!!
If you're in the Scarborough area I can recommend a garage to fit!
from the last news http://ift.tt/1G5jh70
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Libellés : IFTTT, the last news
publié par vb @ 17:54
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