9
May
If you have a clunking noise from the rear of your Freelander, particularly when you first put it into gear, it is highly likely that this is your rear differential centre bush which needs replacing.
Check this first before you have somebody convince you they need to remove the whole drive train, gearbox included, to fix the problem!
It is a straight forward job, only £80 including parts and labour, NOT thousands!
Rear clunking when pulling out of sharp turns either left or right .This stops as car goes straight.Any help greatly appreciated .2008 fl2hse.
Hi Clive,
This sounds like a Haldex issue, is it like a grabbing and letting go on the rear wheel whilst you are turning?
We do recondition the Haldexes, they are £650 + VAT.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Clunking rear ,could it be that the pump in the Valdez just needs cleaning out and fresh fluid put in ,also wood a rear caliper slightly grabbing have the same effect?
Hi Clive,
A rear calliper sticking could have a similar effect, is the wheel getting hot?
If the Haldex is already grabbing then it would be better to replace it with a reconditioned unit so you know all the small channels inside the Haldex are cleaned out. You could try giving it a good service but there is no guarantee that would work.
All the best,
Sue
+44 780 9575 421
Hi
Bought a freelander 2007 se a month ago, I know the clutch needs doing as I can hear the flywheel tapping when the clutch is engaged, but now have a slight knocking at the rear when doing circles? Noticed it when doing a u turn in the road. Does not do this when driving straight? Been told too check the mounts? But would this make such a noise.?
Hi Chris,
This is liable to be an issue with the Haldex active-on-demand unit or Haldex ECU. The reason it only does it on corners is because this is when it activates the 4×4. Have you ever had the Haldex serviced? The best thing to do is to put it on diagnostics to see if the issue is with the pump or with the communication.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Sue I have a freelander 2 2011 I,m getting a clunking sound from rear left, ive been told that it is the differential, but now not sure. There are no indicator lights coming on relating to drives
Hi Mick,
The rear differential does not commonly make a clunking sound, it is more likely to make a whining sound.
Have you checked the suspension components on the rear left? A problem with one of these can cause a clunking sound and would not bring up any warning messages on the dash board.
Allt he best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hi, I have an issue that has occurred after a recent service. The warning light for ABS, Tyre Pressure and Hill Start have all come on yellow. I also noticed the knocking sound when turning at low speed.
I took it back to the garage and they said it was more than likely the wheel speed indicator fault but it wasnt an urgent fix.
I have driven it for a few weeks since and the knocking sound seems to be getting worse not just on cornering now.
There is also what sounds like a relay constantly clicking coming from the passenger side when the key is turned to the on position before starting, but Im not sure if this is related.
Any tips/advice so I could take a look at this myself as Im not sure I can trust the local garage now!
Hi Jamie,
I assume it is a Freelander 1.
With regard to the three warning lights on the dashboard, the three amigos – ABS HDC and TC – these are normally caused by one of three things:
– A fault with the brake light switch situated under the brake pedal. These are only a few pounds so it could be worth changing this.
– A chaffed or broken connection in the wires under the gear stick gaiter – check these.
– A faulty wheel speed sensor. For this one you would be best to put it in diagnostics to determine which wheel has the fault.
With regard to the clunking noise, where does this seem to come from, front, rear or centre? Does it appear to be on one side of the car (if so which side?) or central?
What mileage has your Freelander done? Are all the tyres the same make, model, size, tread depth remaining and air pressure?
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Thanks for the reply. My Freelander is a 54 plate TD4 SE. It has about 94,000 on the clock. They did the diagnostics at the garage and said it was the front left wheel indicator. The handbrake light came on when driving too but reset when i turned off the engine, unsure if this is related.
As for the banging sound, it sounds central. I will double check the tyre pressures but would this really throw things out that much? I have spoken to many Freelander owners who have removed the prop shaft due to continuing faults, but I am very reluctant to do this as I want the 4×4 option as I am regularly off road working.
Hi Jamie,
If the diagnostics have indicated the front left wheel speed sensor then this is what you need to change, as this would certainly cause the three amigos to come on.
If the banging sound seems central then check the hanger bearings for the viscous coupling unit (VCU). If the VCU has not been changed and the hanger bearings are an issue then this would explain it. The VCU is good for approximately 70,000 miles, after which time it needs to be changed (we can supply a reconditioned one for £295 including VAT); if it is not changed it will cause damage along the drivetrain, generally starting with the bearings and bushes then moving onto the rear differential, transfer box / IRD and even the gearbox.
Yes, a mismatch in the rolling radius of the tyres can stiffen up the VCU and cause damage to the drivetrain. It is vital that all of your tyres are the same make, model, size, tread depth remaining and air pressure.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Thanks Sue,
I have tested the VCU by jacking the rear wheel only and using a pry bar to turn it. It is stiff but it turns. Am I correct in thinking the VCU isnt the issue then?
I got under the vehicle and inspected the hanger bearings. the front one was changed 2 years ago and with a good shake I cant recreate the banging. The rear one on the other hand is very worn and using the same force to shake it recreates the banging.
I am hoping its just this and not the rather pricey VCU change.
Hi Jamie,
The best test for the VCU is to do a tight turn, preferable on a loose surface like gravel, in first or reverse. When you take your foot off the accelerator if the Freelander comes to a fairly abrupt halt, a little like the brakes have been applied, then the VCU needs changing. If you have done 94,000 miles and the VCU has not been changed then there is a good chance the VCU is the thing which is causing the damage to the hanger bearing I’m afraid.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hello
I’ve recently bought a 2005 freelander.
I checked the vcu by jacking up 1 back wheel and being able to (just) turn the wheel with a large bar. So that seems OK.
I did notice however that when I turned the wheeling reverse, the rear diff visibly moved upwards.
Is it meant to do this?
Thanks
Paul
Hi Paul,
Check the rear differential bushes for any play.
All the best,
Sue
Thanks Sue.
Yes there is play, as the diff can actually move, however I wondered whether it was meant to. Also, if you drop the clutch heavily, you get a “thump” coming from the rear and a vibration from the same area when cornering hard.
I’m thinking it may all be connected to those bushes.
Could this be the case?
Thanks again
Hi Paul,
The movement of the differential indicates an issue with the differential bushes, not the differential itself – no, the diff should not move.
If there is an issue with the differential then you may get play in the pinion of the differential – this is an internal movement within the differential rather than the movement of the whole differential.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hi we bought a freelander 2 2009 gs manual 125k. It was everything fine untill recently (1 month) started to loud bang when driving off and turning. Today was it when driving in 5th gear and hole car rattled and was a big bang. Than fine again drove it after parking was fine than again. Drove to a meeting same again. Sound sounds like from the rear. What could it be? Thx
Hi Christian,
Are all your tyres matched – same make, model, size, tread depth remaining and air pressure?
This sounds like an issue with the power transfer unit or possible the Haldex. There is a sleeve between the power transfer unit and the gearbox and if this is damaged, causing damage to the splines going into the power transfer unit (and possibly those going into the gearbox) you will get these types of symptoms.
We would not recommend driving it until you have identified the issue. Try putting all four wheels in the air and seeing if you have drive to the rear.
Where are you located? We would be happy to take a look for you.
All the best,
Sue
sue@freelanderspecialist.com
+44-780-9575-421
Hi
I have a judder coming from the middle to rear of the car (can certainly feel it from the drivers seat) when turning hard either way (started on a right turn only) – freelander hd4 se
Any thoughts appreciated
Hi Neville,
Is it a Freelander 1? If so then it sounds like it could be the viscous coupling bearings. If it is the bearings then this could be a sign the viscous coupling itself is putting a strain on the drivetrain and may need replacing. The viscous coupling should be replaced approximately every 70,000 miles. If you have done less than 70,000 on the current viscous coupling unit but it still seems tight then this can be caused by mismatched tyres – all four tyres should be the same make, model, size, tread depth remaining and air pressure.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Thanks Sue – all 4 tyres are ok and were changed at the same time. She’s only done 43k but has probably seen more action in the last few weeks than the previous couple of years. Overall it drives well although thirsty and a little sluggish, so expect a full service is also on the cards..
Hi Neville,
If she is thirsty and a bit sluggish then I would check the viscous coupling unit (VCU) even though your mileage is so low. Do a full lock turn in first or reverse, preferably on a loose surface like gravel, and when you take your foot off the accelerator, if it comes to quite an abrupt stop, a little like the brakes have been applied, then the VCU is stiff and will need changing.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hi I have a 59 plate FL2 td4-e and when I over bumps in the road the back left(passenger side) rattles, and sounds like it is coming from the axle/suspension. Any ideas what this might be? As it only happens if the back left wheel goes over the bump, all the other corners are quiet.
Thanks.
Hi David,
It is likely to be either the link rod, the top mount strut or the shock absorber.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hi I have a Freelander 2 hse 2011 I’ve develped a clunk when put into drive on the auto box it’s a thud it runs well smooth in all the rest of settings 🙁 only thing I’ve done is change my wheels to from 18 “ to 20 “ all matching tyres and Tred would this be a problem ? Many thanks Paul.
Hi Paul,
This sounds as though it could be an issue with the Haldex / drivetrain. Alternatively it could be a solenoid on the gearbox. It would be best to put it on diagnostics in the first instance to see if it has generated any fault codes. Changing the wheels should not have caused a problem if the tyres are still the correct size for the 20″ wheels.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hi
I have just purchased a freelander 2 2012 and when the car is at standstill and you start to pull away there is a jolt when moving off . This has an auto gearbox .
Barry
Hi Barry,
This sounds as though it could be an issue with the Haldex / drivetrain. Alternatively it could be a solenoid on the gearbox. It would be best to put it on diagnostics in the first instance to see if it has generated any fault codes.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hi my freelander 2 sport le 2011 has started to make a really loud thud noise and jumps forward when put into drive it’s fine when put into reverse and drives fine through al the gears nice and smooth after being put into drive can anybody help thanks
Lee
Hi Lee,
This sounds as though it could be an issue with the Haldex / drivetrain. Alternatively it could be a solenoid on the gearbox. It would be best to put it on diagnostics in the first instance to see if it has generated any fault codes.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hello Sue
I’ve recently had my 2013 Freelander HSE front tyres replaced and the front offside placed on the rear near side (where the slow puncture tyre was). Since the change I’ve noticed a clunking when I put the automatic transmission into drive? Rear differential bush problem? Would changing tyres have caused this? Any help appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Geraldine,
My apologies for the delay in responding.
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR FREELANDER ANY MORE WITH THE TYRES IN THEIR CURRENT POSITION.
Because a Freelander is active on demand having matched tyres is about the most important thing to protect your drive train. The ideal is to always change all four tyres at the same time. If you cannot do this then the newest tyres should go on the rear NOT on the front – however if the difference between the rolling radius of the tyres is too great then this can still cause damage to the drivetrain.
Matched tyres means they should all be the same make, model, size, tread depth remaining and air pressure.
The best advice I can give you is to change the two rear tyres for exactly the same as the front ones and get the drivetrain checked out – particularly the power transfer unit at the front. You could swap the wheels front to rear if they are exactly the same make, model and size provided your older tyres are fairly new (hence do not have too much difference in the remaining tread depth).
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hi, I have a 2005 td4. There a loud bang when pulling away and changing gear up to 2nd and 3rd coming from the rear ( like someone has gone into the back of me).
Thanks, pete
Hi Pete,
What mileage is your Freelander on? Have you ever changed the viscous coupling unit (VCU)? Have you checked the rear differential mounts, particularly the centre one?
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
I have a 52 KV6 3 door. Been trying to trace a rear end clunk since last year when the rear shocks were replaced. The noise seems to come from mid to rear OS and is related to rough surfaces, and can be heard clearly (but fairly quiet) at low speeds, making me think it is suspension movement related.
Having been underneath it several times, I have replaced the trailing links on both sides (bushes had loosened up but no sign of metal hitting metal), checked the link rod bushes for movement (all good), replaced the diff mounts (front one gone but a different noise and related to drive being transmitted), checked the subframe mounts (all strong and located properly), and checked everything for movement. If I bounce the rear of the car while stationary I can here the shock plunger moving up and down, and walking alongside the car while the wife is driving it on a rough surface, with my hand on the rear wing nearest the top of the strut, I can feel a vibration when a bump is hit. This makes me think strut top mount or top bolts not tight. Any ideas appreciated.
Hi Neil,
It sounds like a top mount strut.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
I recently put the wrong fuel in my freelander and had to have it drained down. The engine has done a few thousand since and runs fine but I have just noticed diesel wet patch on the fuel tank support bracket (which has a lot of rust on it) and think the garage pulled the filler hose off, drained the tank then refitted it, so suspect the filler hose is damaged.
Is it difficult to replace (what are the likely charges)
a) the filler hose and
b) the tank support?
Hi Brian,
Check the filler hose has been properly fitted and tightened. To replace the hose you are looking at about two hours labour, and, depending on the vin number of your Freelander, around £120 for the part – so around £270 including VAT.
Unfortunately the tank supports are no longer available. The only way to replace this is to get one custom made.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421