Steering Judder/Vibration Freelander TD4 ES

[kevinruder]

My Freelander is almost 4 years old purchased privately - 60,000 miles.

Has anyone experienced a problem with a noticeable judder/vibration in the steering at 85 KMPH and above.

Tracking has been checked.

[garrycol]

Sounds like a wheel needs balancing - you may have thrown a weight or have mud built up on the inside of a rim - have you damaged a tyre lately through heavy braking or hitting something - it may no longer be round

These are the obvious things - then it could be almost anything - wheel bearings, warped brake discs (but you would feel this when braking as well), driveshaft CVs

Good luck

Garry

[HMBFreelander]

As Garry says, tires are the most likely so check them first.

The next thing to have checked is the CV joint/axles in the front. If they are bad you should be getting juddering under load but not as bad coasting. Also it should occur at slower speeds as it gets worse. Check the condition of the boots on each end of each axle. If they are broken it is likely the CV is bad since it doesn't take long for dirt and water to kill a CV joint.

Hope this helps.

Brian

[steveland]

Hi I've just purchased a TD4ES (02 model), any little problems I should look out for, hopefully they'll be none, but have heard all these horror stories about head gasket problems !!

[garrycol]

Originally Posted by steveland

Hi I've just purchased a TD4ES (02 model), any little problems I should look out for, hopefully they'll be none, but have heard all these horror stories about head gasket problems !!

The head gasket problems are with the K series 1800 petrol engine only.
The TD4 has no major faults that derive from the design.

[Newspaperman]

For your information my Freelander has just started experiencing the same problems as you stated. At 50 - 60 mph I start to get severe vibration through the vehicle This is noticable whilst under acceleration but not as bad whilst coasting. My freelander has 54000 miles and is 4 years old. I took my car to LR last week who took it out on a road test. They confirmed that the problem was with the INNER DRIVESHAFTS both needed replacing (Expensive) I told them that I had an Extended LR Warranty. They are sending an inspector to view the vehicle to authorise the repairs (Or Not). Having just been a very recent new LR owner. I am concerned and hope the Warranty will cover the repairs. I took my car into LR today they are phoning me with the verdict in the morning. I will be less than happy if he does not authorise the repair. Ive only had the car since June and Ive had my fare share of problems with the car already.

[garrycol]

Originally Posted by Newspaperman

They confirmed that the problem was with the INNER DRIVESHAFTS both needed replacing (Expensive)

Hi - I assume you actually mean the inner CV joints. When an inner CV joint goes it does cause a loud knocking and vibration - and yes they are expensive. But I am most surprised - Freelander CV joints are quite robust - my car has done almost 200,000 km and the inners are still fine and one of the outers is just starting to click. If your CVs (is it one or both - given their normal long life and cost I would be checking - especially if you have to pay) have failed it is most unusual and not normal. The outers should go first as they are the ones that turn at odd angles - as I said they start to click and just get noiseier and noiseier.

Good luck

Garry

[Newspaperman]

Update - Ive just got back from LR they have paid for the repair work under the extended warranty, it was both inner driveshafts that had worn and they did confirm that they usually are quite robust units. The car feels and drives like a different vehicle.
Also they replaced the inlet manifoild which was causing a strange engine noise whilst accelerating like an exhaust blowing. My vehicle is back on the road good as new now! Especially as I was covered by the LR Warranty and didnt have to pay

[garrycol]

Originally Posted by Newspaperman

Update - Ive just got back from LR they have paid for the repair work under the extended warranty, it was both inner driveshafts that had worn and they did confirm that they usually are quite robust units. The car feels and drives like a different vehicle.
Also they replaced the inlet manifoild which was causing a strange engine noise whilst accelerating like an exhaust blowing. My vehicle is back on the road good as new now! Especially as I was covered by the LR Warranty and didnt have to pay

That is top news.