Firstly, touch wood, mine doesn't have any issues, and I haven't changed wheel size either.

So why post, you may ask. Well reading on another forum, Pistonheads, about a failed transfer box on an L405 RR due to a change of wheel size. I thought this would be about different wheel sizes between axles, but not the case, claimed to have changed from 22 to 20" all round using the proper LR tyre sizes in both cases.

Then you got others saying that's nonsense, others saying it's the same on BMW X3 etc etc. Then the claim that if you want to do this you have to get a LR specialist to setup the transfer box for you. Typical internet forum confusion.

At which point I'm also totally confused. What is in the transfer box and needs setting up, or even could be setup?

I can understand different rolling radii present between axles is not good, and I guess you also get this if eg the fronts wear much more rapidly than the rears, or perhaps only changing two tyres. Plus I can understand that if you have a discrepancy on the FL2 that also places extra issues on the Haldex.

But changing all four wheels? And using original sizes? Must be something else to this story we are not hearing.

What do the team think about this? And does it have any bearing on the FL2 at all?

Can provide a link to the PH thread if it is allowed, some sites are a bit sniffy on the subject of links to other competing fora.

I'm with you as I can't see how this would be a thing. Particularly if you are changing tyre profiles to give a comparable rolling diameter (otherwise your speedo will be all over the place).

If new and old are the same rolling diameter the car has no clue what the wheels look like.

If they are dramatically wider that could perhaps cause issues due to differences in torque perhaps but, otherwise I cant see the issue.

The transfer box is effectively just another diff unit. So what could possible be "set up"? 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
5 x FL2 4 manual + 1 auto
Now Discovery Sport P250 MHEV SE

The unit would have been on its last legs already and it’s coincidental. FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
FL2 MY13 TD4 GS Current

What about those who have 17" wheels (with mud tyres) for winter and 18" wheels for summer - this would mean a transfer box "adjustment" twice a year!

It's rubbish. The transfer box is a simple crown wheel and pinion and doesn't care, nor can it be adjusted.
The Haldex wouldn't notice if all 4 wheels were the same, it might have to start working if the axles had different size rolling diameters.

My transfer box lasted 160k miles, and then only died because the splined coupling between it and the main gearbox isn't lubricated and exposed to the elements (and mud), the bevel gear etc were good for another 160k.

That's not to say they don't die, any mechanical device can wear out, some faster than others, change the oil regular, fix it if it leaks, and it should last a good while - ignore LR saying the oil doesn't need changing. Tangiers Orange - gone, missing her
Replaced by Ewok what a mistake - now a happy Disco Sport owner

Last edited by Andy131 on 20th Apr 2018 4:21 pm. Edited 1 time in total

I switch between 18" Winters and 19" Summers with no issues.

FL1s were well documented for having issues with different wheel sizes, but as long as all 4 are the same you should have no problems.

From a technical aspect, The Freelander 2 can detect an “out of tolerance” at the Haldex between rear axle and front transfer case and is register so as a DTC. I’ve seen this but not on my car.
Within the CCF there is fields for both tyre circumference, rim and tyre size.
There is also a Service Setting in SDD for “Winter Tyre Fitment” which I assume electronically alters the vehicle top speed. MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Surround Camera System
InControl Apps soon to be replaced with CarPlay (WIP)
Meridian Premium Surround Sound
Digital Audio Broadcast
Timed Climate
Cruise ECO Data
Follow Me Home Reverse
Extra Features Menu
Picture In Motion
4x4i screen (WIP)
Digital Broadcast TV
Meridian Rear Media with WIFI
Factory Powered Tailgate
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors (WIP)

Which DTC and on which module?
As the Haldex doesn't have a RPM sensor, maybe on the ABS module?

Got to agree the early Freelander 1s had a serious fault where they couldn't tolerate wheel size differences - putting new tyres on one axle (or even one wheel) was enough to ruin the rear diff, front transfer box AND the coupling that gave 4 wheel drive - I speak from VERY bitter experience.

Ever arrived at work with smoke pouring out of the rear diff breather, after fitting new tyres, I know I have

The later FL1 had the transfer box ratio changed and it was much less of a problem. Tangiers Orange - gone, missing her
Replaced by Ewok what a mistake - now a happy Disco Sport owner

alex_pescaru wrote:

Which DTC and on which module?
As the Haldex doesn't have a RPM sensor, maybe on the ABS module?