Here's one for the technical, please. My very low mileage MANUAL HSE has developed a kind of moaning noise, like a dry bearing sound, most noticed when pulling away in first, then immedialy in 2nd and also 3rd. The noise is similar to that of say, a bus, when it changes gear---there is a hum as the drive takes up. One up to speed it is not audible. How can one describe a noise? I thought it might ring a bell, if not it will be a dealer call. Any ideas lads?

dry thrust bearing ?

when the engine is idling and in neutral do you hear any noise when depressing and releasing the clutch ?

Iain

Bit of a long shot but if it is a "hum" it may be the alternator. I have noticed this on my FL2 and my wife's Peugeot 307cc. I suspect it is something to do with the charging strategy adopted by the ECU which means that the load placed on the alternator is not always directly related to engine speed and tends to "hum" a bit when pulling away under higher revs and then settle down.

Just a thought.... John
07 HSE Narvick Black
Land Rover Series One
Triumph Rocket 111 (sadly gone!)

Thanks for those tips, I'll now go on a long drive and make a few tests!!!

Going along with the alternator theory, some vehicles do incorporate a clutch on the alternator drive pulley and they have been known to seize up, I don't know if there is such a clutch on the Freely though.

Last week I sked for any help on a noise which was apparent when changing up, or even when revving the engine when stationary. Like a zinging noise, similar to a straight cut gear noise emitted by passing army vehicles. It got worse so I took it to Adrian Joyce in Trowbridge who diagnosed it in minutes. Apparently the steering pump fluid level was low and he suspected air in the system, oddly enough no leak was found. After topping up he suggested a decent run which should expell the air. This worked a treat and the noise gradually disappeared. I am now watching the fluid level closely. Thanks for everyone's comments, I thought this might help someone else.