I'm sure there will be something on here related to my problems with vibration underneath the car, which has been going on for some time. Especially going up slight gradients.

The gearbox was replaced in my HSE 08 two years ago, but the vibration continued. The gearbox people insisted it was worn driveshafts. They were replaced, and indeed were badly worn, but still the vibrations continued, not as bad, but still there.

Last weekend in mud ruts mode, the car ended up stuck, and only then did I realise the back wheels weren't turning. The local farmer kindly hauled me out.

It turns out the transfer box has failed, and the gears and splines have stripped. It's due for a replacement in a few weeks, but lo and behold the vibration has now gone! This is clearly the culprit which caused the vibration...... yet none of the specialists picked up on it.

What I want to know is if it's still ok to drive it in the interim in 2wd only until it's fixed?

CJ

You need to speak to Austen at Bell Engineering - they are the FL2 drivetrain gurus

https://www.bellengineering.co.uk/

Not far from you.


I went there with a suspected failed PTU - usual symptoms; FWD only and awful speed related vibration coming through scuttle into foot wells.


Turned out to be a failed haldex pump (no fault codes showing) and a worn front NS wheel bearing.
Even though they removed the PTU to check, they only charged for the haldex pump. They also changed FOC the later (2014 model) massive haldex damper for the smaller earlier version which then makes future haldex servicing so much easier. Jules

You can drive FWD only - but the wheels spin easily. Once the PTU splines are stripped no more damge will be done to the driveline.

Its been known for unscrupulous people to remove the propshaft to hide a failed/jammed haldex - rendering it permanent FWD. Jules

Just drive it. Obviously, paved roads only & being mindful that it is a 1.8 tonne FWD only vehicle - i.e. drive it more conservatively to avoid "wheel spin embarasssment"...

The transfer box sounds like it is toast anyway, so no point in trying to protect it (by not using the car).

I had a FWD-only Freelander 2 for a short time last year (seller had removed the prop shaft, but still advertised & sold it as a 4WD). Car drove fine on paved roads in summer, no alarms/ DTC errors... no untoward noises. I suspect that the issue on that car was the transfer box - if it was the Haldex, then pulling the fuse would have been much easier than dropping the propshaft...

Just my thoughts - others may have different opinions.

Thanks for that. It's booked in for replacement with Bell Engineering mid March. The Haldex appears to be fine. I just didn't want to do any further damage while I'm waiting.

Bell will do an excellent job. I was booked in for a Haldex service two years ago and after Austen took it for a test drive, came back and said “need a new diff” noisy bearing. I had put it down to “it’s a Landrover “. What a difference, so quiet. Trust him.
And come back afterwards and tell us the outcome.
This could help others. All the best. Jim A
Fl2 HSE 2010 auto
Disco 2Td5 auto 2002 gone
Disci 1 300Tdi auto 1996 gone

Bell is situated in a lovely part of the world - near the Wyre Forest.

I took my bike and went for a nice afternoon cycle ride whilst the car was sorted. Jules

Just incase people are not aware, things are going great guns for Bell, so much so that they will be moving to a new premise after March.

Facebook post about the move: https://www.facebook.com/bellengineering.c...5KWSnD7iYl https://www.youtube.com/@scottandalana4x4