Hi All

I have just purchased a 2000 model 1.8XEi Feelender with only 40,000 miles on it. Its in great condition.

I've read a lot about the Viscous Coupling locking up and knackering the IRD!!!
Can I service the VC? Can I check to see if it is about to fail?
What should I be looking for?

I've built kit cars before but not played with 4x4's. So I'm keen to get the tools back out.

Mark

VCU cannot be serviced, it is a sealed unit.

The simplist check is to jack up one rear wheel with the hand brake off, and with car in first gear, put a socket on the big nut in the centre of that wheel with a 3' breaker bar lean on it. If the VCU is ok it will move VERY slowly and smoothly. If it is ducked it will not move at all!!

And if it's quacked, just unbolt the rear prop & VC complete and run in FWD. Unless you're going proper off-road there's no real difference.