Bought a Freelander TD4 '06 about 11 months ago, during that time I fitted Michelin tyres to the front the vibration was terrible I immediately changed them to the rear as stated in the manual.
Car still had a slight vibration throughout and a whining noise.
Two garages I took the vehicle to could not find the fault although one of them a LR "specialist" fitted a gearbox mounting and charged me £250 for it.
Noise was still present after that.
Last weekend when i was reversing the car out from the drive with the steering on full lock the car almost stalled,I now have an Intermittent knocking noise from the gearbox / engine area when the clutch is disengaged, this also occurs when rolling to a stop either in neutral or with the clutch pressed fully down after using 2nd , 4th or reverse gear.
As I was putting it through its MOT the next morning I asked the garage to investigate it.
It was found that the VCU had failed, cost to replace VCU and support bearings £725 garage have also advised that the knocking may come from the dual mesh flywheel and clutch assy etc. Cost to replace all of these £1325.
I removed the props and VCU this morning while there is an improvement I still have the occassional / Intermittent knocking.
I'm now concerned that there is now a problem with the IRD and or gearbox.
To put it into perspective it could cost me £4000 apprx if the other components also have to be replaced which amounts to apprx 50% of what I paid for the vehicle!!! in one year!!!
I would advise anybody to get rid off at the first sign of these problems.Worst 4x4 ever made!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!