Viscous coupling

[brorabongo]

Due to type of tyre wear, and very recent slight judder when taking off, I believe it could by my VC giving up. I'm getting it checked out on Friday, using the test shown on the forum. I would like to know (for myself) has anyone done the job of replacing a VC before? whats the job like to do etc?

and finally if it is found to be faulty, wheres best to get one???

Cheers.

[skater]

hi, one test is put some tape ( I used yellow electrical ) on each propshaft
on the bottom then drive abit , even just a matter of metres.
if the vc is totally seized then tapes will allways stay lined up.
mine positioned differently this morning so think vc ok.
worth trying a few times. first try mine were lined up still so got worried.
could have been a fluke!
thinking of disconnecting front prop anyway.

[brorabongo]

Cheers, that sounds like a cheap and easy test.

I have tried online breakers for quotes, just incase. So far I've emailed.....

"Findapart".............No responce.
"Breakersyard"........No responce.
"247spares"............3 phone calls, four emails this morning prices from around £47 to £118 delivered. What I love is, all are saying "Next day delivery guarenteed" Yeah right!! PMSL

[skater]

have you tried Belhill garage? they're on this site somewhere.
my local landrover place said the tyre wear could just be what you
have to live with to have the basic type of 4x4 system we have.
old freelanders are similar but alot worse apparently.
my tyre wear is probably what people call castling but the landy bloke
wasn't overly worried. the wear is even across and around each tyre
and symetrical driver's/passenger's.
no flat spots or excessive shoulder wear so far, touch wood.

[brorabongo]

I did try Bell hill first, as I have had good service from them in the past, but no luck there.

Just had another phone call quoting £75, but saying it was for a "Viscous fan coupling"? I tried to explain the part I might require, but no use. With 247spares you can add a picture of the part, which I did, so I thought they might at least find the right part. Once I decide on one ( if needed) I better double check with the company, it's the right part first, before sending out.

[brorabongo]

Been tested, and took approx 49 seconds, which to me sounds good....does'nt it?

[mikeonb4c]

Been tested, and took approx 49 seconds, which to me sounds good....does'nt it?

What was the test result brora - any conclusions?

[skater]

not sure if thats good.
did you find the torque test on here?
from DemonAV I think.
from memory it said 30 something secs for a 90 degrees turn.
longer MAY imply the VC sticking a bit.
I didnt test mine strictly as per instructions just " it seems similar".
as I said before I'm no expert so don't worry straight away but
maybe keep investigating.
Know any 4x4 garages near you?
I think VCs either work or don't. In my understanding if the VC is locked
you wouldnt be able to turn the front wheel at all , with rears braked, so maybe we're ok.
There are some diagrams in the tech posts somewhere which show the components
of the VC. trawl through the search function, can't remember the exact topic, sorry.

[Lewy]

I was a bit worried that my VC was on the way out - front tyres 'castle' and I noticed distinct flat spots on drivers side - but the CV joint has been clattering for a good couple of months before I had it replaced so this may have been a factor. When I put new rear tyres on, the handling changed significantly for the worse and I had the occasional low speed shudder when starting from cold. Put new tyres on the fronts and any shudder has gone and the van drives and handles MUCH better. Possibly VC is on the way out but might have brought myself a bit more time??? Still thinkinging of removing front prop shaft though. There was talk of a much simpler way of doing it than the whole lot? Is there a definitive post showing the front end procedure?

[brorabongo]

Been tested, and took approx 49 seconds, which to me sounds good....does'nt it?

What was the test result brora - any conclusions?

It took 49 seconds to turn the wheel 90 degs at said torque. The test stated that it should take no less then 30 seconds, which makes me think the VC is ok. There is no mention of upper time limit.

not sure if thats good.
did you find the torque test on here?
from DemonAV I think.
from memory it said 30 something secs for a 90 degrees turn.
longer MAY imply the VC sticking a bit.
I didnt test mine strictly as per instructions just " it seems similar".
as I said before I'm no expert so don't worry straight away but
maybe keep investigating.
Know any 4x4 garages near you?
I think VCs either work or don't. In my understanding if the VC is locked
you wouldnt be able to turn the front wheel at all , with rears braked, so maybe we're ok.
There are some diagrams in the tech posts somewhere which show the components
of the VC. trawl through the search function, can't remember the exact topic, sorry.

Aye, it was from DemonAV's test. I printed it out along with the exploded diagram. I am thinking of trying Wheelquick when I come down to Grimsby for a short camping trip.

There are 4x4 garages in Inverness (60miles away) so if no luck with Wheelquick, I could contact them.

I was a bit worried that my VC was on the way out - front tyres 'castle' and I noticed distinct flat spots on drivers side - but the CV joint has been clattering for a good couple of months before I had it replaced so this may have been a factor. When I put new rear tyres on, the handling changed significantly for the worse and I had the occasional low speed shudder when starting from cold. Put new tyres on the fronts and any shudder has gone and the van drives and handles MUCH better. Possibly VC is on the way out but might have brought myself a bit more time??? Still thinkinging of removing front prop shaft though. There was talk of a much simpler way of doing it than the whole lot? Is there a definitive post showing the front end procedure?

My front tyres are now slightly newer than the rear, could it be worth replacing all four at the same time? the tyres upto now have always been replaced in pairs. (front or back.)

The mechanic has had a good look around, and checked all the usual, but can not see anything wrong.

The shudder is a new thing, I have had to replace tyres before due to castling? and flatspots, but there was no shuddering then. I do notice that if I use slightly higher revs, it stops the shuddering.

cheers all

[bigdaddycain]

I run the same size tyres all round, (225/45/18's) I rotate the wheels front and rear, left to right at least twice annually, so the wear is spread quite evenly,it means that tyres last longer as a set, but have to be replaced as a set too...Preferable with the 4 wheel drive system on the bongo.

[brorabongo]

Spoke to a nice chap at Wheelquick, and I'm going to give them a visit, when I'm down in the area. (Grimsby, not close I know, but any excuse for a run ) I was told to make a list of any other things that I feel are not 100% and they would check it out. To which I should of replied "but, I'm only there for a day!"

The problem could be due to running 195 van tyres on the front. Running 215 allround could help. It's worth a try, by the time I get down there, the rears will need replaced anyway, so might aswell get all four done.

(Sorry kids no food on the table tonight, as daddy spent all his money on the bongo!! )

[bigdaddycain]

Want some of your crisps back? Mike'll look after ya, gizza pm nearer the time, i'll pop round to wheelquick and get the kettle on...

[skater]

[quote="Lewy"] Still thinkinging of removing front prop shaft though. There was talk of a much simpler way of doing it than the whole lot? Is there a definitive post showing the front end procedure?


My local 4x4 garage said the front half of the prop shaft could be removed.
Diff end just bolted on as you can see.
First UJ back, just infront of middle support bearing, is "openable" if you know how, apparently.
Without the under tray on all is easily visible.
I'm thinking of trying this option.

[brorabongo]

Want some of your crisps back? Mike'll look after ya, gizza pm nearer the time, i'll pop round to wheelquick and get the kettle on...

Crisps will be out of date now!!!!! Also I'll bring my tea bags as I only drink Green tea. )

Any good shopping centres about for the wife and kids? So I can get rid......Sorry..... I mean drop them off first.


As for getting rid of the 4wd......

I like my 4wd, what with fishing and the single track roads around here, you never know when you will need to "Take to the grass." Still waiting to try her out in decent snow.

One thing though, the full removal must help with weight loss as well, thus better economy?