Expensive noise

[slap_ed]

I'd appreciate your views on what seems to me to be an expensive problem.

The vehicle in question is a Freelander 2.0 Diesel 1997 with 53,000 miles on the clock.

As soon as you pull away this noise appears which mirrors the wheels rotation speed. The noise is similar to a wheel bearing on its way out but the funny thing is that it disappears on full lock in both directions. After looking underneath it appears to be around the offside inner CV joint, if not then inside what I think is called the IDR unit. There also seems to be more play when rocking the drive shaft up and down on this side than the other.
It doesn’t matter if you’re accelerating, braking or coasting this noise is there except when on full lock.

Any help would be appreciated

Graham.

[Spacemutt]

The inner CV joint will make a noise when pulling away, but it would make a clicking noise and go away when the load taken off (ie coasting). Maybe one of the front wheel bearings?

[Alan H]

Have your tyres checked. This is a well documented problem caused by irregular tyre wear.

[andyb]

This is a well documented problem caused by irregular tyre wear. OH! I thought there was a problem that caused irregular tyre wear! ICBW :)

[andyb]

...but in answer to the original question.... :)

Sounds like a wheel bearing to me too. Not too difficult to check yourself. Jack up that wheel and hold the top and bottom of the tyre. Check for movement that isn't just the tyre or the suspension mounts moving; if you are unsure compare with a wheel that isn't making a noise.

[slap_ed]

I'm confident that it's not a wheel bearing as the noise is inboard of the inner cv joint and there is no play when the wheel is rocked.
I have just replaced the front tyres because of normal wear and showing no signs of feathering.
Does anybody have any images of the internal workings of the IRD unit especially the area around where the inner CV joins.

Thanks for the info so far

[Spacemutt]

How do you know it's inboard of the wheels? :D Did you have someone hanging off the bonnet? :p

[slap_ed]

With the front end jacked up you can spin the wheel by hand and this is enough to generate the noise. Also listening to the end of a screwdriver pressed against the IRD end casing confirms this when compared to the other side. I can't understand why the noise disappears when on full lock

Thanks so far for your efforts

[Alan H]

Possibly, when the wheels are on full lock, the load characteristics change on the CVjoints/gearbox bearings. Please post when you find out as this is a puzzler. I take it that LR has been less than helpful?