Land Rover Repair: Land Rover Freelander V6 Rear Noise, land rover dealer, petrol tank

Question
Hi John, thanks for your swift reply,

On reading my question again, I've realised I failed to mention that if I stop the car as soon as the whine occurs and turn my engine off, I can still hear it (10 - 15 seconds). I think this is what convinced my Land Rover dealer it had to be the fuel tank.

I will pass on your advice to then and let you know if we manage to fix the problem.

Thanks,
David
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hi John,

During the past 6 months my 2001 Freelander ES has developed a whining sort of noise from the rear end. It only occurs for about 30 seconds at a time when the petrol tank is getting nearer to empty or on hot days.  My Land Rover dealer is stumped, at the problem, as he has already replaced the petrol tank, any suggestion's?

Thanks,
David

PS. The vehicle is only 2 years old and has done 60,000Kl. It has had the Engine and Transmission also replaced.
Answer -
Hi David,

I am overwhelmed to read that your Freelander has had so much trouble.  That noise you hear could it be a differential bearing?  Some owners have reported this as a common problem and since your is still under warranty, have them check it out.  It could also be a wheel bearing.  

IF you think its more closely aligned to the fuel system, maybe its a leak in the line.  As the fuel empties, air is being drawn into the tank from the fuel pump or sender unit.  I believe (not absolute on this) that there is a sending unit mounted on top of the tank.  Maybe one of the lines is leaking and you are hearing the vacuum noise.  

Having your dealer state they are stumped is not a good thing.  I'd have them put it down on paper while you are still under warranty.  You don't want to wait until a component fails completely THEN find out you are no longer covered under warranty.  OUCH!  

This has happened to me and a Chevy I once purchased.  The dealer worked on the problem for several months and many visits.  As soon as the warranty expired, he was "FORCED" to charge me.  I wrote to GM and they 'corrected' the problem.

It has to be a line or sending unit problem.  What else is there to swap out?

Best of luck,

JohnMc  

Answer
Hi David,

I understand why it could be pump related.  Maybe a relay is not being tripped properly.  To swap out the tank seemed extreme but I guess they are doing everything they can to isolate the problem.  Thankfully, this is all under warranty - right!?!

I appreciate the followup and look forward to seeing what the problem actually was.

Regards,

JohnMc