Freelander viscous coupling problems

Mrs Chaos has just got herself a 2005 freelander and I'm a bit concerned about the Viscous coupling giving up the ghost.
Anyone got any suggestions how to check for this and if all goes pear shaped how easy is it to fix?

I have read about it in the lro mag but can't remember about it I will look on the lro forum and post a link
Found one hope this helps
http://www.lro.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=35552

get a couple of bars one in each end and turn it .it will move very very slowly then its ok new ones have different oil in them and move a bit easier.if you start having problems with it drill a few holes in the front or back of the coupling and let the jelly drain out this can take a long time as its very thick and works better when its a hot day or in the garage with a heater under it the hole you drill is only 4 mm as you have to fit in a couple of grease nipples then you fill it with grease problem solved.but you have to do this before the IRD explodes and cost you a small fortune.a new coupling is £350 ish and i have one on the shelf hope this helps you

i meant to say keep an eye on the rear tyres and if you see signs of scrubbing if you see any drive over gravely ground on full lock and see if its skipping at the read {just the same as wined up}if so its on its way out

Cheers for that, I'll wait for the outside temp to get into positive figures then go and have a closer inspection.

I thnk you better look at it before july though