Thread: Towing with Freelander 1

If you're thinking of using the Freelander off the bitumen, especially if towing, the auto is the way to go.

Thy are great cars both on & off road but as they don't have low-range, it is easy trashing a clutch & flywheel.

M

I hear what you say about stressing the clutch when manoevering the van around and low range or auto would be better for that but this hill descent thingy - would that help crawl a caravan around without burning out the clutch? Must admit I only have a vague idea about how hill descent works.

Hill descent is something completely different - when going down hill it automatically applies the brakes to keep speed in check - about 8kph I think.

Fl1 clutches are not the strongest and do not like manoeuvring heavy weights particularly on slopes. HDC is absolutely no use with this.

However a diesel Fl1 does tow its 2 tonne well -if a bit leisurely.

Garry

Wot Gary said...

HDC just pulses the brakes when going down hill to keep the speed in check. Even then, the primary method of speed control is your engine braking and HDC is a secondary system.

M

Thanks for politely explaining HDC. Duh- I should have known better! I'm going cold on this car, mainly for workshop $$$$$ $2900 for a new clutch? eeek! I don't think so. I've done most of my own workshopping over the years but at 60 last time I changed a clutch was no fun and I doubt the Fl would be a job I'd be equipped to tackle. I think if it wasn't for expensive workshop bills I would love this car. At 190000 I guess it must have had a new clutch but don' know when.
$2900 for a clutch????

So this TD4 has a manual gearbox? It must be a very early version as most TD4 FL1s were autos and certainly all the later ones were autos. Are you sure it is a TD4 and not an L series diesel? (not that this bad - arguable the L series is a little more reliable buty has a little less power and torque). A TD4 has a TD4 badge on the tailgate where the L series has nothing.

Does this vehicle require a new clutch??

If you are towing 850kgs you should not have too many problems with the clutch - I have towed vehicles (all up just on 2 tonne) and it was only in steep driveways manoeuvring that you got the clutch smell so 850kgs should not be such an issue - just be aware of it.

If this car needs work or you do not have confidence in it - then do not buy it there are always plenty of other vehicles available.

I do not know if $2900 for a clutch change is excessive but would seem so to me - kits are in the order of $400. I have not done a change myself but I don't think it is technically difficult - I have had the IRD out and left suspension so not much more would have been needed to remove the gearbox to do the clutch - it all goes out the passenger side wheel arch. I would be seeking alternative quotes for that job.

Garry

$2900 would be right for a TD4, They have a dual mass flywheel which is usually worn out when the clutch needs replacing. You would be lucky to find a flywheel in Australia for under $1500.
I got a clutch kit and flywheel for my parents TD4 about a year ago for around $1100 delivered from the UK. I couldnt buy the flywheel in Australia for that.

The car we looked at was manufactured Feb 2001 and Had Coomon Rail in big letters on the engine cover so I thought it had to be TD4 Didn't think the L series was common rail - but perhaps that says something about my research! I jave done a rego search and it turns out the car is registered (expired 9th April) to a dealer, not the bloke who is selling it so we have suddenly gone very cold on the whole deal. Thanks for your comments about the clutch and towing - puts a new perspective on it. We did like the car so I think we will keep a lookout for another. Love the idea of such fuel economy. Our Defender did not lose much economy towing a big load. Seems to be a diesel thing. Appreciate your comments!