Defender clutch life.

[Lionel]

Just had a 50,000 service on the Defender (2004 TD5 Xtreme). Basically just an oil & filter change, but they (MLR Docklands) drew attention to the clutch, which they said was taking up at a high point on the pedal travel, and would "need to be monitored". They think that it may be reaching the end of its life.

This seems strange to me, as I am normally very easy on clutches, and I hardly ever tow anything. I would expect a clutch life of at least 150,000K's based on previous experience with other vehicles.

My vehicle did have the clutch master cylinder replaced under warranty due to a leak, and I am assuming that the pedal free play was adjusted correctly at the time. There have been absolutely no other problems with the clutch action.

What do other forum members think is average clutch life for a Defender? I know there are a lot of variables, but 50,000 seems very short to me.

Cheers,

Lionel

[Psimpson7]

Way more than that IMO. i would expect 200k + at least really.

[dullbird]

mmmmm I don't know Ian reckoned that there were reports of people burning out clutches after 15,000 miles in the UK. AFAIK Land rover clutches are not strong and dont last

[crump]

just had mine out for other reasons, hardly any discernable wear at 70000kms, but I dont drive in traffic.

[Psimpson7]

The clutches in TD5's are generally fine. Mine has now done 120k and a lot of that has been hard on it and I have no issues.

[reeksyofoz]

The '99 TD5 I own had a replacement at 135,000 kms by a previous owner, although it could have been 'cos the 'box was out anyway I suppose.

I thought the replacement was getting a bit worn recently (220,000km), but then measured the pedal height and discovered the adjuster on the front of the master cylinder box and had a play and it's all good now.

I have a feeling my m/c has been tinkered with and it's not the normal '99 set up and i'm not sure if the 2004 is adjustable, though

[Lionel]

The '99 TD5 I own had a replacement at 135,000 kms by a previous owner, although it could have been 'cos the 'box was out anyway I suppose.

I thought the replacement was getting a bit worn recently (220,000km), but then measured the pedal height and discovered the adjuster on the front of the master cylinder box and had a play and it's all good now.

I have a feeling my m/c has been tinkered with and it's not the normal '99 set up and i'm not sure if the 2004 is adjustable, though

Thanks for the info. I think the pedal height and freeplay may not have been set properly when the M/C was replaced under warranty. The pedal IS a bit higher than it should be, but there is still a bit of free play before the M/C shaft is engaged.

In all other respects the clutch is operating perfectly!

Cheers,

Lionel

[JDNSW]

't comment on the Defender, but the only times I have replaced a clutch on any other Landrover have been contamination by oil, or on one occasion in 1966, a broken centre.

I have recently replaced the clutch in my 110 after 250,000km, due to oil contamination - otherwise it was hardly worn. I don't do a lot of towing, and rarely tow anything over two tonnes.

John

[Blknight.aus]

I havent ever had to do a clutch under 250k if you exclude abuse, contamination and manufacturing defect.

[samuelclarke]

I replaced my clutch at 315,000km's - it still had life left in it, but the gearbox was out anyway so thought it was a good idea to do it.