Thread: Clutch failure on '12 Defender

G'day all,

We're currently in Harare, yesterday had our rental '12 Defender towed away after a clutch failure.

It took some convincing of the rental company to send another vehicle, as they were starting to try on the line that it was driver caused, and they would get it looked at (after the weekend) at the local dealer.

I was driving along bitumen, changing leisurely from 3rd down to 2nd, when I couldn't change. Clutch pedal feels normal, clutch fluid is full, and no visible leaks at either end.

I'm pretty certain I have treated this car as gently as I would my own, and I'm pretty easy on the clutch and gearbox - having replaced a couple myself and knowing how much work they can be.

The car had just ticked over 100,000 kms when we picked it up. The 'oil service' message was flashing from the start, so I'm unsure of the service history, but the company is a reputable one.

I'm after a list of possible causes of failure that would give these symptoms, in order to arm myself for when they give a diagnosis and in case they want to pin it on me, so I can know what I'm talking about.

Anything specific to the later Puma-engined Defenders, specifically. I know I should use the search facility, but internet access and time is limited in this part of the world.

Thanks!
Michael

Cancel your credit card......a mate of mine had his credit card maxed out by a hire company and it took a while to reverse it