Hi all, unfortunately this post has come much sooner than I would have liked and before I’ve had chance to do an introduction to myself.

I’ve recently bought a Freelander 2 from a used car dealership. The car is a 2007 2.2 diesel, 6 speed manual and has done 105,000 miles. It has full service history from Land Rover/ Indy. I’ve had the car for 2 WEEKS now and have a major issue and I’m really hoping for some pointers. I’m a technician myself on buses and coaches but I have no experience with the Freelander.



So me and the wife went out to do some shopping on Thursday evening and on the way home I pressed the clutch which was fine but on release of the clutch the pedal stuck about half way down. I managed to pull it up with my foot but there was no resistance for the 1st half of the clutch travel. The clutch didn’t slip at all just the pedal wasn’t right but we managed to get it home. I checked the brake/clutch fluid which was fine (no discolouration, visible contamination and the level was on the max mark).

The next morning (-6 outside) I got in the car and the pedal was on the floor. There was about 2cm of resistance at the very bottom of the pedal which allowed me to select a gear and pull of. All the way to work the clutch was either going completely to the floor (couldn’t change gear without rev matching) or just giving me a few centimetres (just enough to gear change).
I’ve checked underneath the car and there are no fluid leaks showing.

So after work I took the car to a clutch specialist who advised me that the car needed a new DMF, clutch kit, slave cylinder and master cylinder. They quoted me £900 for parts and labour which I’m not willing to spend on a car that I’ve only had for 2 weeks. I’m aware that I can return it to the dealership and they are aware that I will if they do not rectify this fault.

The confusing part for me is that, this morning (Saturday) I needed to go out. I got in the car and started it and the pedal was back at the top and had full resistance down to the very bottom. I’ve just come home form a 20 mile journey and it didn’t fault once. Almost as if what happened in the days previous just disappeared. I would think that if the DMF or clutch kit was at fault then it would be a constant fault. I can’t help thinking that maybe the hydraulic circuit for the clutch may be drawing in air from somewhere. I’m hoping you may have some advise on where I can go next.

I have carried out a search on the forum for similar issues but the majority seem to have lost the clutch pedal and not had it come back and have ended up having the slave cylinder replaced. It just seems very strange to have lost it and then it comes back.

Apologies for my first post being a negative one, hoping for many miles of fault free driving once this fault is sorted for good.

Thanks

Ben

I too agree your symptoms are frustrating but certainly do point to the slave cylinder. Unfortunately, access to slave, release bearing, clutch plate, pressure plate and last but not least, DMF, all require gearbox removal which is the major expense. Consequently, when gaining access for one component, it is recommended all are changed, so as to start with a clean sheet. Dare I say it, but I guess the fault started to show under the previous owner and he part exed quick! Try going back to the dealer and seeing what he offers. He is obligated to fix or refund given your two weeks of ownership. If he fixes it he may well seek for a contribution since you will be getting a complete brand new clutch system. Good luck!

Bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

I’d be more inclined to suspect a faulty clutch master cylinder with those symptoms but either way, not your problem. Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

Hi Bob/ Steve,

Thank you very much for your replies. I too am of the same opinion now that is going to be a master/slave cylinder fault.
The garage have informed me they are going to replace all components related to the clutch. Win Win.

Thank you very much

Ben

Yep! Steve is right, could equally be the master. Pleased you look to be getting a good result.

Bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)