Morning all
This is a strange one but coming back from the IOW last week on about four occasions there was a loud bang or metallic clonk! from the rear left wheel area. Drove ok otherwise but enough to make you think something is going to break very soon. Anyway, got home, wheel off, and while there’s a bit of play in the driveline, nothing obvs wrong. No haldex fault codes, no oil on the drive. So thinking about it, it’s been a year or two since the handbrake has been stripped, and it’s pretty poor but has just passed an MOT so should be ok….. but reading a few posts it sounds like it’s not unknown for the mechanism to seize up within the drum. I’ve not taken the lot apart yet but I’m wondering if enough dust and debris built up inside whether that would be enough to make the wheel temporarily grab and then release, so giving rise to the thump or whatever? The noise is so intermittent and random it surely can’t be anything with cogs and it’s not the spring either….

Any thoughts prior to my strip down?
Ta
Pete 182k miles from new!

Hi, Are you sure it's not the suspension strut? I had a simular clunk a few months back,
2008my the same year, so probably knackered like mine  DAVE.

Broken coil spring sounds like the likely culprit. Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

2014 Orkney grey Freelander SD4 GS.
2004 Zambezi silver Discovery 2 Td5 (Gone)
1963 Surf blue Morris Mini Minor Super de Luxe (my little toy)

Yes I guess the tip may have broken off…. Kind of hard to tell without getting it apart. Car is level and seems sprung still though….. 182k miles from new!

Handbrake pads if they come loose can flop around making a really loud clonk noise, usually when going over speedbumps/potholes.

Right - an update. Disk/drum off and only one return spring in there, and a mashed up pad retaining clip that has been catching between the drum and the pad as it goes round - hence the twang!

Hopefully the handbrake mechanism is ok and the brake pad kit includes return springs….luckily had a pair of disks and pad set awaiting just such problem……





 182k miles from new!

I'd be amazed if the new brake shoes come with retaining springs, normally have to purchase fitting kit including springs separately.
(Haven't ordered Freelander handbrake shoes before so may be talking nonsense, if so please disregard 😁). Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

2014 Orkney grey Freelander SD4 GS.
2004 Zambezi silver Discovery 2 Td5 (Gone)
1963 Surf blue Morris Mini Minor Super de Luxe (my little toy)

Last edited by Bobupndown on 19th Mar 2025 6:52 pm. Edited 1 time in total

Well bob as I goes they did- disks, pads, springs and slips from maltings for £119 all in.

All fixed now! 182k miles from new!