…… shredded a clutch and shafted the dual mass flywheel. Both now replaced under warranty.

The symptoms start with a ‘judder’ when accelerating in 5th or 6th gear and quickly moves to a noticeable clutch slip in 2nd and 3rd.

I have seen all the arguments about a manual or an auto and only have one opinion. My loaner was an Sd4 auto HSE and over 400 miles returned 26 mpg. On the same routes my Td4-e returns 35 mpg. Thats around 35% more efficient.

Maybe we won’t get a choice if there is an FL3. When the D3 went to a D4 there was no manual option as the D3 manual was not cost effective due to clutch replacements under warranty. Apparently, its all about torque and power delivery of modern diesel engines. A Land Rover owner since 1988

From a 1974 series III to a 12MY XS FL2 with help of a 1995 D1, 1996 D1, 2005 D3, 2007 D3 and a 2009 FL2.

I have heard of SD4 owners getting much better economy than that. Sorry to hear about the clutch though. Mine has done 17k miles now and a good dosage of off roading but no sign of any judder. If it goes it goes that's what warranty is for but I will keep an eye out for such symptoms LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

The Doctor wrote:

Mine has done 17k miles now and once drove through two puddles in a row

 At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

its all about torque and power delivery of modern diesel engines.

(how long has a clutch been fitted to cars, Vans, Trucks, buses, etc)

So why dose Land Rover Not make a Stronger Clutch /pressure plate. ( hundreds of thousands of pounds in testing the car ) And there didn't come across a clutch problem !!! (I don't think the is fit for purpose !!!)

gstd4-e wrote:

Apparently, its all about torque and power delivery of modern diesel engines.

It is and that is why 1st gear on the manual FL2 will electronically only allow limited torque through the drivetrain, and they beefed up the DMF as well for the stop/start models. We know the clutches/dmf's can be problematic but that is way to early for one to fail, must have been even more of a faulty one.

Surely LR can't go on forever accepting this

There's no consistency in fuel usage either, my SD4 returns low 30's around town and have seen 40.5 on a run, so how you achieved those low figures is another mystery.

jp wrote:

its all about torque and power delivery of modern diesel engines.

(how long has a clutch been fitted to cars, Vans, Trucks, buses, etc)

So why dose Land Rover Not make a Stronger Clutch /pressure plate. ( hundreds of thousands of pounds in testing the car ) And there didn't come across a clutch problem !!! (I don't think the is fit for purpose !!!)

On that basis it does make you wonder about cars such as the Focus RS that puts 300bhp through the front wheels

Although I have read that it comes with lots of gizmos and heavy duty clutch and limited slip diff etc to help it cope. Also, something called Revo Knuckles  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

300bhp not he same as torque, a standard St produces 100nm less torque than the SD4, as I understand it the ST at the factory comes out with 221 horses what people chip them to is up to them, another factor if all the horses on the ST are unleashed a large amount of rubber is put on to Tarmac, you will struggle to do this with a Freelander, another factor is weight, the ST is half a ton lighter so again not so much effort on the clutch and DMF.

How about the Defender and old Disco's? I realise they don't have the same torque as the FL2 but I just wondered if anyone knew what reliability is like for the clutch. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

I had two clutches on my 2007 defender

landy19840 wrote:

I had two clutches on my 2007 defender

does the petrol ford have a dual mass flywheel, it will have probably have different wearing material on the clutch plate making it less progressive and more on/off than a fl2 clutch.
Also being 2 wheel drive the wheels will spin on start off taking the stain from the drive At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

When I worked in a Ford dealership, Transit clutch/DMF replacement under warranty was a regular happening....largely because they got abused by drivers who didn't have to pick up the bill! I believe VW had a similar problem. John
07 HSE Narvick Black
Land Rover Series One
Triumph Rocket 111 (sadly gone!)

The Doctor wrote:

How about the Defender and old Disco's? I realise they don't have the same torque as the FL2 but I just wondered if anyone knew what reliability is like for the clutch.

Yes I understand how the power & torque works on a modern car & trucks. I worked for a company with a fleet of over 1500 motor's from cars, vans to Hgv's, I know how a clutch work I have fitted a good few in my time.

I hear what your all saying, but if your not towing a house down or race of the lights like a boy racer,
And you drive normally and don't ride the clutch,


HOW LONG SHOULD THE CLUTCH LAST, because a lot of freelander 2 driver on this site are having the clutch replaced before a set of tires or front brake pads (At around 25,000 miles, Is that Normal, BECAUSE I DON'T THINK SO)

As I said before, should we be booking our Freelander's in for a 30,000 service.
And say to the person behind the desk, I have have a new clutch to !!! As well as pads & discs !!