Can anyone advise if there have been any changes with this fix? I have found my 2009 HSE has this "clunk" with the 'van in tow over rough ground or a "level" crossing. I checked with the dealer and Service Bulletin SM 40971 does not seem to exist any more. My tow ball is marked as a "311". Any update would be appreciated.
Thanks
Bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

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

I gave up with mine Bob. To quieten it down smear the end where it goes in to the receiver, not a long term fix but stops the Rolf Harris effect. If you can pick up a new Thule one you could just change the receiver and towball, possibly remover the reciever and replace with a fixed one. Other than that if you want a Detachable get the Westfalia and weigh the Thule one in.

Thanks for that, ad. I will try a grease-up tomorrow in prep for being away this weekend. If the dealers fail to help I will try Thule/Brink Customer Service again. I have spoken to them already but they said as my Brink is branded LR, go to dealers first as they should handle it. If all else fails, go back to them.  10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

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

Don't cake it on, just a smear on the friction surfaces.

I have the factory (well, dealer fit) tow bar on my 6 month old car and have not yet had the clunking that I had with my 2007 SE. The ball is still marked 215 (the so-called modified version) which superseded the one marked 311. However, I notice that the receiver and bracket appear different to the replacement one that was fitted (under warranty) on my old car. There is now a place to attach the breakaway cable , instead of having to wrap it round the swan neck. I will keep an eye on it as it comes with a three year warranty. I used to lubricate the old one with motor cycle chain lub. around the spring loaded spigot, where it locks into the receiver and found that was effective when towing. 2007 SE Manual : Gone and missed but 2013 HSE Lux is better!
Series IIa : Gone but hopefully still alive.

Well, I greased the mating faces of the coupling, which muted the "clunk" somewhat. However, a weekend away with the caravan revealed that did not last the 160 mile round trip. The clunk is nearly as bad now as when it was "dry". The dealer has not had any success in researching the "fix" despite my supplying the Service bulletin detail and part no's etc mentioned in this thread. The next port of call is Mike in Customer Relations.... NB Thule/Brink products supposedly have a "lifetime" warranty, so what's the problem? 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

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

To close this issue off, I approached Mike at Customer services who, after an inspection by my local dealer, decided the whole towbar should be replaced. Additionally he offered to make a generous 75% contribution to the £576 cost . According to Mike, LR do not offer a "fix", but will only replace the whole assembly. he confirmed the new bar is a modified model, p/n VPLFT0119.
However, after careful consideration, I have decided to replace the towbar myself, likely not with a Thule/Brink and not with a detachable model.

Mike has been helpful throughout and I appreciate his input.

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

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

I've got a Witter detachable on mine and it doesn't move at all even with an 1800kg twin axle Bessacarr behind it.

What I have noticed is the car has more than enough power to pull the caravan but the weight of the caravan can be felt a lot more in the Freelander than with my TD5 Discovery. The discovery is far more stable towing this kind of weight but lacks the torque of the Freelander.

dunkley201 wrote:

I have decided to replace the towbar myself, likely not with a Thule/Brink and not with a detachable model.

I now have a Witter fixed flange model - a good almost new 'bay find @ £60. Only "clunk" from that is when I catch my shins on it!

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

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

Oddly reading this and having had a brand new detachable tow bar fitted before I collected the car I am surprised to see 311 stamped on the top of the tow ball.
the ball does appear to have some side to side movement.

as a poster said the Land Rover Service Bulletin SSM 40971 was not found by his dealer I am wondering how to proceed in speaking to my dealer regarding this, if the unit fitted is not suitable and there is a ready replacement available I would rather sort this sooner than later.

I have emailed customer services and dealer.

Last edited by V40TC on 11th Jan 2015 11:56 am. Edited 1 time in total

Best try it first under load. "Proof of the pudding" & all that.... I expect not all detachable bars "clunked". Mine did - try towing a 1450kg caravan (for instance) over a few level crossings - if there is any play, you will feel & hear it. If not, don't worry. edit: My movement was vertical.

Me? I jumped ship and fitted a Witter!

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

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

LR have just began a recall on the ones on the Discovery, calling them back into be checked, any play and they wil fit FOC a fixed Multi Height one, guess who make the Discovery Detachable, common theme here, the Discovery one is completely different system, but the problem is apparent.
They also state in the bulletin that the Towbar should never remain on the vehicle if not in use, always to be removed and securely stored.

I have emailed the dealer and Ryan to see what they can do for me
it does clunk when towing,
as it was fitted in Dec 2014 I will see what the outcome is tomorrow I shall give them a call too.

Not so much of a clunk on mine, sounded more like some one bending a sheet of steel, sounding a bit like the backing of Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport.

We can't sing that one any more, Andy My bar definitely "clunked". Felt as if there was an additional link between bar and 'van (I guess there was!) As the van "nodded" fore & aft when going over a series of bumps. Put me off the Thule bar completely.  10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

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