Andy131 wrote:

Got to disagree with the advice to go slowly on bad roads.

Don't misunderstand me Andy. I was referring to speed bumps where the strut bottoms out if you go over it too fast. Go slowly and it does not bottom out = everything is peaceful!

In days gone by I used to sometimes drive a 4-ton Bedford "up country" in Belize. The roads were past their best (if they ever were good) and we found the best solution was to drive at around 30mph with the suspension just clipping the tops of all the potholes. Noisy though! Same through Orange Walk Town, where the road was relatively smooth but with severe speed bumps!

The Freelander is not built like a 4-ton Bedford however, and it is mine! So I will moderate my speed accordingly  10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

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

I really doubt the suspension will bottom on any Freelander2 with normal or two up load, I came back from France with 240l of wine plus 100Kg of caravan nose weight, rear axle on the limit and no bottoming, the whole car only dropped 2.5 inches at the wheel arch. I suspect the drop off on a sharp angled speed bump causing a bang may well be due to the shocks not being able to allow a smooth damp and you get an initial lock up. The suspension actually does quite well for a heavy car with a high load capacity on just springs my PC is slightly to the right of Genghis
2012 HSE SD4 In Orkney Grey now gone, best car ever.

Last edited by Dartman the one on 15th Apr 2016 10:42 am. Edited 1 time in total

In referring to the strut bottoming out, I mean at full extension, where there seems to be no buffer! 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

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

Are you suggesting the shock strut extends to maximum on a sharp drop off? I think unlikely. my PC is slightly to the right of Genghis
2012 HSE SD4 In Orkney Grey now gone, best car ever.

That's exactly what I am saying! On some short, sharp speed bumps on a local trading estate, if you are not careful, the front suspension makes a noticeable "clunk" you can hear and feel* when falling off the far side at more than a walking pace. Otherwise, I find the ride is fine. As I have said before, maybe the most comfortable car we have had.

* Not just this car, my previous Freelander 2 also. 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

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

Yep, I got the bonk from the fully extended shocks on my one if I went over any decent sized speed bumps at anything above 20mnph or so. Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

I thought it was just me!  10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

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

I replaced shocks on my previous cars due to Sydney's roads. I replaced the rear shocks on my 504 myself, but these days I couldn't be stuffed & would get my mechanic to do it. Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

Acoustic insulation ARB TPMS 3xARB air compressors After cooler Air tank On-board OCD pressure air/water cleaning Additional 50L fuel Carpet in doors ABE 2x1kg Waeco 28L modified fridge Battery 4x26ah Solar 120w Victron MPPT 100/20 DC-DC 18amps 175amp jumper plug Awning 6x255/60R18

I still don't think they are either bottoming or topping, more that the shock absorber locks as it cannot shift the oil fast enough, the reason being the axle articulation is limited by the arms rather than the the shock absorbers limited travel. I'm not even sure the internals are strong enough to take that sot of hit. my PC is slightly to the right of Genghis
2012 HSE SD4 In Orkney Grey now gone, best car ever.

Ok, it must be the arms then. It still does it & effectively the suspension is bottoming out. 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

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