Anyone out there experience the clunking noise from the detachable towbar (whilst towing - obviously)

Any fixes apart from fit a proper towbar?

Your problem is not new, see "Detachable Tow ball clunk (FIX NOW AVAILABLE)" in Technical section.

I do not think the supposed "fix" is any better. LR offered to replace mine with a new bar (4 years ago) if I paid £148 contribution. I was so put off by detachables I declined and fitted a Witter Fixed Flange bar. No way does that clunk!

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

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

Just called LR and they say that the towbar is not covered under warranty as the service notice has expired.
Anyone had any luck recently getting this problem fixed by LR?

I would say it is unlikely. As I said above, even then they wanted £148 contribution. Since the car already has a bar and wiring you just need a different brand bar. The LR bar needed the bumper skirt cut out anyway so almost any brand bar will fit. Take a look at PF Jones who have a good range at good prices. It is an easy job to change yourself if you have access to the right size big sockets and breaker bars.

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

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

Thanks - think I will get a replacement as you suggest.

Quality LR parts!!! One trip and the towbar is useless.

Witter instructions in gallery. 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

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

For reference the LR badged towbar is actually Brink towbar and the detachable brink has had its problems. Brink did a change to try to cure the knock but I understand that the upgrade is still having issues. A towbar fitter told me that the bar is sound and safe even though there is is a very small movement that causes the knock.

When you are towing a load over 7 metres long, weighing 1500 kg that may have cost you over £20 grand you do NOT want a clonk/clunk/knock or whatever as you negotiate bumps, pot holes and over level crossings etc, I can assure you. The bars are Thule/Brink by the way.

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

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

Just spoken to Brink towbars - and they have offered me a replacement housing and swan neck.
Anyone know if this fully sorts the problem out.

It may well do. If they are replacing FOC then you have nothing to lose.

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

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

Detachable tow bars are not meant for consistent towing but for occasional use. I’ve got a genuine Land Rover fixed system which I’ve had from new. Thule make it for Land Rover. MY14 Kahn Converted Dynamic - Fuji White Ebony/Pimento Interior
MY15 Xenon Headlight Conversion

MY17 RRS SVR - Estoril Blue Cirrus/Ebony 🪣💺’s

Last edited by LR NUT on 9th Apr 2018 10:49 am. Edited 1 time in total

Brink are offering it for £95, swan neck and housing, so a 5 min replacement job, and offering a 5 year warranty. Have been told it’s 2 bolts to get the housing off and then replace housing and job done.

5 yr Warranty? If they are that confident then it must be good for 10 years! Your choice!

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

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

Hi Suckfish,

Did you take up this offer from Brinks. I am interested as my towbar has started to clunk and I would like to repair it if possible rather than replace with a fixed towbar which I do not like. I have contacted Brinks but they have said that as it is a Land Rover part that I must contact Land Rover. Any further details you may have would be useful.

Thanks
Dave

Suckfish wrote:

Brink are offering it for £95, swan neck and housing, so a 5 min replacement job, and offering a 5 year warranty. Have been told it’s 2 bolts to get the housing off and then replace housing and job done.

I wouldnt consider a detachable tow bar, proper fixed flange bar is the way ahead! Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

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