Hi everyone,

We recently bought a Freelander 2, 2012 HSE with a low mileage of 21000. This mileage is backed up with a LR service record. It has been over-serviced, if anything, with a service every year at MOT time, even though it may have only covered around 2000 miles. The only thing that they didn't do was change the cambelt after 7 years (apparently, they asked the owner, but she declined as it had only done 16000 miles at that point.)

We've owned 2 Freelander 1's in the recent past. Our latest one from 2005, was getting a little bit timeworn after 5 years with us, but only 96000 miles. I was actually looking to replace it with another FL1, and I found a lower mileage one in great condition. However, when we arrived at the dealer, he also had the FL2, and so we decided to try that out. The obvious improvement in every way convinced us that this was the way to go. My wife loved the Freelander 1, and so it was very significant that she was able to switch onto the newer model.

I am very happy with the car after getting to know it for a couple of weeks, and hope that we can keep it for a few years.

Cheers,
Geoff

While it’s great that the car has been serviced annually the cam belt service interval of 7 years is irrespective of the miles covered so I'm afraid you’ve now got a big bill coming up or you take the risk of ruining the engine. Of course, as labour is the biggest part of the bill it is always worth changing the auxiliary belt and idlers and tensioners along with the water pump.

Double post!

Originally the timing belt change was every ten yrs or 150k miles, but it was then changed to seven yrs due some belt failures on the higher performance SD4s I had my TD4 belt and water pump change at ten yrs and 73k miles and the belt that came off looked like new no cracks or perishing . but better to get it done for peace of mind. 2013 FL2 XS.
Defender 90 300 TDi.
Defender 90 300 TDi CSW.
1964 MGB Roadster.
1944 Willys MB "Jeep" with bullet holes. (gone)
17 hand Irish Drought Thoroughbred (mostly lame)
Nagging Old Boiler.

Mahatma Gandhi said if there is an Idiot in power those who elected him are well represented

I've been thinking about the cambelt change. I will probably get it done next year, or maybe do it myself.

In the meantime, I'm not going to worry since I can't really see age being a big factor in belt life. If that was the case, then you would need to know the date of manufacture of a replacement belt, since if it was new old stock - say 3 years old - then you'd be worried about it lasting the full seven years.

Geoff My other car is a Mitsuoka

Definitely change the cambelt. Also make sure Haldex fluid and filter have been changed, low mileage cars are not immune from Haldex failure.

mr-mosky wrote:

I've been thinking about the cambelt change. I will probably get it done next year, or maybe do it myself.

Its not difficult - just needs a timing locking kit and a bit of free time.


PS have you downloaded the freebie JLR workshop manual ? Its my go to place when things go wrong Jules

Welcome, fantastic low mileage car, that's gotta be one of the lowest mileage used Freelander 2s out there. Look after it and it will last for years.
The timing belt is probably perfect but peace of mind having it done. Do the water pump while it's apart and accessible.
It is reasonably easy DIY job.
The crank pulley bolt is f***ing tight though, a decent 6 sided impact socket and many ugga duggas required. 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)

jules wrote:

mr-mosky wrote:

I've been thinking about the cambelt change. I will probably get it done next year, or maybe do it myself.

Its not difficult - just needs a timing locking kit and a bit of free time.


PS have you downloaded the freebie JLR workshop manual ? Its my go to place when things go wrong

Just echoing Bobupandown’s post……welcome ….I have same car……since 2012….wife had FL1 1.8p….’96-2007…….I didn’t like it…had D2 TD5 HSE at the time….changed to FL2SD4HSE Auto ….miles better than FL1……..been a great car………..but to find the same with just 21k on clock…….incredible…!
Talking about cambelts : I did ours Feb this year at 150k miles……….couldn’t believe….no wear on belt or pulleys……I mean…NO wear……would have done another 100k mls………..but it’s not worth the risk….best get it done………..not an easy job to do…due to access not easy. Bobupndown correct re crankbolt…..I had seen several YouTube videos…..some amusing…regarding tightness of bolt, with the lock tight….I used new Dewalt H/P wrench which whizzed it off in a jiffy……
Happy motoring……

Bobupndown wrote:

Welcome, fantastic low mileage car, that's gotta be one of the lowest mileage used Freelander 2s out there. Look after it and it will last for years.
The timing belt is probably perfect but peace of mind having it done. Do the water pump while it's apart and accessible.
It is reasonably easy DIY job.
The crank pulley bolt is f***ing tight though, a decent 6 sided impact socket and many ugga duggas required.

Exactly I never mind spending money on tools, what you save by diying more than pays for any special tools required

Re the diagnostics, check out Autel AP200
Really good bit of kit for around £40-50. 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)

Echoing Bobupndown’s post…….again….

I bought the Lynx Diagnostics Kit to use with my FL2 during 2013…ok…used it once a year to reset service ….had no other problems until this year ……see my posts re: hesitation/stuttering ………..I couldn’t get the Lynx to work with my laptop…..I gave up……….…I had looked on this site…thé AP 200 had good reviews….so I purchased one……I must say it has been invaluable for diagnostics…….especially for the price…….I thoroughly recommend the Autel 200…so easy to use……& works well.


………………………………………………………………………………..
FL2 SD4 HSE Lux MY 2012 156k mls…..running well
D2 TD5 HSE MY 1999……….470kmls gone chassis rotten
D1 300TDI MY 1996……….70k mls…..gone..D2 much better
Several series L/R’s ….

mr-mosky wrote:

jules wrote:

mr-mosky wrote:

I've been thinking about the cambelt change. I will probably get it done next year, or maybe do it myself.

Its not difficult - just needs a timing locking kit and a bit of free time.


PS have you downloaded the freebie JLR workshop manual ? Its my go to place when things go wrong

Thanks Jules, I will definitely download the free manual. Is it on this site?