Hi All, long time landrover owner but new to Freelander 2 after my patents stopped driving.

Car is immaculate inside but has some mechanical niggles.

Most obvious one is that it's terribly rattly when started from cold. Not really audible inside but quite unnerving when window down or outside.

Sounds to be at the end of the engine on the drivers side (UK car). I can't find any cause and neither can my trusted local garage.

Any ideas what this might be?

Thanks

MW

Hi mate may be helpful to know the actual model mileage how it’s been serviced etc. They can be a bit noisy on cold start this time of year but it sounds like you’re concerned.

Complete stab in the dark from me but it's not coming from the drivers wheel area is it? If it is then it could be a worn idler or tensioner...

 https://www.youtube.com/@scottandalana4x4

That's a fair question.

It's a 2009 Td4, 113000 miles. Dad says he's had it serviced annually, but the service indicator counts have not been updated for years. Given he now has dementia that service could have been last week or 3 years ago....

It's on my list to do but bit if there is something more fundamental wrong, or if I'm getting something else fixed then I'll service it at the same time.

It's not a cold engine diesel rattle. Nor does it quieten quickly. It's better but not gone when warmed up.

MW

Managed to speak to the mechanic rather than the receptionist when collecting the car and they think it's the tensioner or idler on the Aux belt, and not bad enough to worry about changing yet.

MW

Well I wouldnt wait too long. Its been known for the aux belt (FEAD belt) to come off and take out the cambelt with terrible consequences for the engine.

They are a fairly easy DIY job and not expensive. Jules