Clutch Judder on New Freelander

Hi, i have an 05 Petrol Freelander which developed a clutch judder on pulling away, forwards or reverse after approx 2000 miles. Took it back to the dealer who claimed to have not seen this problem, but eventually told me that the clutch cover was warped and LR had authorised a new clutch which would cure the problem. It did but only temporarily, about £2k miles more it was back. Eventually the dealer told me that indeed this was a problem which was being found on the petrol models and LR were in the process of designing a new clutch plate. I didn't wish to keep driving with the problem so pressed them for action to be told that there had been some made but they were all used and I would have to wait (poss 2-3 months). I emailed LR customer services to try to get somewhere, so far they still can't find any, even though I am sure new vehicles are coming off the line. Anybody else experienced the problem?

Welcome to Freelander ownership. I hope that this is the worst of your troubles and things improve from hereout.

I have now come to my senses so goodbye Landrover lovers I have got rid of my jumpy Freelander and got something better. It's a shame but unfortunately the British don't seem to make them like they used to.

Re: Freelander judder

I have the same problem with my 2004 Freelander - it was still under warranty and had the 'Clutch Hydraulics' replaced... Better for a week but then it stared happening again - not all the time, but often enough to cause distress... It became so bad that one engine bolt sheared, the other pulled out the threads - resulting in an engine drop of about four inches and a lot of grinding noises..

They replaced the bolts and mount and the judder remained...

I have just been back to the dealer (allbeit 3 months after the above) to point out that the judder had not been sorted and that the engine could fall out again - the service manager is one of MY customers so I know him well...

Apparently there is a design fault - L.R. have removed all asbestos from the clutch plate and flywheel... This results in the clutch overheating and losing shape - causing judder... L.R. have apparently identified this as a problem (not sure from what date) and it will be replaced by a modified clutch...

Shout if you want to know how it goes...

Tim

Subaru Impreza's are known to suffer clutch judder on pull off.

The cure which lasts a couple of 1000 miles is to slip it at high speed, get the landy up to 70MPH and ride the clutch for a few seconds with your foot still on the gas pedal, this will clean up the contact areas and should provide some easing of the problem until LR sort it out.
After all its there clutch and its covered under warranty so who cares if it shortens its life.