Freelander 1 Clutch master cylinder failure.

Been having problems getting into gear for a while. On inspection the piston had a lot of movement at the bracket, so thought I'd change it this coming Saturday. While out today, total failure clutch pedal to the floor. After looking under the car I found that the piston had fractured. From the picture you can see it had started to fail/ fatigue a while ago.

Looks like a kseries, I suggest the clutch arm is seizing, lubrication needed

That's what I'll be doing over the weekend. It seems to be a common problem. At first I thought the release bearing was going.

I had a similar problem with my K series Freelander two weeks ago; the clutch master cylinder ruptured. After replacing it my mechanic said that the clutch is quite stiff and this probably contributed to the cylinder failure because of the extra pressure required to operate the clutch. His recommendation is replacement of the clutch. While he's an extremely honest and respectable guy and I have no reason to question his recommendation, I would be interested in what people on this forum think.
Vehicle is on 2005 plate and has clocked 75,000 genuine miles.

Sharps said:

I had a similar problem with my K series Freelander two weeks ago; the clutch master cylinder ruptured. After replacing it my mechanic said that the clutch is quite stiff and this probably contributed to the cylinder failure because of the extra pressure required to operate the clutch. His recommendation is replacement of the clutch.

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Make sure the release lever is free and lubricated before condemning the clutch.

Thanks Nodge68.

Nodge68 said:

Make sure the release lever is free and lubricated before condemning the clutch.

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Thanks Nodge68. Is the release lever easy to locate and lubricate (without use of a ramp or pit)?

Sharps said:

Thanks Nodge68. Is the release lever easy to locate and lubricate (without use of a ramp or pit)?

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Very easy to see and lubricate. It on the top of the gearbox below the battery tray. Get a helper to push the clutch pedal and you'll see it move. The pivot is the part that needs lubrication as they seize solid sometimes.

Nodge68 said:

Very easy to see and lubricate. It on the top of the gearbox below the battery tray. Get a helper to push the clutch pedal and you'll see it move. The pivot is the part that needs lubrication as they seize solid sometimes.

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Will do this lunchtime. Many thanks.

Nodge68 said:

Very easy to see and lubricate. It on the top of the gearbox below the battery tray. Get a helper to push the clutch pedal and you'll see it move. The pivot is the part that needs lubrication as they seize solid sometimes.

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Mmmm. Loads of hoses in the way making getting to the pivot point a bit difficult. Anyhoo, used WD40 spray with extender tube. Will leave to soak and see!

Sharps said:

Mmmm. Loads of hoses in the way making getting to the pivot point a bit difficult. Anyhoo, used WD40 spray with extender tube. Will leave to soak and see!

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Keep soaking it daily for a week and see hpw it feels.

Nodge68 said:

Keep soaking it daily for a week and see hpw it feels.

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Nodge, is the pivot point the same on 2004 TD4(generic for FL1's) been thinking of this issue for some time. TIA.

MollyNomad said:

Nodge, is the pivot point the same on 2004 TD4(generic for FL1's) been thinking of this issue for some time. TIA.

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No. The TD4 Getreg box uses a concentric bearing/slave cylinder.

The 1.8 PG1 box is the only FL to have a release lever.

Nodge68 said:

No. The TD4 Getreg box uses a concentric bearing/slave cylinder.

The 1.8 PG1 box is the only FL to have a release lever.

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Cheers Nodge...

Nodge68 said:

Keep soaking it daily for a week and see hpw it feels.

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Clutch still very stiff after a week of soaking the release arm. Vehicle in next Mon for a clutch change. Mechanic will confirm release arm free movement then.

Well looking at the remnants of you couch cylinder it still has the strap on that holds it in place until you put it into place you need to take that off or it will not work properly.

teddywood1 said:

Well looking at the remnants of you couch cylinder it still has the strap on that holds it in place until you put it into place you need to take that off or it will not work properly.

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It's designed to break at first use and then stay on the end of the push rod, the system comes prefilled, hence the need to be captive!

Sharps said:

Clutch still very stiff after a week of soaking the release arm. Vehicle in next Mon for a clutch change. Mechanic will confirm release arm free movement then.

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Clutch replaced....it's now like pushing fresh air and changing gear is soooo much smoother and easier. Mechanic showed me the old clutch; the diaphragm spring had hardened and had lost its ability to flex. Apparently common on a 12 year old clutch.