Maintaining a 2001 Freelander TD4.

Hi, I dearly love my old freelander TD4 and would like to keep it in good and reliable condition for a few years more. I have to face the fact that at 73, I'm not really able to carry out much maintenance other than topping up the fluids - so if I put it in the hands of my local garage for a full inspection, what would you say were the key issues I should ask them to check on (for example, there is a clonking sound seemingly from the offside front wheel assembly when driving slowly over uneven road surfaces...). Any and all advice would be deeply appreciated.

Corrosion would be the main thing that stops it living decent life, so if there is corrosion it needs treating.

Clocks over uneven ground is normally the anti-roll bar drop links, which either last years, or months, depending on what make are used as replacements. Top quality drop links are about £30 per side, with 15 minutes or so to change each one.

As long as your local garage is capable with old to new Landrover generally you can sleep easy. A little bit of extra knowledge with the vehicle helps you narrow the problems that arise. While sending Nodge68 Christmas cards give you instant access to his encyclopedia knowledge.

Nodge68 said:

Corrosion would be the main thing that stops it living decent life, so if there is corrosion it needs treating.

Clocks over uneven ground is normally the anti-roll bar drop links, which either last years, or months, depending on what make are used as replacements. Top quality drop links are about £30 per side, with 15 minutes or so to change each one.

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Thanks for taking the time to reply. My main problem is that I keep my old freelander in France, and since my French is pretty basic, it's difficult to explain things to my local garage mechanic without a handy translator! However, I'll pass on your info about checking the anti-roll drop links. Give the car's age, is there anything else, like hoses, belts etc. you think should be replaced while it's in..?
Thanks,
Alex.

change fluids that are old (brake fluid, IRD fluid, gearbox fluid, antifreeze).
Paint the underside with something that will stop if rusting and fill box sections with wax.
after that just change things when they break