Freelander 1 Need to change oil, Do I really need the sump guard?

Hi guys,

I have a Landrover Freelander 2.0 TD4 (2002 model) which I purchased second hand about 6 months ago and so its time for an oil change. In order to get to the oil sump I need to take off a huge sheet of plastic which they apparently call 'the sump guard' - problem is that one of the 13mm bolts holding it in place had fatigued and I ended up rounding the nut with the spanner.

So my question is - Can I just use a dremel to cut the plastic sump guard off thus leaving it off permanently ?

I do not intend to go off-road with it so, do i really need the sump guard?

I have 3 options really:

1. cut the whole thing off
2. cut across the width of the plastic right up to the sump itself, and so leaving from front bit of the guard on
3. cut just a square of the plastic out in the middle of the sump guard which will give me the leverage i need on the rachet to undo the bolt.

Is anyone able to advise?

thanks; : - )

My Discovery had one fitted when it left the factory. I'm the 2nd owner and have never set eyes on the thing so it didn't last 4 years before being thrown away

The sump guard is there to provide underbody protection when off road. Additionally it reduces engine noise and help air flow through the engine bay, cooling components on the way out.
You can cut a small hole under the drain plug however. There's a similar hole in my sump guard for the same reason
It's also wise to get the bolt out as there are countless jobs that require removing the sump guard. Make sure you grease the bolts before refitting

Thanks guys, appreciate the advice

I find mine is quieter with the undertray fitted.

If your sockets are multi sided then put them to one side and buy yourself some six sided sockets. Hex sockets will take out bolts with no drama that multi sided ones will trash every time.

If you take it off any chance you could do me a paper template of the plastic part so I can make one for mine.

Rimini-Scott said:

If you take it off any chance you could do me a paper template of the plastic part so I can make one for mine.

Click to expand...

You still looking for that, LOL.
I shouldn't laugh mind as my latest purchase (Audrey) has a big gap where the sump guard should be. Some complete moron tore it off instead of removing the frame. When I get around to it I'll make a template with measurements and put a photo of it up on my project thread. https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/freelander-project-iii-audrey.299738/

That would be great thank you.

You could cut away at the plastic part but I think you still have to take the alloy frame off to change the oil filter.

Not in td4. In that engine you change filter from engine bay

Get the bolt out and drop the under-tray, you will need to do it some time so might as well get it sorted now.

I drop the tray on my wife's TD4 every 6-months, it isn't just to drain the oil (although of course that is why I do it) but it lets me check for anything that might be amiss under there. I can drop the tray in under 10-minutes (8-screws & 8-bolts) but have 2-tips:- Run the vehicle onto a set of ramps first (not necessary but makes it sooooooo much easier) and grease the bolts with Copperslip on reassembly.

Have you got the socket for undoing the filter housing (32mm if memory serves me right)?


Can offer you a Difflock Drainplug if you like?
Just removed it from my wife's 2006 TD4 as it is being sold in a few weeks.

My filter housing is 36mm AF.

Just checked and yes, the filter housing is 36mm.

Don't rely on thinking you can undo it with an adjustable spanner, there just isn't the room whereas the correctly fitting socket makes it a breeze.