Freelander 2 (LR2) Rear shock issue - help?

Hi All,


I am wondering if anyone who has knowledge of rear shocks and the issues that may occur following replacement?

I had what I thought was a simple problem and has since turned in to a not so funny comedy of errors and I would greatly appreciate any ideas that may help me out?

Slightly confusing catalogue of events that I will detail as it may provide insight - apologies if not!

Took car to local garage with a leak, they told me couldn't see anything but thought windscreen washer bottle seal - no drama leave it till service due!

Drive quality started to feel like a drift car! And very bouncy!

2 weeks later leak on drive noticeable larger, found large oil leak from rear wheel arch. Took picture and was told by another garage rear shocks had blown and emptied!

Booked in repair to replace both rear shocks.

Had all 4 tyres replaced with continentals same as previously, had shocks changed. Drove 200 miles back home shaking vigorously in what felt like a rocket preparing for take off but also sounding very clunky!

Advised wheels needed balancing!
Took to tyre shop, told original garage didn't balance rear tyres at all and fronts had in excess of 100grams additional weights each side - rebalanced!

Vibration now resolved, but clunking noise still present. Sounds like a pair of trainers in a washing machine. Definitely coming from rear passenger side (which was originally blown side). Noise is not as noticeable on smooth/new road surface, much louder over smaller pothole type bumps rather than traffic Road lumps.

Took entire boot lining out and no foreign objects under floor, around spare wheel, under the side trim etc!

Took to a garage locally who drove it, heard the noise and have tighted the three main bolts/screws, they drove and although marginally better sound still present!

They removed and stripped down and reinstalle the shock that was replaced 200 miles ago and is still making the same noise!

Garage have said that the silver gas piston rod at top of shock is, rather than moving up/down inside the main body of the shock, its moving side to side?

He is ordering another new shock, just to see if the first replacement was/is faulty? However isn't convinced as it's rare a new part is broken! Initial mechanic who replaced as a pair doesn't think the shock will be faulty but can offer no new light on possible cause!

Local mechanic also stumped at moment!

Does anyone have any other ideas to throw at it in case the shock isn't faulty?

Thank you very much!

Were they oem or aftermarket?

I am not sure? As far as I am aware they would have been genuine Land-rover parts - that's what I paid for, but doesn't mean they are!

Would that indicate to something other than if they were aftermarks potential substandard quality?

It's unlikely that genuine shocks would be faulty out the box. If you paid for genuine shocks, but possibly didn't get them? Then you have to question whether the work was carried out by a quality outfit, or a bunch of buffoons. I'm guessing the latter myself. If a simple task of balancing wheels is a struggle, then to me, that sums up the quality of the work carried out.

That's what both the mechanic who fitted them and the mechanic who is trying to fix them/problem have both said! But it appears that Land-rovers are seen as vehicles from the moon in comparison to standard vehicles!?! I don't understand why I have to research these things in order to help them identify a problem - but it seems to help eventually!

Would you believe that the buffoons who fitted unbalanced tyres are a separate lot from who replaced both rear shocks!

Is there anything that to a non Land-rover specialist may be overlooked that could be causing the noise?

All help really is much appreciated.

Just had a call from local garage who have had it in over night, stripped it again this morning and told me the shock is definitely faulty and not stickered up at all, so Def not genuine LR part!
Anyway it is faulty as has also blown and leaked all its oil!

Let's see if another replacement does the job!

Thanks again

So you need to return to the garage that supplied the non LR shocks and get what you paid for.

However 2 shocks failed on the same side suggests another issue to me. Like are you 100% sure that the vehicle hasn't had some sort of accident damage on that side. This could well have bent something, causing the shocks to fail. 2 shocks failing on the same side? I smell a rat there!

Right first up, as an ex parts man of 17 years, dont worry about 'original' and 'genuine' parts. Remember that NO car manufacturer makes ANY parts. They buy them in from comopnent manufacturers. They may be a different spec but that's all.
Also don't assume that the manufacturer specifies the best quality. Normally they dont!

I have NEVER come across a 'poor quality' shock absorber (damper) . Yes there are faulty units, as with any component you buy. These things are mass produced and every so often you will get a faulty unit. It happens. Seen it.
I wouldn't read too much into it being the same side twice either. The original shocks were old. So you've had ONE faulty unit.

The new unit probably failed because of either poor fitting practice (mole grips on the piston rod is the usual cause) , it wasn't primed before fitting (been stored on its side for too long) or it's just plain faulty.
Take it back to the original fitter, get a refund, (don't take any **** off them) and leave it at that. They can then return it to their supplier. (If they hadn't damaged it during fitting of course)
You MAY be able to ask for refund of fitting charge but it's unlikely you will get that unless you can prove the FITTING was at fault. You're not entitled to that part of the cost back I'm afraid.

My advice is get new unit fitted (ask to see the box it came in if you're worried about quality) . Ask me about the make if you like and I will give you my opinion? (Iv'e sold probably every make over the years I was in the trade).

Thank you so much for your help and advice.

The garage who have the car in at the moment have already offered to box up the one they are removing so I can send it back to the original fitter.

The original fitter has said he will return to his supplier and send me the refund if the part is faulty. But no refund on fitting - which is understandable.

When I get my vehicle back I'll find out the make of the new part and let you know. Thanks

I've had this for years, although am second owner, to my knowledge wasn't involved in any accident pre my ownership and hasn't since I've had it either.

In 2015 the four wheel drive system stopped working, had something replaced which didn't help and then later discovered the rear diff had a problem. The LR dealership I bought it from replaced the pinion in the rear diff and that is the largest or most costly repairs it's had. I have read elsewhere that rear diff issues could contribute to shock problems but having asked both the first fitter and the garage who have it currently - both of which again have said that's unlikely!

So I guess I'll have to suck it an see?

Will let you know part make when it's returned and any updates. Thanks again

ladylandriver said:

... send me the refund if the part is faulty. But no refund on fitting...

Click to expand...

He WILL get a refund (if he bought it from a proper parts factor of course and not off some bloke on ebay!) .
But if they come back and say it was faulty fitting, THEN you're entitled to refund on BOTH . Part and fitting.
See what happens .

Ok thanks

Am being reimbursed for faulty shock not fitting, but that's ok.

Am pleased it doesn't appear to be anything more serious than a bit of bad luck. Thank you for your time and advice - it has been very much appreciated.

The original faulty shock wasn't labeled so I've no idea it's make. And the replacement doesn't have a make printed on the box either just a load of numbers.

But thanks anyway