What have you done to your Freelander today

Changed the complete front brake assembly, rotors, calipers and new pads.
The brake fluid was black, so I don't know when it was last changed, probably never.

Also took delivery of this, which I will try to install tomorrow.

If it is like the FL1 gaiter then fitting the plastic ring thingy to the top and turning it back from inside out is the most fun !!!

andyfreelandy said:

If it is like the FL1 gaiter then fitting the plastic ring thingy to the top and turning it back from inside out is the most fun !!!

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It's similar in design Andy.

Here's it done.
It wasn't that difficult, although the thickness of the new leather stopped me from being able to fit all the push clips. I think I'll use some tiny screws and washers, but it a good improvement.
I took the opportunity to clean the matt chrome of the surround too.

Spectacularly failed its MOT last Saturday so it has been sat for a week and today was retest day:-

Today I fixed the following items

1. Rear diff mounts, front one non existent replaced the full set for good measure
2. Original Land rover exhaust had somehow peeled its own skin off and a mount had snapped off so that got replaced
3. Failed on discoloured headlights so they got polished to within an inch of their lives

Flew through its MOT this afternoon

Downside I did this on my drive today and it was flipping freezing! even managed to put the rear front diff mount in the wrong way around ( idiot )

Anyway all good again

Nodge68 said:

It's similar in design Andy.

Here's it done.
It wasn't that difficult, although the thickness of the new leather stopped me from being able to fit all the push clips. I think I'll use some tiny screws and washers, but it a good improvement. View attachment 230785
I took the opportunity to clean the matt chrome of the surround too.

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In some areas I had to reduce the thickness of the leather with sandpaper and count inside in double areas. very careful not to go overboard. fit everything ok.

Went on a mere 25 minute drive to meet up with one of my (numerous) daughters and her partner for a long, socially-distanced walk in the country.
Treacherous driving conditions, crunchy slush over sheet ice. Selected the appropriate program and the difference was truly astounding. You would not have known how slippery the road was . . . until you dabbed the brakes!

Installed the gear selector, with the newly replaced leather gaiter.
It looks 1000 times better than what was there.

Before.After.

Dropped him (he's called Buddy) off at the MOT station, for his test at 13:00, with fingers crossed that the MOT goes OK. The brakes seem a bit spongy, but they'll take a while to bed in. I'm sure the tester will work that out, the moment he sees new everything.
Keeping my fingers crossed!

Not heard from the MOT center yet, but in my experience of them, no news is good news. So I went on the DVLA MOT checker and saw this.
So I guess it's passed, without any advisories, which is nice.

Great news. Let's hope it returns the favour of being a good buddy!!!

I bet he has been called other things too in the last few months!!

Drove past the place where you got him on the school run the other day. Completely rebadged and new ownership!!!

andyfreelandy said:

Great news.

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Thanks. It's good news alright.

andyfreelandy said:

Let's hope it returns the favour of being a good buddy!!!

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I'm hoping so too. He's going to need to earn his keep, but I've still got to get to the bottom of this misfire, but at least the drive train should be trouble free for a while.

andyfreelandy said:

I bet he has been called other things too in the last few months!!

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He has, although mostly by my wife! I'm not one to get frustrated over issues, as it invariably doesn't help the situation.

andyfreelandy said:

Drove past the place where you got him on the school run the other day. Completely rebadged and new ownership!!!

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Probably still selling cars that aren't what they first appear.

Although if I add up what I've spent, I'm still under £3k, and I don't believe I could have found one that bad workmanship aside, is in as good condition as Buddy is.

Bought a TD4 manual 5 door. S spec.
2004.
Looks like it has never had any maintenance in its life!! Oil coming out of most orifices. Breather caked and hard. Air filter black. Can't see the turbo filter, pipe disappears underneath!!

Would blocked breather cause oil at every intercooler hose joint??
Needs new driveshafts as it sounds very sick on turning. Again, can I use the end joint off the longer other side shaft (which I have)?? Don't see why not?

Will be repairing and selling on. Did my survey today and ordered bits.

Nodge68 said:

So I guess it's passed, without any advisories, which is nice.

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Result! Well done.

So on my freelander today, I've got this far with the steering wheel refurb.


and also recieved these in the post.

andyfreelandy said:

Bought a TD4 manual 5 door. S spec.
2004.

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Crikey Andy. How many have you owned?

Like to have a few spare ones to play with!!
This be number 13, I think!!!
Only got 5 working ones and 2 breakers at the moment but always got an eye out!!

andyfreelandy said:

Like to have a few spare ones to play with!!
This be number 13, I think!!!
Only got 5 working ones and 2 breakers at the moment but always got an eye out!!

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I've got my old V6 coming home tomorrow, after the mother in law has basically ruined it over the last 8 years.
It'll be coming her to get fixed enough to sell on, for as much as it gets.

andyfreelandy said:

Like to have a few spare ones to play with!!
This be number 13, I think!!!
Only got 5 working ones and 2 breakers at the moment but always got an eye out!!

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Which one is/was your favourite?

Reliability. Td4 5 door.
Fun. V6 5 door.
Good all rounder for local trips and to get noticed G4 1.8.

For comments about how nice TD4 3 door sport convertible.

It depends!!
I have a V6 but the fuel cost and the complexity is a bit scary. Belts to do soon.
I know the TD4 now and have invested in that so that is the trusty steed!!

andyfreelandy said:

For comments about how nice TD4 3 door sport convertible.

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That's the only model my wife would consider.

andyfreelandy said:

I have a V6 but the fuel cost and the complexity is a bit scary. Belts to do soon.

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Not a difficult job, but access is a pain. If you're stuck, I could lend a hand, although it'd need to be after Coronavirus has gone.

Thanks John. Can't decide whether to sell it for almost nothing with no service history or do the work and use it. 75k from new, straight body, ES spec.