Freelander Stuck in Gear

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MaximusHarding

New Member
Posts
6
Location
Bristol
Hey everyone,

I’ve just bought myself a 2002 Freelander 1.8 Manual gear box and having some trouble with it.

After I’ve been driving the car for a while the gear lever becomes stuck. Tends to only happen in first and Reverse gears.

Does anyone know what the issue is with it? It drives fine for a while...

Thanks
 
If stopping engine solves gear selection problem then it is the clutch that is not releasing fully when pressed down.

On the 1.8 the slave cylinder can become bent or detached and / or there may be air in the system. Does the clutch bite point feel right or is it low??
Clutch master and slave is sealed system and is replaced as a whole unit.
 
It’s pretty low however I’ve never driven one before so hard to compare. Do you know if replacing the clutch master and slave an expensive fix?
 
I agree with Andy. If gear won't come out with the engine running, the the clutch is dragging. This is a very common problem with the PG1 gearbox, fitted to the 1.8K series petrol, and L series diesel.

The normal problem is the clutch release lever has gone stiff. This then overloads the slave cylinder, normally bending or breaking the slave mounting bracket.

The fix is to lubricate the release lever, and replace the slave bracket with a good quality replacement.

For reference, the clutch should engage/disengage a about the mid way point of the pedal travel. ;)
 
As said the master and slave is a sealed system including the pipework between them. The slave pushes against the release arm - where the arm goes through the bell housing it can begin to seize, I'm not sure if warming up makes this less or worse than cold, but it is a good idea to put a couple of drops of oil there - and repeat when you do a service.

If that is seizing up, it puts a lot of pressure on the system when you press the clutch. The slave is mounted on a bracket that fixes to the side of the gearbox - that can crack and move out of alignment, making the clutch less affective. That would get worse as the engine heated and the bracket becomes 'more flexible'. So worth checking that bracket for signs of wear.

lol :D
 
How much are we talking to replace the clutch master and slave?

If it's working, then there's no reason to replace the clutch hydraulic assembly.

Your issue will normally be due to lost mechanical motion in the system, so you need to check the slave cylinder support bracket (get a helper to press the clutch while you look for moving of the cylinder body), and possibly replace the bracket.

You also need to make sure the release lever is free to move, and lubricate the bush to keep it free.
 
Your issue will normally be due to lost mechanical motion in the system...and possibly replace the bracket.
+1. When I was first told this, I thought it was bollocks. Loads of people on different forums said it was the bracket, but they were wrong, after all, what difference can a bracket make when it's obviously a problem with the gearbox. In the end I realised that only Land Rover would know for sure, so I took it to the local main stealer...

Yeah, it was the bracket.
 
So just an update, I’ve had the gear box out and unseized the gear arm, it’s had a new clutch, and the damn thing is still sticking. The only thing left to replace is the master and slave so perhaps it’s got air in it.

Will keep you all updated!
 
Last edited:
So just an update, I’ve had the gear box out and unseized the gear arm, it’s had a new clutch, and the damn thing is still sticking. The only thing left to replace is the master and slave so perhaps it’s got air in it.

Will keep you all updated!
The master and slave is a single sealed unit. It shouldn't get air inside unless you open the lid on top (don't do this...)
 
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