Common Land Rover problems our car care specialists can treat
Despite having a fierce reputation for building work-horse vehicles, it’s a fact of life that at some point most Land Rovers will encounter issues ranging from slight niggles to problems that completely stop the 4×4 in its tracks. Thankfully, the majority of these problems can be treated at a service centre that specialises in Land Rover repairs, meaning you can expect to be back on the road in no time.
Lets take a look at some of the most common car repairs in countries with a warm climate (such as Dubai):
A slack driveline
The infamous “knock of death” is caused by wear and tear between the transfer case input gear and the gearbox tailshaft. It’s identified as a short knocking sound originating from the gearbox which can be heard (and felt) when accelerating or slowing down. A Dubai-based 4×4 repairs expert will also know to check the propshafts for damage by lifting one or more wheels from the ground to release any tension when investigating a slack driveline.
Timing belt breakdown
Some older TDI Land Rover models use rubber timing belts. Given time, these are certain to break – usually after 80,000 kilometres, although belts have been known to give way after just 60,000km in vehicles that have been put through their paces.
Indicator issues
Older vehicles used on rough terrain and sands can experience corrosion between the bulb housing and the metal foot of the bulb. In this instance, it’s important to allow an expert to remove the bulb – as tempting as it can be to force the bulb out, you risk the chance of breaking the glass and injuring yourself, and simply making it more difficult to change the bulb. Simply find a reputable agent to take the hassle out of such jobs instead.
Older Land Rover engine problems
Because Land Rovers are such sturdy vehicles, it’s not uncommon to find models dating back to the early 00’s still in regular use. It’s worth noting however that although Defenders stopped using v8 petrol engines in 1998, both Discovery and LR3/4 ETC use both v6 and v8 diesels.
Although V8 engines are great in their own right, it’s a well known fact that they are now hopelessly outdated.
Despite being built to take a barrage of abuse, V8’s require regular oil changes to keep them functioning smoothly. If you’re unsure of what type of engine your Land Rover has but suspect it may be malfunctioning, the simplest way to find out is to book your vehicle in for a regular service with an accredited Land Rover service partner.
