Land Rover Repair: Clutch verses IRD Unit, clutch plate, garrage

Question
I have a freelander 2.0TD 2001. I was told by the garrage that through abuse the clutch plate burnt out, I could see no burn marks yet I had no choice to tell them to fix it. today they phoned me and told me that they have found that the IRD unit is stripped. They say that the Clutch has caused the IRD unit to strip and the Insurance will look into it it looks like they are going to take me on an expensive trip. Can you help me with this mess?

Answer
I would be skeptical of that story if it was told to me, but I'm not there and I don't want to suggest they acted improperly.  But it sounds strange.

I suggest you visit the shop and ask them to explain how the failures occurred.  Perhaps the clutch isn't bad at all - maybe the IRD was the problem the whole time.  Maybe the clutch was simply a wrong guess?  Try and suggest that in a gentle non accusatory manner and see what they think

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John Robison