Land Rover Repair: freelander 2.5 auto 2000, catalytic convertors, cat plates

Question
travelling along the road the car gives a loud noise from underneath,almost throws you from your seat,makes you think the rear axle has broken loose.it does this a few times,then maybe not at all the next time you run it.

Answer
Hi J,

you'll have to look under your Freelander while someone rev's the engine.  Its quite possible you may have an exhaust problem.  While the engine is revving, look for noise along the length of the exhaust system.  Don't touch anything as it is often too hot and can burn.  Look for cracks, black soot, even exhaust smoke.  Its also possible the the catalytic convertors have been fouled.  Its been known that the cat plates break loose and can plug up the pipe.  Often they rattle around and eventually break into smaller sizes.

Another possibility is that your axle may be slamming into the frame of your Freelander.  Look over each side of the axle for small, thick rubber pads that are cushions betweeen the axle and the undercarriage.  I found two of my rubber mounts had fallen off and replaced them with better ones that I made in my garage.  You could have a mechanic replace them with either OEM mounts or try to find aftermarket replacements and custom fit them.

You should look to the supports around each of your axles and look for anything that may have broken loose.  For example, on my Disco last winter, the anti-sway bar on the rear had broken loose.  The bushings were old and had dried over time.  A crack developed and as soon as it was stressed (going thru a 3 foot ditch) the bushing broke and the rod popped out.  The rod slammed into both the axle and the brake line that ran along side the axle.  This caused the brake line to begin leaking.

So, its important to take the time to look carefully under your Freelander and inspect all the possible areas that can break or come loose.  It might be you driving along the highway and suddenly realize your brakes no longer work!*

Best of luck...and don't let this go for too long,

JohnMc

*In my case, the brake warning light came on at the same time I found out the brakes were no longer working...at 100km/h.  I was able to pull over to the side of the highway and have the vehicle towed to safety.