Freelander - Failure Of Softback Frame Hinge
FAILURE OF SOFTBACK FRAME HINGE
Bulletin Number - 0051
Issue - 2
Date - 11.04.2001
Model - Freelander
Affected Range - All Softback derivatives in VIN ranges: WA 600000 to YA 699999, YA 500000 to 1A 599999,
1A 300000 to 1A 324354
Re-Issue Information - ACTION text and PARTS INFORMATION amended.
Problem -
FAILURE OF SOFTBACK FRAME HINGE
The Softback frame has a hinge on each side of the vehicle. If not operated correctly, these hinges can be broken.
Cause
Lack of understanding of the hinge operating principle / possibility of incorrect hinge material specification.
Action
There has been a change to the replacement hinge assemblies available from Land Rover Parts. An additional arrow ('A' in illustration) has been moulded into the locking collar to indicate when the collar is correctly aligned to lock the joint. Refer to step 10 in the repair procedure.
These hinges are handed, refer to PARTS INFORMATION for the correct application.
The following procedure has been developed to enable the replacement of a broken hinge.
1. Reveal the rear section of the failed hinge by separating the Velcro strip to open the fabric frame cover.
2. Locate the small indentation in the frame to the rear of the hinge, ('C' in illustration).
3. With a 7mm drill centred on the indentation, drill out the frame material on the indentation side of the frame only.
4. Remove the clip pin to disconnect the hinge from the body mounting bracket and remove the hinge from the frame.
5. De - burr the new hole and apply a protective coating to the bare metal, (black touch - in paint or cavity wax is suitable).
6. Insert a new hinge assembly into the frame and connect to the body mounting bracket with the clip pin.
7. Ensure the hinge is fully inserted into the frame and drill a 3.5mm hole to a depth of 15mm into the hinge material via the previously made 7mm hole.
8. Insert a N o 10 x 13mm self tapping screw, part number DA610044, into the 3.5mm hole to retain the hinge to the frame.
9. Reposition the fabric frame cover over the new fixing and fasten the Velcro strip.
10. Confirm satisfactory operation of the hinge. When locking the hinge in the straight position, arrow 'A' must be aligned with the pivot pin 'B' as shown, to ensure correct locking of the joint.
11. Ensure that the customer now fully understands the operation of the frame folding mechanism.
Parts Information
DJD000020 Hinge assembly - right hand
DJD000030 Hinge assembly - left hand
DA610044 Screw - self tapping - N o 10 x 13mm
Warranty
Use Complaint Code: 9E3E
Use S.R.O.: 76.61.42 Hinge assembly - each - renew
Time allowance: 0.20Hrs
Use S.R.O.: 76.61.43 Hinge assembly - pair - renew
Time allowance: 0.30Hrs
In future, Warranty Claims for the renewal of softback frame assemblies for the condition described will not be accepted.
