Land Rover Coolant Leak: A Tiny Plastic Clip Causing a Very Expensive Problem
We had a Land Rover come into the workshop recently with a coolant leak that the owner had been keeping an eye on for a while. It is one of those faults that can seem minor at first glance, but what we found underneath tells a very different story.
What Was Actually Causing It
Once we ran a compression test, it became clear straight away. Coolant was spraying out of a tiny pinhole in one of the hoses. Not dripping. Spraying.
The cause was a design issue with the way the coolant pipes are clipped together. The clip holding the two pipes does not give them enough clearance, so they sit rubbing against each other every time the engine is running. Over time that constant friction wears straight through the rubber. It is a gradual process, but when it finally gives way, you lose pressure fast.
Why You Cannot Leave a Coolant Leak
A small leak like this is never something to put off. Left unattended, a pinhole in a coolant hose can lead to the engine overheating, head gasket failure, or leaving you stranded at the roadside. What starts as a minor weep can turn into a full spray with very little warning. For this particular customer, the repair meant a full pipe assembly replacement. The pipe was in good condition everywhere else, but it had been worn through by its own mounting hardware.
Land Rover and Range Rover Checks in Walsall
If you own a Land Rover or Range Rover and you have noticed a coolant low warning on the dash, or a sweet smell coming from the engine bay, get it looked at sooner rather than later. We work on Land Rovers and Range Rovers regularly here at Platinum Vehicle Services in Walsall and we know exactly where these common wear points tend to show up.
Alongside coolant and cooling system checks, we carry out full brake inspections, brake repairs, and brake service work across the Land Rover and Range Rover range. These vehicles are built to last, but they do have their quirks, and catching problems early is always going to save you money compared to dealing with the damage further down the line.
