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Berni99

Member Since: 02 Jan 2022
Location: Bath
Posts: 37

2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Orkney Grey

Red Booster - Any negative issues?

I would be very interested to hear if any members have experienced problems with the Red Booster clutch assist please? In May 22 I had a Red Booster fitted to my 2012 Puma. In July, whilst on tour in Ireland, I experienced total clutch failure, including the slave cylinder pouring out fluid after some 600 miles. I had to abandon the truck in Belfast where the main dealer fitted a new clutch assembly, slave cylinder and flywheel.

I collected the truck in September and the main dealer warned about not resting my foot on the pedal. I was already aware of this and not wanting to experience the financial pain of another clutch I kept to this rule. But just after Xmas (after only another 700 miles) I am getting slippage on my clutch again! I'm stunned to be facing this problem a second time inside 1300 miles. Having read many reviews there seems to be overwhelming thumbs up for the Red Booster and I am not seeking to trash this product as it has been a great help for my arthritis in the left hip. However, it is the only factor I can see that has caused the clutch to burn out.

I live in central Bath and use the truck for occasional 'fun' trips out. Maybe the extreme hills are not suited to this application? But I am going insane and have lost confidence in using my beloved 110. I think I may have to remove it to avoid further clutch problems.

Any guidance appreciated.

31st Dec 2022 5:10pm

Spurge

Member Since: 19 Jun 2015
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 9

2003 Defender 110 Td5 G4 Challenge Tangiers Orange

Sounds like it is fitted/ set up wrong. They are a great product, I have fit quite a few to customers cars and had no problems. They must be set up properly though.

31st Dec 2022 5:22pm

Berni99

Member Since: 02 Jan 2022
Location: Bath
Posts: 37

Hi Spurge. Thanks very much for this feedback. Interesting to know that it must be set up correctly, so it sounds like there is an adjustment to it when fitting? I never got any instructions when it was fitted and the RB website doesn't show much info to help on this.

I will be calling my local LR specialist on Tuesday to discuss what to do next.

Regards
Berni

1st Jan 2023 3:33pm

Smyles_

Member Since: 25 Aug 2018
Location: Copenhagen
Posts: 518

I had a RB on my TD5 110. It was installed by the UK supplier himself and features on the website. Was a great bit of kit. However, when I had my clutch changed out to a clutchfix HD I experienced slippage in strong headwinds or ascents after a few days of driving. Was a very simple fix that can be done on your drive with just a spanner or two.

From memory, I undid these nuts to gain access to the boosters master cylinder to make adjustments to the 2 locked nuts on the end of the threaded rod. I made minor adjustments, remounted, and tested it each time until the bite was exactly how I liked it - slippage removed of course. It's not at all a challenging job, just time-consuming - worth saving yourself a bunch of labor costs and giving it a go.

(random master cylinder image) Stuart

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2nd Jan 2023 6:56pm

KISSMYAURA

Member Since: 13 Jan 2018
Location: KENT
Posts: 45

good product but a real PIA to set up

2nd Jan 2023 8:37pm

Berni99

Member Since: 02 Jan 2022
Location: Bath
Posts: 37

Hi Smyles
Great info and thanks for the pictures which really help. I had wondered if there's an adjustment. The AA is due shortly at my house and this is just in time for us to look at! I will report back later in the week.

Regards
Berni

3rd Jan 2023 12:42pm

Berni99

Member Since: 02 Jan 2022
Location: Bath
Posts: 37

Hi KISSMYAURA
again my thanks for this feedback. It just seems too tricky to live with. I will see how the AA get on today and if needed ship it to my local LR specialist.

Fingers crossed the friction plate is not destroyed like the first time!

All best
Berni

3rd Jan 2023 12:45pm

Berni99

Member Since: 02 Jan 2022
Location: Bath
Posts: 37

Thanks All, for your helpful guidance. Witth the AA's support, I drove from home to the specialists - and got less than 3 miles before losing all traction! No smell of any clutch burning so sounds like the Booster is not releasing enough?

Anyway - I will await the update next week.

5th Jan 2023 4:30pm

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