HR Auto Specialists

HR Auto Specialists Set up in 2016, H R offer reliable and honest servicing, repairs and fabrication work. Formed by jo

06/06/2026

Discovery 4 – Restricted Performance

The words that most Discovery 4 owners never want to see appear on the dashboard.

From experience, one of the first things that comes to mind is the dreaded cracked intake manifold, a common fault that can cause a range of performance issues. However, we never assume – diagnosis always comes first.

We started with a smoke test to check for boost and intake leaks. This quickly revealed a severely leaking Y-pipe, which was certainly contributing to the restricted performance warning. Further investigation also confirmed that the intake manifold had indeed failed.

With the faults identified, we carried out the necessary repairs and a few additional maintenance items while the vehicle was with us:

🔧 Replacement intake manifold
🔧 Replacement Y-pipe seals
🔧 Auxiliary belt
🔧 Idler pulley
🔧 Start-stop battery
🔧 Electronic handbrake switch

A thorough diagnosis and the correct repairs have this Discovery 4 back to full performance and ready for many more miles.

VW Transporter T6In for its annual service and inspection. During our checks, we identified a failing intercooler that w...
05/06/2026

VW Transporter T6

In for its annual service and inspection. During our checks, we identified a failing intercooler that was starting to deteriorate. Thankfully, this was caught early before it could lead to boost leaks, performance issues, or further engine-related faults.

A replacement intercooler was fitted, restoring the system back to full health and ensuring the van continues to perform as Volkswagen intended.

Regular servicing isn’t just about oil and filters – it’s often the difference between a simple repair and a much bigger bill later on.

🔧 New intercooler fitted
✅ Fault found before major issues developed
✅ Back on the road and running perfectly

This Defender TDCi arrived with transmission issues, so before reaching for the spanners we started with oil samples to ...
04/06/2026

This Defender TDCi arrived with transmission issues, so before reaching for the spanners we started with oil samples to see what was happening inside.

The colour of the transfer box oil wasn’t encouraging, but when parts of the transfer box started falling out with it, we knew exactly where the problem was!

A new transfer box was supplied by our friends at Ashcroft Transmissions, and while we were in there we fitted one of their upgraded intermediate shafts to eliminate the well-known weak point found in the standard setup.

As is often the case with Defenders, one job turned into a few more. The rear brakes were due some attention, so it received new discs, pads and calipers. We also had to replace a hub after discovering damage caused by previously snapped drive fl**ge bolts.

A fair bit of work, but it’s all back together, driving as it should, and ready for its next adventure.

There’s nothing quite like bringing a Defender back from the brink and getting it back out where it belongs.

Another Mitsubishi L200 in for a complete suspension and braking transformation.This one has been fitted with a full Old...
03/06/2026

Another Mitsubishi L200 in for a complete suspension and braking transformation.

This one has been fitted with a full Old Man Emu suspension kit, including uprated springs and dampers, giving improved ride quality, control, and capability both on and off the road.

To complement the suspension upgrade, we also installed a DBA - Disc Brakes Australia brake upgrade package. Time and time again, these brakes impress us with just how much stopping performance they deliver while retaining standard-sized discs and calipers.

This L200 was treated to a Pendle Performance Ltd remap around a year ago, so it’s now got the braking performance to match the extra power under the bonnet.

Performance isn’t just about going faster – it’s about having the confidence to stop just as well.

ARB 4x4 Accessories - UK

Two Volkswagen Transporters back in the workshop recently, both with very different issues diagnosed and resolved 👨‍🔧The...
23/04/2026

Two Volkswagen Transporters back in the workshop recently, both with very different issues diagnosed and resolved 👨‍🔧

The first came to us for a routine service, where we noticed signs of coolant staining. We advised further inspection, which confirmed a failing coolant pump. To ensure long-term reliability, we replaced the coolant pump along with a full timing belt kit – preventative maintenance done right before it became a bigger issue.

The second was a Transporter motorhome suffering from loss of power and unpleasant smells inside the cab. After a thorough diagnosis, we identified an unseated boost hose and a cracked exhaust manifold. The boost issue was rectified, and the manifold was upgraded to a unit, restoring both performance and drivability.

Another couple of jobs completed to a high standard here at H R Auto Specialists 👍

📍 Meadowfield, County Durham📞 0191 378 2972

Race Season is Upon Us!It’s that time of year again! We had the pleasure of having this little Mazda MX-5 on the dyno fo...
31/03/2026

Race Season is Upon Us!

It’s that time of year again! We had the pleasure of having this little Mazda MX-5 on the dyno for some vital development work.

We worked to ensure it’s running perfectly, performing at its best, and most importantly, staying safely within the power cap regulations for the race series it’s entering this year.

All testing was done on our fully calibrated MAHA dyno, giving you accurate and reliable results every time.

If you require a power run, Half day or a full day's dyno hire, please get in touch!

Suzuki Jimny Differential Repair This Suzuki Jimny came in with a rear differential issue. Upon stripping it down, we fo...
30/03/2026

Suzuki Jimny Differential Repair

This Suzuki Jimny came in with a rear differential issue. Upon stripping it down, we found that the nose bearing had failed, causing significant damage to the ring and pinion gearset.

What makes this job interesting? This vehicle has an ARB Air Locker fitted!

The Plan:
✅ Fully strip down the ARB locker to inspect for damage and clear any debris
✅ Replace all seals and gaskets
✅ Rebuild into a brand new differential housing
✅ Install new heavy-duty Ring & Pinion gears

We’ll make sure everything is perfect before it goes back in.

Something a bit different Custom fabricated aluminium airbox built for a Defender running a Discovery 200Tdi conversion....
28/03/2026

Something a bit different

Custom fabricated aluminium airbox built for a Defender running a Discovery 200Tdi conversion.

Designed and made in-house, this setup uses a washable cone filter for long-term reliability and easy maintenance. The Perspex lid makes checking the filter condition quick and hassle-free without needing to strip everything down

A clean, practical solution to suit the conversion and keep everything running as it should.

📞 0191 3782972

When "just a turbo" turns into a full-scale heart transplant! This Range Rover L322 4.4 TDV8 came to us with a failed se...
27/03/2026

When "just a turbo" turns into a full-scale heart transplant!

This Range Rover L322 4.4 TDV8 came to us with a failed secondary turbo. To do the job right, we made the call to pull the entire engine. It’s a big task, but it’s the only way to get a proper look at the health of the whole system.

It’s a good thing we did! Upon inspection, the primary unit was also passing oil.

The Full Overhaul:
• ✅ 2x Replacement Turbos
• ✅ New Oil Cooler
• ✅ Fresh Aux Belts & Pulleys
• ✅ New Aircon Condenser (spotted a hole while we were in there!)

After a fresh MOT, this L322 is officially back on the road and running like a dream.

Got a Land Rover in need of some TLC? Give us a shout.

📞 Call us: 0191 3782972

Another big job through the workshop This Defender 2.4 TDCi was recovered in to us with poor running and excessive smoke...
26/03/2026

Another big job through the workshop

This Defender 2.4 TDCi was recovered in to us with poor running and excessive smoke.

As part of our diagnostic process, we carried out a compression test which quickly pointed us in the right direction — cylinder 3 was showing less than 10% compared to the others.

Inspection using a bore scope then confirmed the issue… a hole in the piston.

To get this one back to full health, we supplied and fitted a brand new Ford engine, along with new injectors, turbo and supporting components to ensure reliability all round.

Now back up and running properly and ready to go again

📞 0191 3782972

If your vehicle isn’t running as it should, don’t ignore the signs — get in touch and let us take a look.

Address

Unit 3 Edwardson Road
Durham
DH78RL

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441913782972

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