So our roof drains consist of rubber hoses running inside the B pillars and attached to nipples in the roof above the B pillars.
After our first rain, I noticed a moldy smell in my 2012 LR2 but I couldnt find any wet area.
I found instructions on another forum on how to lower the headliner and put a length of string weed trimmer string down the tubes.
I could not get the headliner off the top front light area (two push connectors looked like they would break the light holder if I tried to force them).
I could not get the headliner off the rear center area either.
But I got the headliner down enough on each side to remove (with great difficulty since I have rather large hands) the tubes and push a string down them and I also used a tire inflation air compressor with a funnel attachment to put pressure into each tube.

My observations: the passenger side had water in it, the string was wet when it came out. I do not believe the string opened the obstruction, but after I used the air compressor on it, and stringed it again, it was dry. So I think the air compressor worked. The driver's side hose seemed to be working fine.

Conclusions:

• I don't like the central drain system because I think water will build up in the roof if the vehicle is not driven and left at a slight angle (like most driveways). This could result in a smell even though the drains are working.
• It is very hard to access the drains and I could only get the string down 31 inches at most, which may mean that the air comporessor is the only way as there might be a sharp turn in the tube.
• replacing a tube is going to be a huge problem when they dry out and crack.

Ideas?

 

There no LR2 or Freelander 2 younger than 7 years. Over time some are bound to have those drain tubes clogged. Trying to engineer a better solution may, IMO, just make the issue worse. I think you should just check yours once a year, or when the musty smell returns, whatever comes first.

 

I can't remember but the drain should exit somewhere in the under body, so that's an easy check IMO, might even try the weed whacker cord from the underside.

 

I wonder if Roto-Rooter will take service calls for that diameter. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

Put that weed whacker cord on a drill and root away!!