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HR Auto Specialists

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HR Auto Specialists

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

03/09/2026

Something a little different for our own Defender…

These custom lower protection panels were designed in-house to follow the Defender’s body lines and incorporate our HR logo and Td5 detailing.

They’ve been finished in Raptor coating to match the rock sliders, giving the Defender a tougher, more individual look while adding protection to the lower bodywork.

One of the advantages of designing parts ourselves is that we’re not limited to what’s available off the shelf. If you’ve got an idea for your Defender, we may be able to help turn it into reality.

What do you think of the finished design?

📍 HR Auto Specialists – Meadowfield, Durham
📞 0191 378 2972

01/09/2026

Defender axle rebuild and suspension overhaul

Another stage completed on this Defender build, with the refurbished axle assemblies fitted and built back up with renewed braking components and Old Man Emu suspension.

It’s the sort of work that largely disappears once the wheels are back on—but doing it properly makes a huge difference to how the vehicle drives, stops and lasts.

At HR Auto Specialists, we can help with everything from individual Defender repairs and upgrades through to:

• Axle overhauls
• Hub and swivel repairs
• Brake and suspension upgrades
• Chassis and corrosion repairs
• Gearbox and transfer box work
• Engine conversions and complete builds

Whether you’ve got a working Defender that needs sorting or a long-term project you want built properly, give us a call to discuss it.

📍 HR Auto Specialists – Meadowfield, Durham
📞 0191 378 2972

31/08/2026

Defender TD5 Conversion – Custom Stainless Exhaust

A little look at the fabrication side of the workshop.

This Defender has previously undergone an engine conversion with us, replacing the original 300Tdi with a TD5.

As part of the conversion, the TD5 engine has been positioned further back in the chassis to help improve weight distribution and centre of gravity.

Because of the altered engine position, an off-the-shelf exhaust system simply wasn’t going to work, so a completely custom system was required.

The system has been fabricated in-house using high-grade stainless steel, with the sections carefully formed and TIG welded to suit the installation.

Still a work in progress in these photos, but a nice example of the custom fabrication involved when carrying out conversions like this.

HR Auto Specialists
0191 3782972

28/08/2026

2026 Ford Transit Custom MS-RT – Pendle Performance Ltd

Something a little bit special on the MAHA dyno.

This brand new 2026 Ford Transit Custom MS-RT 2.0 170 came to us for a performance upgrade.

Before making any changes, the van was run on our MAHA rolling road to establish an accurate baseline.

Standard:
174.2 bhp
370.5 Nm

Following custom tuning by Pendle Performance, it was back onto the dyno to see exactly what we’d achieved.

Final result:
224.7 bhp
473.2 Nm

That’s an increase of 50.5 bhp and 102.7 Nm of torque.

More importantly, the calibration was developed and verified on the dyno rather than relying on claimed figures. The result is a substantial improvement in power and torque that we can actually measure.

If you’re considering tuning your Transit Custom, Transporter, 4x4 or other vehicle, get in touch to see what we can offer.

HR Auto Specialists
0191 3782972

26/08/2026

Nissan Qashqai – Severely Corroded Front Subframe

This Nissan Qashqai came into us with a heavily corroded front subframe.

As you can see from the photos, this one was well beyond saving. Corrosion had eaten right through the subframe in several areas, so replacement was the only sensible option.

The complete original subframe was removed and a quality aftermarket replacement sourced and fitted.

While carrying out the repair, we also replaced both front lower suspension arms before putting everything back together.

Once completed, the vehicle had its wheel alignment carried out and a final road test to make sure everything was as it should be.

Another Qashqai repaired and safely back on the road.

Corrosion like this isn’t always obvious from above, which is why checking the underside, suspension and structural components of a vehicle is an important part of routine inspection and maintenance.

HR Auto Specialists
0191 3782972

24/08/2026

Seat Ibiza – No Drive / Mechatronic Unit Fault

This Seat Ibiza was recovered into us with no drive whatsoever.

After carrying out diagnosis, we traced the fault to a failed mechatronic unit within the DSG gearbox.

Rather than simply replacing the complete unit with a new one, we carefully removed the original mechatronic and sent it away to be professionally refurbished.

Once the unit was back with us, it was refitted to the vehicle along with fresh transmission fluid before carrying out the necessary checks and testing.

A final road test confirmed everything was working exactly as it should, with the gearbox back to changing gears perfectly.

Another fault diagnosed, repaired and back on the road.

HR Auto Specialists
0191 3782972

22/08/2026

Range Rover Sport – Air Conditioning Leak

This Range Rover Sport came to us after having its air conditioning re-gassed elsewhere. Unfortunately, just two days later it was back to blowing warm air.

We started by pressure testing the air conditioning system, which confirmed we had a leak.

Finding the exact source took a little more digging, but we eventually found the problem – a hole hidden in the back of the condenser.

As you can see from the photos, once we’d found it there was no mistaking where the refrigerant was escaping!

The condenser was replaced and we then carried out a second pressure test to make sure there were no further leaks anywhere else in the system.

With everything passing as it should, the system was re-gassed and fully tested.

Customer back on the road with nice cold air conditioning again.

If you’ve had your air conditioning re-gassed but it doesn’t stay cold, simply putting more gas into the system isn’t always the answer. Finding and repairing the reason it’s escaping in the first place is the important part.

HR Auto Specialists
0191 3782972

29/07/2026

Keep cool out there! 🧊
Quick update on a couple of recent jobs through the workshop here at H R Auto Specialists Ltd:
• Audi A3: Fixed up with a fresh condenser and the removal of a visitor that was found on the crash bar!
• Citroen Dispatch: Came in for a few repairs, including a new condenser and replacement pipework for the air con system.
Both are now back with their owners, blowing freezing cold air just in time! ❄️
Is your air conditioning struggling to stay cool? Contact us today to get it sorted:
📞 0191 378 2972
Reminder, we're now closed until Monday 18th of August for a battery recharge.

24/07/2026

Unexpected surprises in the workshop this week! 🔧

At H R Auto Specialists Ltd, we had a Land Rover Freelander 2 come in with a fluid leak. After getting it on the ramp for an inspection, we traced the issue to a leaking front Power Transfer Unit (PTU).

Upon removal, we discovered that part of the original unit had actually broken off! We replaced it with a fully reconditioned PTU from Bell Engineering to get everything sealed, fitted, and running smoothly again.

Noticed an unusual leak or sound underneath your vehicle? Don't wait until a small issue turns into a big repair—bring it by or give us a call to get it checked out!

📞 Call us today: 0191 378 2972

📍 H R Auto Specialists Ltd

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

Website

http://hr-autos.co.uk/

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