Puma sway bar 'inspection'

[NT5224]

Hi Folks

So I have just been called by Land Rover Australia. They want me to take Hector into Darwin for a hoist and underbody inspection as soon as possible. When I asked why, the fella was kind of unspecific, but said they needed to check the sway bars.

Now must admit I've never actually noticed if any are fitted on Hector (MY2012 110 HCPU). Hector spends most of his time hauling loads through the rough so wouldn't want 'em anyway.

Anybody else had this call- perhaps those with new 'heavy duty' suspension hardtops, HPCU's or 130's? Whats it about?

Cheers

Alan

[iClick]

Maybe there's been a number if failures recently - the RH bolt on my front sway bar removed itself recently (a VERY loud thunk was heard under my feet whilst driving at 100km/h) This is a MY11 130 HCPU

It was replaced quickly at the dealer shortly after that (4 weeks ago)

[Loubrey]

Hi Alan

There was a long (and sometimes heated) discussion about sway bars/ anti roll bars a couple weeks ago.

A number of people were of the opinion that they aren't really unnecessary and a number of people felt they are actually required for the safe use of the car.

Please post feedback on LRA's actions and why they might be snapping mounting bolts (if that's the case!). That would sound like a lot of strain and movement...

On a separate issue, you appear to be on a very short list of people who actually received a call from LRA for a potential recall. Must be a pretty serious concern to them...

Cheers,

Lou

[newhue]

No special treatment for me as yet, mines 2010 though.

[BilboBoggles]

The TD5 Extremes for MY03 had no sway bars from the factory. I've got one of these and a new PUMA with sway bars. The TD5 off road is slightly less likely to lift a wheel. The PUMA has better traction control so the difference is not much. On the road, the PUMA gives the illusion of better handling, but will nor corner any faster. So IMHO its' an extra piece of crap to break but does make those who don't want to compensate for a sloppy vehicle happier.

I personally subscribe to the teachings of the original range rover. Sloppy springs at each end , a load leveler in the middle, and the feeling that you will scrape the mirrors on the road around roundabouts, BUT amazing soft and comfortable off road.

[Grappler]

My puma 130 my12 had the sway bar disconnect
Only noticed when I found bushes on the driveway, which promped a good look underneath.
I'm guessing this is a common fault.
It has the potential to foul the steering when it drops out

[iClick]

Hi Alan

Please post feedback on LRA's actions and why they might be snapping mounting bolts (if that's the case!).


Mine didn't snap, just came loose and fell off. I did notice increased body roll when it wasn't attached.

[Grappler]

That's the same as mine, no snapping, but the nut securing the short swivel jointed section came loose and swung down onto the steering rod

[chook73]

Same thing happened with mine, a 2009 110 wagon.

[Tusker]

Somewhere on the 'net all recalls are listed.. Lost the link.

I'd suggest Google it. If it's not a recall I'd be asking why this couldn't wait until next service.

Regards
Max P

[gromit]

Government recall website, Land Rover section

Land rover (http://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/952880/fromItemId/952855)

[justinc]

I have to tighten/ check EVERY single Puma for loose sway bar link bolts. And there are quite a few that have needed tightening I can tell you:mad:

JC

[Blknight.aus]

Ive done 3, 2 where the drivers were complaining of unpleasant clunking on cornering the bolts holding the chassis bushes were either loose, just about gone or on one, gone.

I found no trace of loctite on any of the bolts when I did the pull and replace, I lashed em with 262 they havent come back.

The last one had lost bolts so the executive was made to simply pull the whole bar assy.