Control Arms LR or aftermarket

[bobakers]

Hi All

As of last year I became the proud owner of a D3 HSE 2.7 (2008) and it has lived up to expectations of being a comfortable work vehicle and able to tow our 3.4 ton van.

The time has come to replace the lower control arms and was hoping I could get some feedback about the genuine LR arms (about $530) versus aftermarket at between $210 and $300 each.

Thanks
Bob

[Marmoset]

Hi Bob,

I went for genuine parts on my Disco as I've not been particularly pleased with after market parts on other cars I've owned. It depends on who makes the aftermarket parts really, if you can find an answer to that then they may be a good option.

I bought genuine arms from Duckworths in the UK and they worked out at about $700 delivered for the pair, they landed about 4 days after ordering as well :)

[Epic pooh]

I'm on my third set of LCA - the first two were genuine and the current set are not. Personally can't tell the difference at this stage, they are a wear and tear part and I'm counting on changing them every 50000km or so (they seem to last about 3 years on my vehicle). I went non-genuine from the uk as the cheapest option and since the genuine ones wore out fairly fast. HTH.

[LeighW]

bobakers I had my D3's LCAs replaced at about 80 000km by the dealer but they replaced them with D4 arms as there was an improvement/upgrade in the design IIRC. Don't know what the change was (hold on, the next bit is OT; but I also put in an AMK EAS compressor as I was sick of problems with the under-specified original Hitachi one).

Sorry but I can't comment on other than OEM parts as I will only use them...

[bobakers]

Hi

Thanks for the replies.

for 350 each delivered I dont know if I would bother with aftermarket LCAs

Leigh, that just adds another option to the mix...D4 arms???

Regards

Bob

[PAT303]

Barry 4x4 have UK made arms for 189 pounds a pair,or about $340 AUS. Pat

[CaverD3]

Look overseas for the parts.
Just got OEMs from UK for less than 1/2 price incl deliverey.

[LeighW]

Sorry bobakers, just checked the Internet and all I can find about the suspension arms is that the original part number for the LCA (eg LHF: RBG501550) was replaced by another part number (eg LHF: LRO28249). Maybe someone who supplies the parts or screws them on can tell you what changed but I thought it was D3 to D4 change (at least the dealer's staff mentioned it when I complained about replacement of sloppy front bushes and the dealer indicated LCAs are cheaper to replace than just the bushes due to the work involved).

HTH or clears up what I spoke about in my initial reply. Still know stuff all about non OEM parts (and OEM parts obviously...)

[CaverD3]

Front arms were a change of ball joint.
Maybe just put RRS bushes in (same as armoured D3)

[Marmoset]

My new LCA's replaced the original one's off my early 2005 D3 and the ball joints were bigger on the newer parts.

I'm not sure what changed on the bushes for later parts, perhaps their durometer rating?

[bobakers]

Hi All

Just a follow up, ordered the LCA's from LR Direct, arrived in 4 days.

Part number I ended up getting is the HD/later version with the revised ball joint.




LR029303G.C8
LR029303


£119.07


1


£119.07


LR029305G.C8
LR029305


£119.07


1


£119.07

Freight came in at 98 pound.

Took 4 hours to replace using guide off Disco 3 Uk. Marked the LCA pins prior to removing and wheel alignment is still good however will get it done shortly when tyres are due to be replaced.

No more thumps, vibration when braking or knocks.

Regards

Bob

[The Fizz]

Which one do I get. What's the difference between the three different parts.

[Plane Fixer]

I replaced mine recently and used the original equipment one and no problems. Having read a lot from other forums the consensus is not use the Britpart as the quality seems patchy.

[IvanR]

Used Britpart bushes the first time, and yes they are rubbish. Failed after less than 10,000 kms. Drilled out the one hydrabush that had not ruptured to find no oil.:mad:
Ivan

[Roblott]

I recently replaced the upper control arms in my D3. Ordered genuine arms from lrdirect in the UK. I had them in a week for a good price.

To ensure you get the most life out of the bushes (which seems to be short at best) I recommend the factory installation procedure which involves tightening the bolts only after the arm is raised into its normal ride height. The manual (available international AULRO store) specifies the exact position.

I'm glad I chose genuine as the upper arms were quite difficult to get to and I don't want to do it again, if possible. The lower arms seem more accessible, so I would be happy to take the chance on the 'original equipment' spec in that application.

[Stuart02]

Which one do I get. What's the difference between the three different parts.

Les Richmond are fitting their own bushes. I haven't heard any reports but the price is right - less than $800 the pair fitted. Unless of course you have a TDV8... but we won't go there!

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