Control Arm Bush Replacement

[wyperfield]

The Lower Control Arm bushes on my D3 need replacing- can hear it knocking over bumps etc. They have done 125,000klms.
Does anyone have experience with getting them replaced with Polyurethane Bushes (e.g. Pedders) vs. the original rubber type?
Also, is it better to just buy the whole arm complete with bushes & ball joint($308 non genuine) rather than replacing the bushes.
I suspect the Polyurethane bushes may give a harsher ride.

The LR dealer quoted me $1,900 for the job, but that sounds outrageous.
It seems like its a pretty normal for these to wear out.

thanks in advance for any comments.

[Hatchy]

I had to do the front ones on my D3 cost $800-$900 done by my mechanic. A friend put in the poly bushes he had them taken out the ride was so harsh even with the awesome air suspension.

[relatively normal]

If you have a decent vice, a butane torch, and an air chisel you could quite easily do them yourself in around 3 hours.

Ive done 4 sets now and its a job that any level headed DIYer could do.

[Drizzle]

Some info here:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread.php't=192768

[BSM]

If you have a decent vice, a butane torch, and an air chisel you could quite easily do them yourself in around 3 hours.

Ive done 4 sets now and its a job that any level headed DIYer could do.

What is the butane torch for?

[Cliffy]

What is the butane torch for?
Lighting your cigarette after your done?:D

[relatively normal]

The torch is for heating up the arm with the old bush in so it slides out easier with the air chisel.

All in all it should take around 45 mins to remove both arms, 15 mins to remove the old bushes and 20 mins to fit the new bushes (without a press and with a strong arm). Then another 45ish to get them back in the car. Plus a bit of time scratching your head and taking a break.

[Ozzy119]

The Lower Control Arm bushes on my D3 need replacing- can hear it knocking over bumps etc. They have done 125,000klms.
Does anyone have experience with getting them replaced with Polyurethane Bushes (e.g. Pedders) vs. the original rubber type?
Also, is it better to just buy the whole arm complete with bushes & ball joint($308 non genuine) rather than replacing the bushes.
I suspect the Polyurethane bushes may give a harsher ride.

The LR dealer quoted me $1,900 for the job, but that sounds outrageous.
It seems like its a pretty normal for these to wear out.

thanks in advance for any comments.

Are you sure it's not the ball joint? That seems to be the common the fault with the 'front knocking' sound. Had mine replaced recently, believing it was the bushes, but found out it was the ball. For the price quoted you might find they are replacing the whole arm. Ball, bushes and arm all new, just as quick to do once you get things out.

[justinc]

Don't waste your time doing bushes at 125k, ball joints are also going to be munted. Whole arm replacement is the most effective and economical. OEM arms around $400 each, and allow labour to fit and wheel alignment.

Jc

[DiscoDB]

Don't waste your time doing bushes at 125k, ball joints are also going to be munted. Whole arm replacement is the most effective and economical. OEM arms around $400 each, and allow labour to fit and wheel alignment.

Jc

Is it correct that the OEM arms come with larger ball joints compared to the early D3's? Would you then expect a longer life the second time around?

[wyperfield]

Thanks for the advise everyone. However, I don't want fit replacement arms myself, as it seems the bolts can be hard to get out and I don't have any air tools. Ritter here in Melb only use OEM parts, and would not price the job over the phone, so they are as bad as the Dealers it seems.
So, I have booked it in to get poly bushes fitted, since at least the guy quoted me and seemed to know what he was doing. I will get the ball joints done at the same time as they are pretty cheap OEM ex. UK.
I'll let you know how it works out.

[eddy]

The replacement of the bushes with Super Pro bushes ,from all reports,seems to be the way to go.Using arms fitted with the larger and better articulated ball joints should last longer than the originals.If the vehicle has not seen any beach work,the rear lower bolt should not be too difficult to get out.
Check out 003SUPERPRO DISCOVERY 3 4 RANGE ROVER SPORT FRONT LOWER ARMS KIT (http://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/003superpro-discovery-34-range-rover-sport-front-lower-arms--kit-40320-p.asp)

[justinc]

Is it correct that the OEM arms come with larger ball joints compared to the early D3's? Would you then expect a longer life the second time around?

I can't say that i've seen anything like that, the ones we use are a delphi made unit, the ball joints and hydrobushes etc look identical and of high quality. I would have no hesitation fitting them to a vehicle of mine if I had one.

Jc

[justinc]

My personal opinion is stay with oem, and avoid urethane in d3/4/rrs applications.

Jc

[Tinto]

Was quoted $1600 for parts only on this today after a service.
I'm going to assume that's the whole new arm / ball joint approach.

Car is tickling 110k, so it sounds like the time has come.

[AGRO]

Hi Tinto,

I had a similar quote from dealer at a 110km service. I will be very interested in what is actually replaced for you.

[justinc]

Was quoted $1600 for parts only on this today after a service.
I'm going to assume that's the whole new arm / ball joint approach.

Car is tickling 110k, so it sounds like the time has come.

Definitely due, but I would hesitate at those parts prices. Last time I checked, genuine lr lower arms were around the $600 each mark.. Over the counter at the dealers.


Jc

[Epic pooh]

Those prices are completely insane.

The LCA for D3 is $300AU over the counter from Rover Parts in WA (not sure if genuine, but think it would be). The PN for the LHS is LR028249 and a genuine one can be obtained ex uk for under $100GBP + freight (eg. Craddocks). You can get the entire arm (non genuine eg. britpart) for as low as $55gbp + freight. My last set did not cost me AU$600 for both landed from the UK for both sides !!

Are we all talking about the same thing, or are you guys getting quoted on ones that are plated with unicorn and elf droppings ?

[justinc]

Those prices are completely insane.

The LCA for D3 is $300AU over the counter from Rover Parts in WA (not sure if genuine, but think it would be). The PN for the LHS is LR028249 and a genuine one can be obtained ex uk for under $100GBP + freight (eg. Craddocks). You can get the entire arm (non genuine eg. britpart) for as low as $55gbp + freight. My last set did not cost me AU$600 for both landed from the UK for both sides !!

Are we all talking about the same thing, or are you guys getting quoted on ones that are plated with unicorn and elf droppings ?

The $600 each I quoted above was at the dealers, retail.

Only oem stuff i'll use are delphi etc.

Jc

[Epic pooh]

I forgot how much I paid for the genuine set I did at 90k but they were from the local dealer and I wasn't horrified. I am horrified at $1600 for parts alone !!

As you might have read, they only lasted 50k before I changed them and am currently using britpart ones which have done almost 30k - I will change them again ince they get to 50 or so because I think they are a high wear service item.

That or I need to look at my driving style ?!?! Haha

For perspective my dealer fitted a brand new rear diff for $1500 !

[eddy]

Was quoted $1600 for parts only on this today after a service.
I'm going to assume that's the whole new arm / ball joint approach.

Car is tickling 110k, so it sounds like the time has come.

I was quoted $1600 from Steve at Lifestyle in Morley[92717500], but that was total cost of the job using new arms and an alignment.

[disco4now]

I imported genuine D4 LCA for my D4 from Duckworths.(About 12 months ago)
When I got my independent to fit them he said genuine D4 LCA were about $800 each side for parts, but they usually just fit D3 ones which are much cheaper.Also you dont seem to see any after market ones that say D4. If you fit the D3 ones you can do it a lot cheaper I think. I think there is a difference in the angle on the ball joint or something but you can get away with it. ( No expert, just my understanding)

Regards
Gerry

[wyperfield]

Well, I had the lower control arm bushes done today at Pedders, Sth Melbourne. Cost $456, including Parts, Labour & Alignment. The ball joints did not need replacing.
It certainly drives well, noticeably better, like new again. It does not feel harsh like some people said it would .
I dropped it off in the morning and picked it up at lunch time.
If I still have the Disco when they need doing again, I'll have more to say, but for now, I'm happy with the price and the ride.

[V2Evo96]

wyperfield did Pedders use Urethane or their rubber bushes when they did yours? Curious as many say urethane is too harsh.

That price is right however!

[wyperfield]

Hi V2Evo96,
They fitted their red polyeuthane ones. The ride seems fine to me - like new. I does not feel harsh or noisy. I asked and searched around a lot and it seems like many who say the ride is harsh are not first-hand experiences.

[Nicky]

Hi V2Evo96,
They fitted their red polyeuthane ones. The ride seems fine to me - like new. I does not feel harsh or noisy. I asked and searched around a lot and it seems like many who say the ride is harsh are not first-hand experiences.

Great moneysaving info!