Plenum Chamber panel

[SilvaD4]

I have had my near new (Demo with 2,500 km) D4 for 2 weeks and already the plastic Plenum Chamber panel is showing signs of degradation (UV).

The area that is covered by the bonnet (hood) is still the original colour and condition but the area exposed to the sun (just below the windscreen) is much lighter in colour and the plastic is starting to rub away in layers.
If I use my finger nail I can make a noticeable gouge mark with not much effort.
My 9 year old VW has no such issue.

Has anyone had their plenum chamber panels replaced?

I have an appointment to see the local LR dealer in about a week on another matter (see keyless thread) so I will also be bringing this to their attention.

[nat_89]

Funny you say that just last week mine was in the Mackay dealer getting that panel replaced. For starting to get weather worn didn't nice colour change but yeah just can see getting worn like slow disintegration I guess the word is.

[Tombie]

Yes, was done no question under warranty

[jonesy63]

D3 and D4 - they all suffer UV damage to that panel. One area where LR could really improve their game - using rubbish plastic is not appropriate! :mad:

[SilvaD4]

D3 and D4 - they all suffer UV damage to that panel. One area where LR could really improve their game - using rubbish plastic is not appropriate! :mad:


Yes, was done no question under warranty


Funny you say that just last week mine was in the Mackay dealer getting that panel replaced. For starting to get weather worn didn't nice colour change but yeah just can see getting worn like slow disintegration I guess the word is.

Thanks guys, nice to get some support on this as I was concerned that I was getting a bit nit-picky in my old age

[LandyAndy]

So we can learn from this and use a decent plastic protector???
Will look at mine,I doubt its effected YET,it lives in a shed.
Andrew

[PeterOZ]

MY08 D3 is a big UV damaged as well. I have used autoglyn plastic goop on it a couple of times. Doesn't seem to help much.

[kmdisco]

Hi Sorry for asking maybe a dumb question, but I will ask anyway
Where do you find that panel. I have a MY13 D4.
I would appreciate it someone could explain to where it is.

[SBD4]

The plastic cover at the bottom of the windscreen, below the wipers.

[SilvaD4]

So we can learn from this and use a decent plastic protector???

A very sensible suggestion.

I as soon as I get the replacement panel installed I am going to get some 303 aerospace protectant (see below).

https://www.autobarn.com.au/303-aerospace-protectant-473ml-trigger-spray-pk-30340

Anyone use this stuff?

[Mungus]

MY14D4 @ 9 months old and dealer is replacing under warranty - no issue. They said they had to replace this on one of their own new cars sitting in their yard.
I'll be looking at Bowden's Own plastic and vinyl treatment when replaced.

[~Rich~]

They must of improved the plastic used in the panel, mines original! [emoji6]

[LGM]

My 2011 D4 has sat in the sun every workday since I have had it. Nowhere to get a shady parking space!

The plenum cover is starting to show some slight discolouration but has not exhibited any signs of the plastic breaking down.

[SilvaD4]

They must of improved the plastic used in the panel, mines original! [emoji6]

Hi Rich,

If the panel you are referring to is on your 2005 Disco model, perhaps LR have gone the other way - used cheaper plastics in the newer models (i.e circa 2014)

[jonesy63]

Hi Rich,

If the panel you are referring to is on your 2005 Disco model, perhaps LR have gone the other way - used cheaper plastics in the newer models (i.e circa 2014)

Both my MY07 D3 and MY11 D4 have this. Maybe Rich spends his weekends dressing this panel with special oils, when nobody is around? lol :wasntme::D

[SilvaD4]

Update:

Took the D4 to my local LR dealer today. They took photos so that LR Aust can approve a replacement under warranty.

I will now wait to hear the outcome (will keep you "posted")

[Stuart02]

Does anyone know how much this costs to get done not under warranty, and whether it's a DIY candidate without particular tools (I gather there's some tricky clips at the very least).

Thanks

[l00kin4]

This for D4:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[l00kin4]

and the A pillar moulding removal


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[Stuart02]

and the A pillar moulding removal


http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=102275&stc=1&d=1448314385

New clips. Noted! :)

[Stuart02]

This for D4:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=102274&stc=1&d=1448314190

Huh. Thanks! That makes it sound suspiciously easy...

[l00kin4]

Huh. Thanks! That makes it sound suspiciously easy...


Yes, agree with the "suspiciously" :-)


The A pillar mouldings might be a pain - have to throw away the clips...?


David

[TuffRR]

The A pillar mouldings might be a pain - have to throw away the clips...?


David


Not a pain, the trim just pulls straight off. The reason for throwing away the clips is that they are effectively single use. If you try to re-use, they just don't seem to hold the trim in place any more.

[BMKal]

Not a pain, the trim just pulls straight off. The reason for throwing away the clips is that they are effectively single use. If you try to re-use, they just don't seem to hold the trim in place any more.

And make sure you only use genuine LR clips. ;)

When I had my windscreen replaced a while back, local windscreen place in Kalgoorlie sourced new clips from over the road at Supercrap Auto. Left side trim popped off within a week on the way down to Perth.

I bought new clips from LR dealer in Perth and replaced all clips, both sides, and have had no problems since. I also bought enough spare clips to do both sides again if / when necessary - these reside in the glovebox in a plastic bag.

[LRD414]

I also bought enough spare clips to do both sides again if / when necessary - these reside in the glovebox in a plastic bag.
Do you happen to remember the part numbers Brian?
I have done this too for the clips on the panel under the steering wheel and the door sills, so I'd like to get these ones as well.

Cheers,
Scott

[shanegtr]

Do you happen to remember the part numbers Brian?
I have done this too for the clips on the panel under the steering wheel and the door sills, so I'd like to get these ones as well.

Cheers,
Scott
And what dealer was it - I assume they where a stocked item (I recently got some interior clips that had to be ordered in - bit of a pain when its an hour drive either dealer.

[BMKal]

Part Number is LR 026343 for the "kit" (each kit does one trim strip).

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/131.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/132.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

I bought four x kits from Barbagallo in Osborne Park (two kits were installed straight away, and two spare kits live in the glovebox). They had them in stock. It was a while ago since I bought these though, and I got the last ones they had in stock at the time. Was originally only going to buy the two kits I needed at the time, but when they told me that they had 4 kits in stock and from memory, the price was only about $5 or $6 per kit - I took the lot. Might pay to give them a ring to check current stock before driving there unless you're in the area.

[Stuart02]

And for completeness, the plenum, or 'windscreen cowl' as it seems more commonly referred to as, is Part Number LR055192, and was $113.30 inc GST from the dealer in Melbourne (Rimmer Bros UK list them at $105 plus freight at the current exchange rate so I figured the local price was pretty good for a change).

[LGM]

Last year in May I wrote:

The Sun Beats Down My 2011 D4 has sat in the sun every workday since I have had it. Nowhere to get a shady parking space!

The plenum cover is starting to show some slight discolouration but has not exhibited any signs of the plastic breaking down.



What a difference the last 9 months has made!

The plastic Plenum had faded much much more. So much so I was considering some of the various 'trim goop' that others have used and commented on in other threads. The situation then changed and the plenum had started to warp! The top edge of the plenum had moved away from its normal position hard against the windscreen and had a distinct bow forming in it.

Off to my service agent and ordered a new plenum.....as others have indicated it was not....as parts go....hugely expensive. I also ordered the 'A' pillar trims at the same time figuring that all the trim surrounding the windscreen would then at least be similar in appearance. As things turned out the visual impact of the new plenum and the old 'A' pillar trims would not have been good.

[IvanR]

I have rejuvenated look of this plastic panel by using the pressure washer with a fine jet adjustment and slowly covering the area, but avoiding the fresh air intake holes. Colour changed from alight white/grey to dark grey and has stayed as such for several weeks.

Ivan

[gofish]

Can you remove it & paint it? Sorry for the technical explanation :)

[Stuart02]

Can you remove it & paint it? Sorry for the technical explanation :)

It's actually more rubber than plastic, harder at the front and very rubbery against the windscreen. Unless there was some sort of highly adhesive highly flexible uv resistant coating...