Lower control arm bushes

[Lukeis]

Hey guys.

My 2011 D4 is in the mechanic shop and he has confirmed the noise is the control arm bushes.

I know this has been covered to death but the search doesn't seem to be working since the site upgrade.

How much should I expect to pay for these to be fixed?
Also, should I be replacing the whole arms and ball joint or just the bushes? The car has just hit 100,000km.

Any advice is appreciated

Thanks

[Stuart02]

Yeah I can't get the tapatalk search to work either.
I think if you're getting your mechanic to do the work it'll cost you more in labour to get bushes pressed than to just replace whole arms...

[Ferret]

...How much should I expect to pay for these to be fixed?

Total parts cost from dealer (both sides, including arms + all required bolts, nuts, washers etc.) ~$800. Labour is what ever they charge. Parts probably cheaper if sourced from UK.

Dealer quote to do the job ~$1350.

Prices as of ~12-18 month ago.

[LandyAndy]

Look into the RRS version,they are stronger.
See if "Eddy" replies as he did his with RRS versions.Send him a pm,username is Eddy,name is Geoff,Im sure he will be quite happy to help you.
Andrew

[Plane Fixer]

Replacing the lower control arms is very easy. I bought a pair from the UK and fitted them, also the sway bar bushes as well.
The old arms I bought the bushes and ball joints, and now I have a set of arms ready to go for next time.

[eddy]

If he gets in quick,discount this weekend.DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - STEERING & SUSPENSION WEEKEND! (http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic157319.html)

[Lukeis]

Hi eddy

Thanks for the link!

For others info it works out to be $500 including postage for both arms with bolts, bushes and ball joints from the UK.

TR Spares in Aus will do the same for $790 including delivery.

However on eBay it looks like you can get the D4 ones as low as $400 incl delivery from the UK.

Eddy, Can you explain the RRS one, is it a direct fit and is it stronger? Any down side?

And are all D4 arms the same fit? Ie no change with the facelift model as mine is a 2011

[Tombie]

I'd be double checking those cheap arms have genuine bushes and ball joints. [emoji41]

[eddy]

Check out the Advanced Factors link you will see the RRS arms have a larger ball joint and the bushes are OEM Lemforder.They were a straight swap on my 2011 D4,in fact easier to fit due to greater articulation of the ball joint.In my case it was the hydrobush that had too much play in it although there was no sign of fluid leakage.If I had a Laser 6180 tool probably would have replaced them with Super pro bushes and accepted,maybe a less smooth ride.Steve at AF advised the Super pro bushes would be cheaper from OZ sources so I bit the bullet and went with the RRS arms.Easy to fit,especially if you have the use of a hoist, seized bushes/bolts do not seem to be a problem here,as we do not suffer salted roads as in the UK.Your call,but for the sake of $100,I guess the freight is about the same,go with reputable supplier.

[jonesy63]

Luke,
My LCAs need replacing soon and the cheapest price I've seen is from Island 4x4: Lower Suspension Arm Front LH D4 With Air suspension (Landrover) LR073369 LR0719 Island 4x4 - Specialists in Land Rover and Range Rover Parts and accessories for all models. UK and worldwide mail order. (http://www.island-4x4.co.uk/lower-suspension-front-with-suspension-landrover-lr073369-lr071929-lr051584-lr025613-lr014138lr-p-28438.html)

That said, for the sake of saving $120, I think I'll buy local and not have to worry about damage in transit (and hassle from subsequent claims), not to mention getting them immediately.

Cheers,
Rob

[PerthDisco]

Easy to fit,especially if you have the use of a hoist, seized bushes/bolts do not seem to be a problem here,as we do not suffer salted roads as in the UK.Your call,but for the sake of $100,I guess the freight is about the same,go with reputable supplier.

Did you do up bolts to the correct torque or just BT (bloody tight). You never see wheel alignment guys using a torque wrench when they adjust.

[Grentarc]

seized bushes/bolts do not seem to be a problem here,as we do not suffer salted roads as in the UK.

I had 1 seized bolt and 1 heavily corroded bolt when I did mine - vehicle is not a coastal or alpine vehicle either.

[guthrie]

I have the Advanced Factors "KIT603 - LEMFORDER OEM DISCOVERY 3 & 4 FRONT LOWER ARMS & BOLT KIT". They cost £ 358.00 delivered to WA. They have been fine for 10,000km Ive done so far.

I did try a set of superpro bushes from Pedders for about a 1000km but they were way too harsh for my liking.

[BigJon]

I have done a few of these recently, with another one due.

Drive in / drive out price using genuine LR complete arms and including wheel alignment works out at just over $1000.

[DiscoJeffster]

I have done a few of these recently, with another one due.

Drive in / drive out price using genuine LR complete arms and including wheel alignment works out at just over $1000.

The previous owner of mine got Barbagallo to do it. New ball joints and hydra bushes fitted, for around $1200. Given the cost for new arms, imported at least, I know which way I'll go next time - new arms.

[Russrobe]

Ever since I got my LCA's replaced, the wheel alignment goes out, within a month.

Last night after using the winch(probably irrelevant) on the way home, steering wheel drops to one side by several degrees.

Could the bolts they used be the culprit? Or should they have replace the camber/castor bolts?

Figured this is useful for OP too...

Cheers

[jonesy63]

I have done a few of these recently, with another one due.

Drive in / drive out price using genuine LR complete arms and including wheel alignment works out at just over $1000.


The price of genuine arms must be cheap in SA! I was quoted $450 each in Sydney!

Either that, or you work for nothing! lol ;)

Cheers,
Rob

[Petetheprinta]

Not much use to the OP but Just had mine done by Sovereign motors here in Adelaide. They have built some fancy device for Lower control rods that removes/installs bushes. Cost me $750 including wheel alignment. Took them a morning to do. Made a world of difference to the feel of the car. 104,000 k's up.

[Lukeis]

For those in Sydney, I was quoted $569 including labour for the bushes only.

I'm not certain what bushes they are but that seems fairly competitive.

I'll be going down the path of the new arms, my mechanic has also said my D bushes are also quite worn, I have no idea what they are as yet so if anyone has a good place to get them I'm all ears!

[Tombie]

D bushes are on the sway bar. When worn they knock...

I have a SP press and do the bushes in my workshop... about 2.5 hours a side..

[Grentarc]

For those in Sydney, I was quoted $569 including labour for the bushes only.

I'm not certain what bushes they are but that seems fairly competitive.

I'll be going down the path of the new arms, my mechanic has also said my D bushes are also quite worn, I have no idea what they are as yet so if anyone has a good place to get them I'm all ears!
"D Bushes" could possibly be your sway bar bushes

[Lukeis]

How much do the bushes cost you tombie? My mechanic quoted $75 each (plus labour).

Does anyone know if these will fit? Says D3 but unsure about D4

KIT604 DISCOVERY 3 FRONT ANTI ROLL BAR OVERHAUL KIT WITH MEYLE HD LINKS (http://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/kit604-discovery-3-front-anti-roll-bar-overhaul-kit-with-meyle-hd-links-3639-p.asp)

[BigJon]

The price of genuine arms must be cheap in SA! I was quoted $450 each in Sydney!

Either that, or you work for nothing! lol ;)

Cheers,
Rob

I just have reasonable mark ups on parts and my labour is nowhere near dealer pricing.

[Tombie]

How much do the bushes cost you tombie? My mechanic quoted $75 each (plus labour).

Does anyone know if these will fit? Says D3 but unsure about D4

KIT604 DISCOVERY 3 FRONT ANTI ROLL BAR OVERHAUL KIT WITH MEYLE HD LINKS (http://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/kit604-discovery-3-front-anti-roll-bar-overhaul-kit-with-meyle-hd-links-3639-p.asp)

Fit SuperPro to the Sway Bar mounts [emoji41]

[Lukeis]

Hi Tombie

Do you just get them from super cheap auto?

Is this the correct part? Says available in 28 or 34mm

SuperPro Bushing Kit for LAND ROVER DISCOVERY Series 4 - 2009-on (http://superpro.com.au/find/superpro-bushing-kit-for-a-superpro-suspension-parts-and-poly-bushings-for-land-rover-discovery-series-4-2009-on-/productnr-SPF3701-34K/cid-999501170/vid-)

[LRD414]

Fit SuperPro to the Sway Bar mounts
So the SuperPro bush doesn't affect the ride if only used on sway bar combined with oem on control arms?

Scott

[Grentarc]

So the SuperPro bush doesn't affect the ride if only used on sway bar combined with oem on control arms?

Scott
In previous vehicles, I never found ride was noticeably different with poly sway bar bushes - control arm bushes do make a noticeable difference though.

Advanced Factors are having a super pro sale at the moment

[Tombie]

Correct. Poly won't impact compared to the VERY firm std parts.

And Advanced Factors also does the rubber bush - as per Les Richmond style if you want to move away from HydroBushes but want a more compliant ride than Poly..

[Lukeis]

Does anyone know if I should I be buying the 28 or 34mm for the front sway bar?

According to the descriptions on eBay they both fit the D4 but I doubt that is true, here are the links;

SuperPro Sway Bar Bush Kit 34mm SPF3701-34K fits Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TD ... | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SuperPro-Sway-Bar-Bush-Kit-34mm-SPF3701-34K-fits-Land-Rover-Discovery-2-7-TD-/151971245127?fits=Model%3ADiscovery+IV&hash=item2362312c47:g:c-AAAOSw2gxYv6IX)

SuperPro Sway Bar Bush Kit 28mm SPF3701-28K fits Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TD ... | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SuperPro-Sway-Bar-Bush-Kit-28mm-SPF3701-28K-fits-Land-Rover-Discovery-2-7-TD-/161966671274?fits=Model%3ADiscovery+IV&hash=item25b5f745aa:g:hkgAAOSwXYtYv6Jz)

[Lukeis]

Update for others interested:

I got hold of a set of callipers to measure and my front sway bar is 29mm so I assume that's going to fit the 28mm sway bar bush. I paid $48 including delivery for the super pro ones off eBay.

Haven't selected the lower control arm yet, having a hard time deciding as I'm concerned about ride comfort. Advance factors have suggested this one as a happy medium as the super pro one is quite harsh, but no idea how firm this will be hence the hesitation..

KIT630 MEYLE HEAVY DUTY FRONT LOWER ARMS & OEM BOLT KIT FOR SPORT DISCOVERY 3 & 4. FOUR YEAR WARRANTY (http://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/kit630-meyle-heavy-duty-front-lower-arms--oem-bolt-kit-for-sport-discovery-3--4-four-year-warranty-707241-p.asp)

[Lukeis]

Hi Guys

Just to close out this thread..

I had the advance factors.co.uk "KIT614" LCA's with R014145 Stabilier Links installed yesterday, all up they cost me $570 AUD including delivery from the UK which took about a week.

I chose these arms as they were designed to be comfortable and as they are actually the Range Rover Sport ones they are built stronger with a larger ball joint than standard.

The ride with these control arms is as good if not better than the standard ride, no more firm at all. I also had the super pro sway bar bushes installed at the same time, now my car is quite as a mouse over bumps.. nice to have it back to this!

If you're in the market for LCA's definitely think about these ones.

[shanegtr]

Ordered a pair of superpro sway bar bushes for my D3 a few days ago. Looking forward to eliminating the clunk in mine

[winaje]

Does anyone have experience with this LCA kit?
KIT630A MEYLE HEAVY DUTY FRONT LOWER ARMS & OEM BOLT KIT FOR SPORT DISCOVERY 3 & 4. FOUR YEAR WARRANTY (http://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/kit630a-meyle-heavy-duty-front-lower-arms--oem-bolt-kit-for-sport-discovery-3--4-four-year-warranty-707241-p.asp)

[Eric SDV6SE]

Does anyone know if I should I be buying the 28 or 34mm for the front sway bar?

According to the descriptions on eBay they both fit the D4 but I doubt that is true, here are the links;

SuperPro Sway Bar Bush Kit 34mm SPF3701-34K fits Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TD ... | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SuperPro-Sway-Bar-Bush-Kit-34mm-SPF3701-34K-fits-Land-Rover-Discovery-2-7-TD-/151971245127?fits=Model%3ADiscovery+IV&hash=item2362312c47:g:c-AAAOSw2gxYv6IX)

SuperPro Sway Bar Bush Kit 28mm SPF3701-28K fits Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TD ... | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SuperPro-Sway-Bar-Bush-Kit-28mm-SPF3701-28K-fits-Land-Rover-Discovery-2-7-TD-/161966671274?fits=Model%3ADiscovery+IV&hash=item25b5f745aa:g:hkgAAOSwXYtYv6Jz)

Hi,

has as anyone done the Superpro sway bar F+R Bush upgrade (#SPF3701-28/31/34K and #SPF3631-22/23/34K) plus the Superpro Adjusable HD rear sway bar link kit (#TRC1245).

this seems like a good mod.

My D4 has already had the front lower wishbones replaced (complete) with the factory upgraded units when the infamous “clunk” appeared around 120,000km. Suspension is still quiet, at last service, LR noted that the front SwB bushes were worn.

Thanks

[Tombie]

Hi,

has as anyone done the Superpro sway bar F+R Bush upgrade (#SPF3701-28/31/34K and #SPF3631-22/23/34K) plus the Superpro Adjusable HD rear sway bar link kit (#TRC1245).

this seems like a good mod.

My D4 has already had the front lower wishbones replaced (complete) with the factory upgraded units when the infamous “clunk” appeared around 120,000km. Suspension is still quiet, at last service, LR noted that the front SwB bushes were worn.

Thanks

I looked into it, and at this stage don’t need to do it, but measured up so I knew when the time came.

Seems my sway bar up front is none of the dimensions listed... so I contacted Superpro, and they will make to order...

Just put some vernier on the bar right beside the bush and confirm size first!

[vee8auto]

Does anyone have experience with this LCA kit?
KIT630A MEYLE HEAVY DUTY FRONT LOWER ARMS & OEM BOLT KIT FOR SPORT DISCOVERY 3 & 4. FOUR YEAR WARRANTY (http://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/kit630a-meyle-heavy-duty-front-lower-arms--oem-bolt-kit-for-sport-discovery-3--4-four-year-warranty-707241-p.asp)

yes, I fitted that to mine late last year, to my 2006 D3. It looks like the Lemforder HD kit might have the OEM spec fluid filled rear bush, whereas this one definitely has the solid rubber rear bush.

I got all the rear ones from Advanced Factors too.

Installation went well, no surprises. Rides nicely on the road. I cant say what the NVH comparison would be. And off road is as it should be.

One tip when ordering these kits from the UK, remind them to put all the bolts and nuts in a really durable bag, and preferably strap the arms together inside the box. Because they get a wild ride.

[Eric SDV6SE]

Thanks,

I'm only looking at the Front and Rear sway bar mounting bushes, plus doing the HD adjustable links for the rear.

From memory the front bar is 31mm diamter and the rear is 34mm diameter.

Don't really want to be changing complete sway bars.

Cheers,

Eric

[Eric SDV6SE]

Just measured up front and rear sway bars: Front is 31mm dia, Rear is 22mm dia.

This is for a MY11 D4 SDV6 SE 3.0 TTD

[Jimlr]

Did you do up bolts to the correct torque or just BT (bloody tight). You never see wheel alignment guys using a torque wrench when they adjust.

What are the correct torque settings on all the relevant bolts?

[PerthDisco]

Just a quick update on this thread.

Have any others tried the Advanced Factors 630 Kit HD Meyle Lower Arm Kit. It talks of a solid bush which worries me so interested if anyone has noticed anything negative after using these for a while? I really don't want to regret this decision [wink11]

Are Delphi brand same as OEM otherwise?

Also, in this interesting Britpart video they change the Lower Arms without removing the hub nut. Anyone tried this or know what years don’t need it?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya4d6EY5LEA

Thanks

[Ads]

Just replaced lower arms on a 2010 built 2.7. Didn't have to touch the shafts. Surprisingly easy job actually.

[shanegtr]

I had to pop the driveshaft out of the hub with my 05 D3.

[Grentarc]

Also, in this interesting Britpart video they change the Lower Arms without removing the hub nut. Anyone tried this or know what years don’t need it?



Not removing the nut is how it is done in the WSM - if you read the WSM it tells you which direction you need to move it etc to do it this way.

[PerthDisco]

The sheer number of online LR part suppliers and variety of part supplier choices makes for a daunting challenge to assess best option. That is other than going genuine LR.

Looking at air struts for example there is a large price difference in various options.

[Tombie]

The ride and handling is one of the driving reasons to choose the vehicle. Why risk ruining that for a few $$& over the course of a few years.

[PerthDisco]

Borg and Beck is a new name that can be added to the extensive list of LCA replacement options.

[Disco-tastic]

Borg and Beck is a new name that can be added to the extensive list of LCA replacement options.What's the cost and are they any good? Considering the Lemforder bushes are about $80 each I struggle to see the point in looking at other brands, unless they offer a much longer life with no compromise to NVH. Happy if there is another quality option though :)

[PerthDisco]

Land Rover Discovery 3 (III) Front Suspension Lower Wishbone Control Arms (PAIR) | eBay (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0'mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2 F222902897091)

Good price from AUS seller but Borg and Beck brand. I guess it’s all about the bushes.

[PerthDisco]

Regards last comment these LCAs have solid rubber bushes vs original Hydro style.

Seems commercially available complete LCA varieties are mainly about the choice of bush being; Hydro original - rubber -SuperPro poly style.

The latter are well known to avoid for their reduction in ride comfort.

My dilemma is that my LCAs were replaced about 100,000km ago and are just starting to get noisy again. Would the original style have lasted that long or did I get solid rubber last time most likely? The ride has been great. I was told at the time that the LCA's were new and improved at the time they were changed but assumed they were genuine (could be wrong).

Does make you wonder if all these brands can be individually fabricating the steel arm?

[Tombie]

You can see if you have a hydro Bush by laying behind the front wheel and taking a look...

[PerthDisco]

You can see if you have a hydro Bush by laying behind the front wheel and taking a look...

Hard to see a good side view?
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/06/257.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/06/258.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/06/259.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/06/260.jpg

[Tombie]

Lemforder - note the Wave (visible on left in your first pic)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/06/255.jpg

Borg and Beck style - solid
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/06/256.jpg

[Tombie]

Also note the steel profile in the centre.

[PerthDisco]

I doff my cap to you sir. [emoji106]

So are Lemforder hydro original style?

[Tombie]

I doff my cap to you sir. [emoji106]

So are Lemforder hydro original style?

Yes they are. Original style and supplier to LR

[vbrab]

Unless your workshop is jigged up to extract the old and re-fit the new bushes (which are pigs to get out and to get back correctly), I would suggest it is faster (and might be cheaper) to fit complete arms.
Those bushes do not just press in and press out, they have to be attacked out and then pressed in, and need a specially made die to get them in properly.
But your workshop might be set up to do them, so check.
I've replaced mine 4 times in 450K, and the time I replaced just the bushes was way cheaper on parts, BUT, the biggest mess about compared to replacing whole lower arm.

Whole arm also includes new ball joint, and you have to take the whole arm out to replace the bushes anyway, and you should put in new bolts to hold the lower arm in after you have R&R'd them.
I keep a spare set of lower arms and bolts on standby.
Bought a set last week with bolts (and 2 new drive shaft nuts) for $350 and about $120 freight, so anything under $500 for a pair of lower arms , mounting bolt set and 2 flange nuts, delivered, is value.
The drive shaft nuts come in 1.5 and 2. thread pitch, and I think the key is your VIN number should guide parts seller on which shaft nut for your car. (There may be enough thread sticking past the nut for you to see the pitch.)

My guess on to replace might be up 3 hours total for a good mechanic (could be 2 hours if they are on the ball), and a new wheel alignment.
It usually takes me most of the day to R&R when I do it at home alone using a jack and stands. PM me is you want to know where to get the arms and bolts.
vbrab


Hey guys.

My 2011 D4 is in the mechanic shop and he has confirmed the noise is the control arm bushes.

I know this has been covered to death but the search doesn't seem to be working since the site upgrade.

How much should I expect to pay for these to be fixed?
Also, should I be replacing the whole arms and ball joint or just the bushes? The car has just hit 100,000km.

Any advice is appreciated

Thanks

[Tombie]

Why are you taking axle nuts off? No need to get the arms out...

The bushes are certainly easy with the correct press tool [emoji41] doing it on vehicle is easy too.

[101RRS]

Why are you taking axle nuts off? No need to get the arms out...



Yes I saw a Britpart video posted recently showing how to replace the lower arms and there was no need to undo the hub nut.

[Grentarc]

Why are you taking axle nuts off? No need to get the arms out...

The bushes are certainly easy with the correct press tool [emoji41] doing it on vehicle is easy too.

Yes, I did mine on vehicle with just a generic press tool and it was still quite easy to do on vehicle, except the one bush they (LR dealer that replaced bushes under warranty) put some form of loctite on it. I also did front bushes at the same time - ball joints were still in good condition at the time so no need to replace.

[Grentarc]

Yes I saw a Britpart video posted recently showing how to replace the lower arms and there was no need to undo the hub nut.

The WSM tells you how to do it without removing axle nut. Mentioned this to someone the other day who was sceptical about it being possible, but followed the directions and he said it was fantastic that it worked.

[Plane Fixer]

I have replaced the lower arms without removing the axle nut, one simply must not pull the hub outward once the lower ball joint is released.
I wired the hub back when the lower joint was released and all was well. Also be aware that the bolts are not tightened until you have the measurement in the manual which has the car sitting at normal height before clamping the bushes as this is to prevent premature degradation of the big hydrobush.

[PerthDisco]

I have replaced the lower arms without removing the axle nut, one simply must not pull the hub outward once the lower ball joint is released.
I wired the hub back when the lower joint was released and all was well. Also be aware that the bolts are not tightened until you have the measurement in the manual which has the car sitting at normal height before clamping the bushes as this is to prevent premature degradation of the big hydrobush.

Thanks. So if you were doing in a pit you could just lower the car back on the wheels after the LCA change and then torque it all up? (Which gets done again anyway at wheel alignment except for lower shock mount)

[Plane Fixer]

PerthDisco, you have got it in one!