Lower ...and Upper control arms (high kms) ..what else?

[gotaflat]

Morning,

Well the D4 started to tell me the lower control arms need replacing via Morse Code ...again....as such, with 315,000kms what else to do because when I do drive it it does not feel that as good as use to (naturally).

So do I do the upper control arms as well? what else - steering arm bushes? given we have 20kms+ of crappy gravel roads in any direction each day we (my wife that is) take the car out (and average black top for a 100kms+) I suspect most bushes will be tired.

Appreciate any ideas. also views on OEM/Factory, etc arms/bushes etc. in looking at Britpart/LRDirect obviously a lot of variation in the price if replacing the whole lot...

Cheers,

[DieselLSE]

Morning gotaflat,
Jack up the car so that all four wheels are off the ground. Get a pry bar of some sort (a long tyre lever will do) and, starting with the front lower control arm bushes, pry between the chassis and the bush. Start at the front LCA bush as that will have the most movement and you can then see what you are looking for. Then work your way around the entire car. That will give you a good idea of what needs replacing.
At that mileage, I'd replace each arm complete as necessary and personally I'd go genuine.

[Pippin]

Morning,

Well the D4 started to tell me the lower control arms need replacing via Morse Code ...again....as such, with 315,000kms what else to do because when I do drive it it does not feel that as good as use to (naturally).

So do I do the upper control arms as well? what else - steering arm bushes? given we have 20kms+ of crappy gravel roads in any direction each day we (my wife that is) take the car out (and average black top for a 100kms+) I suspect most bushes will be tired.

Appreciate any ideas. also views on OEM/Factory, etc arms/bushes etc. in looking at Britpart/LRDirect obviously a lot of variation in the price if replacing the whole lot...

Cheers,KIT619O Optimal Front Upper Arms Set Discovery 3 Left & Right With Bolt Kits (https://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/kit619o-optimal-front-upper-arms-set-discovery-3-left--right-with-bolt-kits-583600-p.asp) This is "Advanced Factors" in the UK their Mehle HD Lower control arm bushes or complete arms are a great ride.
Nick

[Eric SDV6SE]

Upper arms unlikely to ever need replacing, can do top ball joints as separate item. LCAs are an achillies heel, the AF hd version with mehle bushes are top choice. Easier and cheaper to repkace the complete lca assy than muck around with rebushing etc. I would also suggest to check sway bar bushes and tie rods front and rear.

[Dagilmo]

Upper arms unlikely to ever need replacing, can do top ball joints as separate item. LCAs are an achillies heel, the AF hd version with mehle bushes are top choice. Easier and cheaper to repkace the complete lca assy than muck around with rebushing etc. I would also suggest to check sway bar bushes and tie rods front and rear.

The AF HD seem like a good option and are probably what I'd go for if doing complete arms. However, to say easier and cheaper is not entirely correct. A set of rear bushes are relative cheap (compared to complete arms) and using a bush removal kit, pressing them out and in with the arms on the car is reasonably simple and quick. Now, the caveat is of course ones willingness to order the parts and do the work. Easier and cheaper may be correct if paying someone to do the work.

[shanegtr]

Upper arms unlikely to ever need replacing, can do top ball joints as separate item. LCAs are an achillies heel, the AF hd version with mehle bushes are top choice. Easier and cheaper to repkace the complete lca assy than muck around with rebushing etc. I would also suggest to check sway bar bushes and tie rods front and rear.
I've changed every single arm in my D3 during the course of my ownership due to flogged out bushes - LCA on the second set.

[Eric SDV6SE]

The AF HD seem like a good option and are probably what I'd go for if doing complete arms. However, to say easier and cheaper is not entirely correct. A set of rear bushes are relative cheap (compared to complete arms) and using a bush removal kit, pressing them out and in with the arms on the car is reasonably simple and quick. Now, the caveat is of course ones willingness to order the parts and do the work. Easier and cheaper may be correct if paying someone to do the work.

Agreed, id be willing to do them myself as long as the tools are available.

[vbrab]

My D3 has just logged up 500,000K, and so far I have fitted 4 sets of lower front control arms and nil need for upper control arms to be replaced (yet).
Ii seems all the work is done by the lower front control arms.
I have replaced 1 steering rack and recently 1 rack end rod.
Nil replacement on rear end, but have been advised that 1 bush on a rod on the rear should be done ASAP as not helping with wheel alignment.


Morning,

Well the D4 started to tell me the lower control arms need replacing via Morse Code ...again....as such, with 315,000kms what else to do because when I do drive it it does not feel that as good as use to (naturally).

So do I do the upper control arms as well? what else - steering arm bushes? given we have 20kms+ of crappy gravel roads in any direction each day we (my wife that is) take the car out (and average black top for a 100kms+) I suspect most bushes will be tired.

Appreciate any ideas. also views on OEM/Factory, etc arms/bushes etc. in looking at Britpart/LRDirect obviously a lot of variation in the price if replacing the whole lot...

Cheers,

[INter674]

Wow 500k klms..thats good going.

Might have to add the D3 to the list of cars guaranteed to do a half million ks!

[fredd63]

That front upper arm kit looks good. One thing to be aware of. The nylock nuts get screwed onto the bolts at the factory, then undone by you before installation, then screwed on again. This seems to remove their capability to stay tight. I had three of them on a VW control arm come loose and bolts fell out. Fortunately nobody hurt. Would suggest loctite or spring washers.

[Eric SDV6SE]

That front upper arm kit looks good. One thing to be aware of. The nylock nuts get screwed onto the bolts at the factory, then undone by you before installation, then screwed on again. This seems to remove their capability to stay tight. I had three of them on a VW control arm come loose and bolts fell out. Fortunately nobody hurt. Would suggest loctite or spring washers.

Nyloks are technically single use, wondering if you can request that they dont thread them onto the bolt at the factory?

[PerthDisco]

Wow 500k klms..thats good going.

Might have to add the D3 to the list of cars guaranteed to do a half million ks!

Disco3 UK logs their high mileage members.

Maybe we need to start the same?

Note: it’s in miles not kms


DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - Max miles (https://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/max-miles-109883-495.html)

[scarry]

Disco3 UK logs their high mileage members.

Maybe we need to start the same?

Note: it’s in miles not kms


DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - Max miles (https://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/max-miles-109883-495.html)

It would be interesting to compare mileages here to that list.

I recon ours would be heaps more.

[DiscoJeffster]

I recon ours would be heaps more.

No way. They have heaps more well over our "high milers". I'm up there at 273,000km and aside from a few unicorns above that on this forum, there aren't many higher. I can think less than half a dozen active members over the 300K km, yet they have heaps over that mile equivalent. Remember we're talking D3 and D4, not previous.....

Happy to start.

273,500km DiscoJeffster (can I change my forum name? DiscoJeff was taken - whoever you are I hate you ;).

[cjc_td5]

Wasn't there a thread on D3-4 high milages on here in the last year?

[PerthDisco]

No way. They have heaps more well over our "high milers". I'm up there at 273,000km and aside from a few unicorns above that on this forum, there aren't many higher. I can think less than half a dozen active members over the 300K km, yet they have heaps over that mile equivalent. Remember we're talking D3 and D4, not previous.....

Happy to start.

273,500km DiscoJeffster (can I change my forum name? DiscoJeff was taken - whoever you are I hate you ;).

Agree they have plenty of big numbers

Key is to capture year engine and originality of engine and gearbox

[DiscoJeffster]

Agree they have plenty of big numbers

Key is to capture year engine and originality of engine and gearbox

Well now you’re getting into semantics. Gearbox rebuilt yes/no therefore question of “have you been towing a house behind you?”
My gearbox is ok and original but hasn’t towed 3T of un-aero box on the back which I believe is a major contributor to gearbox pain and suffering.

[PeterOZ]

2007 D3 MY08 TDV6

261,000km
original transmission but has had steel pan and been serviced a few times. It is getting toward needing to be fully reconditioned and a new TC fitted.

Engine was replaced with a territory one about 4 years ago ( timing belt replaced then tensioner bracket failed not long after), not sure at what km but was doing very few km back then, less than 8000km per year. Lets call it 220,000km!

[Plane Fixer]

I have a D4 SDV6. Done 220000km and had the gearbox serviced a few times. Also had the mechatronic solenoids done at 100000km
The transfer case has been replaced due bent shift forks at 200000. The LCA bushes have been done twice.
I have never towed a block of flats and 90% of my mileage is country miles and is serviced at 12000km. It is the most comfortable long distance touring car I have ever had

[PerthDisco]

I echo the above

I’m 222,000km 07 MY08 on original engine (6mo oil changes) and box (twice serviced), diffs, TC, wheel bearings, shocks and air pump (new desiccant). 3rd LCAs.

Long may she run.

[gotaflat]

My D3 has just logged up 500,000K, and so far I have fitted 4 sets of lower front control arms and nil need for upper control arms to be replaced (yet).
Ii seems all the work is done by the lower front control arms.
I have replaced 1 steering rack and recently 1 rack end rod.
Nil replacement on rear end, but have been advised that 1 bush on a rod on the rear should be done ASAP as not helping with wheel alignment.

Good info - tremendous kms!

yes front LCA seems the ones doing all the work (maybe I had better work out how to do myself) - steering rack seems an interesting one - will mention to Rover tech tomorrow. Factory 'Bullbar' (powder coated black) goes on tomorrow finally... after sitting in shed for a fair while :)
Hoping the LCS bring some better feel back into the car...

I suspecting the airbags/Shocks need re-doing again/ or are close.