Rattling on cobblestones

[Arapiles]

Some of the laneways around our house are cobbled - there seems to be a rattle coming from the front right wheel area that's only audible on the cobbles: might it be a loose shock absorber? I can't see anything obvious and there's nothing noticeable at other times.

[101RRS]

Front lower control arms.

[DieselLSE]

Front lower control arms.
Almost certainly. Specifically the hydraulic bush, but just replace both arms.

[Arapiles]

Thanks guys. OEM or non-OEM replacement?

[101RRS]

Get the RRS Meyle arms from Advanced Factors in the UK. Meyle arms (bushes) are better than OEM and RRS arms are more "heavy duty" than Disco arms.

KIT683HD Meyle HD Front Lower Arms & OEM Bolt Kit R Rover Sport 4 Year Warranty LR029304 LR029306 (https://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/kit683hd-meyle-hd-front-lower-arms--oem-bolt-kit-r-rover-sport--4-year-warranty-lr029304--lr029306-1366314-p.asp)

[DieselLSE]

Thanks guys. OEM or non-OEM replacement?
I always genuine on the D4. But that's just me.

[loanrangie]

If its only the rear bush that is worn, you can just replace those or both lower - don't even need to remove the arm.

[101RRS]

If its only the rear bush that is worn, you can just replace those or both lower - don't even need to remove the arm.

I thought special gear was required and not really an option to do at home - that is why it has been recommended to replace the entire arm.

What am I missing - if it was a simple job to replace the bushes then why are not most people doing it?

[josh.huber]

I thought special gear was required and not really an option to do at home - that is why it has been recommended to replace the entire arm.

What am I missing - if it was a simple job to replace the bushes then why are not most people doing it?

To leave the arm on the car you need a press tool. Two options available from memory. One hydraulic and kinda pricey the other mechanical.
If you pull the arm off the car, changing the bushes is easy with a press and associated gear. The argument is usually around price of arm and labour to change, plus you get a free ball joint. I've only changed arms once, was a waste of time. New bushes didn't last as long. I'm still on original arms at roughly 300,000ks and I've put quite a few bushes in, the ball joint is still fine.
You can do at home easy with the special press tool. Or a bit longer with a normal H frame press.

[RANDLOVER]

Get the RRS Meyle arms from Advanced Factors in the UK. Meyle arms (bushes) are better than OEM and RRS arms are more "heavy duty" than Disco arms.

KIT683HD Meyle HD Front Lower Arms & OEM Bolt Kit R Rover Sport 4 Year Warranty LR029304 LR029306 (https://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/kit683hd-meyle-hd-front-lower-arms--oem-bolt-kit-r-rover-sport--4-year-warranty-lr029304--lr029306-1366314-p.asp)

My mech. got the Meyle LCA's last time, not sure if they were RRS though.

[Arapiles]

Thanks all, I'll check it with Ritters at the next service.

[jwb]

Ritters estimated $2k for LCA using genuine parts.
I did it in the driveway for the cost of the parts ~900 plus a wheel alignment.
Plenty of help on this site. DieselLSE was very helpful.
Consider it a service part ongoing.

[Dagilmo]

I thought special gear was required and not really an option to do at home - that is why it has been recommended to replace the entire arm.

What am I missing - if it was a simple job to replace the bushes then why are not most people doing it?

I do mine in the drive way with a press tool. Now I have the tool, just the cost of bushes and time. I think about 3-4 hours last time.

[Discodicky]

May well be the brake caliper sliding section. Is known to do it.
Just rest your left foot on brake pedal to slightly operate the brakes as you are going over the cobblestones.
If the noise disappears then you know what it is! [bigsmile1]

[Arapiles]

Ritters estimated $2k for LCA using genuine parts.
I did it in the driveway for the cost of the parts ~900 plus a wheel alignment.
Plenty of help on this site. DieselLSE was very helpful.
Consider it a service part ongoing.

Unfortunately not only don't I have the skills or tools, I don't even have a driveway!

I do have a very large shed but it's literally full of stuff.

Do you need a hoist?

[DiscoJeffster]

Unfortunately not only don't I have the skills or tools, I don't even have a driveway!

I do have a very large shed but it's literally full of stuff.

Do you need a hoist?

No. A Jack.

[jwb]

No. A Jack.

Plus:
diagnostic tool or way to deflate the air shock
podger 24mm
watch the YT videos
strong 23yo son is recommended!

[fredd63]

If the vehicle has an anti roll bar, check the bushes where it mounts to the frame. They can look serviceable, but it only takes a small amount of wear for them to rattle.

[Tombie]

Plus:
diagnostic tool or way to deflate the air shock
podger 24mm
watch the YT videos
strong 23yo son is recommended!

Nope!

No need to deflate air.
Lower vehicle onto jack, pull fuse if so desired.
lift enough to get wheel off ground and remove.
Spray paint old bolt to assist initial realignment
Undo bolts on rear of arm, front is also helpful.
Press out and replace bush.
Refit arm using paint as guide.
Lower to ground for standard ride height position
Torque up bolts

Head to wheel aligner!