Thread: 2005 Disco Ball Joints

Ball joints are usually replaced for knocking problems, along with the lower arm bushes. This can happen at 5000km or 50000km.
The knock is caused by movement in the joint, sometimes it's frightening how much movement they get.

I would hazard a guess that yours are just worn out at 120000km if they're the originals. It's quite a common repair & let's hope that they're available from Land Rover (otherwise the whole lower arm needs replacement).

They have the same part nos. as the P38A Rangie - FTC3570/FTC3571 - I assume you mean the suspension balljoints not tie-rod ends

I replaced mine recently at about 220.000 km. They were worn a bit owing to the boots being torn. I don't know what the material is that the BJ manufacturer uses but it appears to be the same as the tie-rod ends and is not very durable.

Are yours worn or ar the boots torn?

Originally Posted by p38arover

They have the same part nos. as the P38A Rangie.

I'm sure that's not right - this is a D3, not D2.

Originally Posted by p38arover

I replaced mine recently at about 220.000 km. They were worn a bit owing to the boots being torn.

My boots have been split for the last 200000km . No movement yet though, but I will have to change them soon anyway I think.

Originally Posted by Scouse

I'm sure that's not right - this is a D3, not D2.

My boots have been split for the last 200000km . No movement yet though, but I will have to change them soon anyway I think.

OOPS! I read D2. Silly me!

Thanks for that. Will have to get under and have a look - definitely no sign of knocking, errant steering or unusual wear on the tyres. Will have to ask the mechanic what prompted his diagnosis - I assume these units don't have the inbuilt wear indicators - that would make it too easy.

Originally Posted by Bandasooka

Will have to ask the mechanic what prompted his diagnosis - I assume these units don't have the inbuilt wear indicators - that would make it too easy.

All tyres (road tyres at least) have tread wear indicators.

Have a look at the tyres yourself. Often the inside edge wears faster than the rest, particularly on the rear tyres.

Well...mine Just in a Lance Dixons for it's 60Km...(Great Service!) said to the boys about the steering being a bit...yeah...the boys ended up replacing all the Front ball joints...the steering rack and all other bushes etc...my god it has never driven like that since NEW!!! its on its second set of tyres...and there are due again...front discs and pads all round just done...

Gotta love warranty on the steering stuff would not like to replace outa warranty!!!...

Stuart

Originally Posted by Bandasooka

We have a late 2005 Disco 3 (nominally 2006 model) with just over 120,000 km on the clock. Front discs replaced at 88,000 km, rear discs at around 96,000 km. On 3rd set of tyres. At last service (120,000 km) we were advised new tyres needed, but before doing so, will need to replace front ball joints (and front discs, rotors etc with it).

As our Disco has spent most of its life on bitumen, doing long country miles basically towing a horse float or loaded to hilt on family holidays, and no wheel wobble or excessive tyre wear problems, this news was a bit of a surprise - as well as an expensive exercise.

Has anyone experienced or heard of similar wear problems with the current model Discovery's - and can anyone advise what are the tell-tale signs of having worn ball joints?

Originally Posted by Scouse

All tyres (road tyres at least) have tread wear indicators.

Have a look at the tyres yourself. Often the inside edge wears faster than the rest, particularly on the rear tyres.

Sorry, I was referring to the ball joints themselves - some have wear indicators, as it's not that easy to get the weight off and see if they wobble! - but, so far we haven't noticed any freeplay or wandering in the steering.