LOWER BALL JOINT ISSUES

**jtonline** · 23rd March 2010, 09:11 PM

Well had the D3 06 SE Petrol V6, serviced today, all going well. Apart from a 'coms' error on the computer but all well......

Apart from my Mechanic telling me that the Front Left hand side Lower Ball Joint is going to need to be replaced!

What the it only has 65 000k's on the clock with very little off road, I haven't even had a chance to 'damage' it myself before something needs replacing.

Any way has anyone else had this problem? Will be calling the dealer get it fixed under warranty (extended). Any tips, feedback, how can this happen so soon?

**ADMIRAL** · 24th March 2010, 12:47 AM

There is other data on a thread somewhere, but they have improved the balljoint design for the D4 and this is quite openly stated in some publicity releases. I believe the new D4 balljoint is used as the fit to correct issues with earlier D3's.

Chase around on the forum, there is bound to be more data there.

300+ · 24th March 2010, 03:08 PM

I had one replaced under warranty at about 50,000.

Cheers, Steve

**gghaggis** · 24th March 2010, 03:36 PM

An uprated ball joint is now fitted to replace the earlier design in the D3. The MY2009 and I think the MY2008 have them fitted from the factory.

Cheers,

Gordon

**garryc** · 24th March 2010, 04:53 PM

The early build ball joints had a bit of a rattle in them. I changed mine as the rattle annoyed me but I don't believe they were unsafe.

**Fozzie** · 27th April 2010, 08:12 PM

I have exactly the same issue.. I am about to argue loudly that the joints and steering racks SHOULD be replaced under warranty (extended)... as 65-70K for these points is poor. Did you manage to sort the problem with your dealer ?

**CaverD3** · 28th April 2010, 09:13 AM

Known issue with early design ball joints. If extended won't help try making a claim to LR the change in design indicates a fault on LRs part.

**robertj** · 7th May 2010, 02:58 PM

Both mine are being replaced under warranty (33,000 k's 2008 model) by the dealer. I mentioned that I had a knocking in the front end and they got onto it straight away.
Should I be following up on the steering rack as well?

**bbyer** · 29th April 2011, 10:49 AM

Earlier this week, I had my Dealer replace both lower A Arms, (left LR028249, right LR028245), rather than just replacing the ball joints. Also changed were some steering tie rods ends and both rear stabilizer bar rubber bushings, (part number LR015336, jpg below).

My 3 has 127,000 km on it and this was the first time for ball joints, (city type pavement driving, no off road). I wanted the newer improved design, so all new assemblies seemed the best route as that way, I got new rubber bushings as well. There is also the view that a lower arm is only good for one replacement ball joint as there is some thought the hole can get distorted from repeated replacement. I am hoping to get closer to 200,000 km out of these new ones - we will see.

After a few days of driving, I am pleased to say that the 3 is now quieter inside, (less suspension banging and road noise from the pavement joints coming thru), so at least that part of the plan has succeeded.