Thread: Changing the air struts in a Discovery 3

Originally Posted by Eric SDV6SE

What codes is it giving you? I thought the struts can only go in one way?

Not sure on codes... just cleared the error and all was fine.
I'll make a note next time it happens (might be a while!).

Definitely not related to which way the strut went in - it will only fit one way. I was more concerned with the amount of sideways pressure I had to apply to the strut to get the bottom suspension bolt in (bolted 3 top bolts up first, then lined up the holes in the bottom of the shock absorber with the control arm)...

Thanks.

Rob

Originally Posted by Ghost-Who-Walks

Definitely not related to which way the strut went in - it will only fit one way. I was more concerned with the amount of sideways pressure I had to apply to the strut to get the bottom suspension bolt in (bolted 3 top bolts up first, then lined up the holes in the bottom of the shock absorber with the control arm)...

Thanks.

Rob

This is what I found! But have not yet driven the car since fitting, as I’m also waiting on the radiator to be replaced. Apparently driving without suspension shakes your radiator to bits

The fault codes will determine what is the issue, could be a height sensor if it happens when lowering or raising the car, or a compressor fault.

Did the car lower to the bump stops or did it show the orange triangle and you just turn the car off and on to reset and off you go?

I too have replaced all four air struts. After almost 13 years and 275,000km there were no leaks but the shocker were, well... shocking. Especially over speed bumps. I took that same route as Andrew (OP) and sourced from Island 4x4 and ended up paying about $100 more. Thanks for the info etc. in your post Andrew - much appreciated. It actually made it easier to convince my wife that it was a good idea too.

I actually had my regular mechanic do it and it was done 2 months ago. The main noticeable change is that the front now bounces over small bumps instead of minimal movement and a thud! Cornering is much the same as far as body roll is concerned but the lean feels more stable now on the same corner at the same speed than prior to the new struts. Now to experience the next 13 years and 275,000km...

Originally Posted by Narangga

I too have replaced all four air struts. After almost 13 years and 275,000km there were no leaks but the shocker were, well... shocking.

Yes, and you get a spare set of struts in case of emergency!!!

Hi Guys,

I had a similar experience replacing these struts 12 months ago. I went with Rimmer Bros UK which supplied OEM BWI struts....ride was great...after 80xxxkms I feel the ride has deteriorated...or maybe it's just me, I can feel every bump in the road and even the juddering from uneven bitumen

Tyre pressures at 36 all round.
Newish LCAs and tyres are still good.
Maybe I need to calibrate the suspension?

Cheers
Jeremy

Originally Posted by Ghost-Who-Walks

Yes, and you get a spare set of struts in case of emergency!!!

It seems all the 'spares' are filling up the shed...

Originally Posted by Towcar

Hi Guys,

I had a similar experience replacing these struts 12 months ago. I went with Rimmer Bros UK which supplied OEM BWI struts....ride was great...after 80xxxkms I feel the ride has deteriorated...or maybe it's just me, I can feel every bump in the road and even the juddering from uneven bitumen

Tyre pressures at 36 all round.
Newish LCAs and tyres are still good.
Maybe I need to calibrate the suspension?

Cheers
Jeremy

The tyre placard in the D3 says 33/36 for normal load and 33/42 for full load. I don't know what they are for a D4. I run 33 in the front and the front definitely is more 'cushioned' after the strut replacement. Perhaps dropping your front pressures a tad may make a difference to the harshness of the ride.