D3 Lower Control Arms

[DoubleDisco]

Hi All,

I'm looking at replacing the front lower control arms on my '08 D3 as I am getting loud clonking noises under light braking and when going over speed bumps / driveway entrances.

I've been quoted $350 per side for Genuine Land Rover, $250 for Delphi and $200 for Firstline.

I was going to go with the Delphi but they only have RH in stock and I'm not sure when LH will be back in stock.

I had a quick google on Firstline but couldn't see anything. Has anyone had any experience with this brand??

I've found all the aboves prices to be fairly similar to UK prices when you take into account freight charges so am keen to support the Aussie market.

Cheers

[DoubleDisco]

*bump

From the lack of replies I'm assuming no one has any experience with the Firstline LCAs.

Might just have to fork out for the cash for the genuine LR ones.

Cheers.

[sheerluck]

I think the general consensus is to avoid the cheap and cheerful LCAs. Otherwise you'll be doing the job again quite soon.

[Disco-tastic]

The arms themselves appear to be generally ok. You want to make sure you have genuine or OEM bushes, as this is the part that wears out. Lemforder bushea are apparently OEM but half the cost of genuine LR.

I have the same problem but have not decided what to do yet...

Cheers

Dan

[Tinman]

I use TRSpares Padstow $255 a side complete. Have used these on my last D3 only went through two sets the original and the set from TRspares had 230,000 on it so they must have been ok. Never got to see how far that second set went. Now on my second D3.
Cheers

[jonesy63]

You can also get the RRS lower arms from TR Spares for $335 a side. They feature the heavier duty ball joint. (I like this store as it's only 15 mins from my home!)

[DoubleDisco]

I just checked with TRspares and the $255 ones are Firstline brand.

I might give these a try and keep my originals and get them rebushed if I ever need to do the job again.

Cheers.

[DoubleDisco]

LCAs have arrived and I'm now looking at a ball joint separator tool so I can fit them on the weekend.

I'm a bit confused about what size tool I need. From what I've read the ball joints are 35mm but the tools I'm looking at only have a 17mm fork opening

e.g. Toledo Ball Joint Separators Fork 200mm - 311271 - Supercheap Auto Australia

Is the 35mm and 17mm referring to the same thing?? Will the above tool do the job? If not is any one able to suggest a suitable tool I should get.

Cheers

[LandyAndy]

The BFG(Tombie) posted a link in the last week to a UK mob that sells the specific tool needed.
Andrew

[Tombie]

The BFG(Tombie) posted a link in the last week to a UK mob that sells the specific tool needed.

Andrew

Different tool mate. Which I have purchased and is on its way

This allows bush changes without disassembling the ball joint or even removing the old arm from the vehicle.