Ring around some other LR specialist garages close to you.
I don’t know any but try Harris-Mayes country cars in Rickmansworth as a start maybe?? Is that close? Gone to a good home: 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
2025MY Defender D350 90 in Silicon Silver on coils
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
Many, many other Landies over the years
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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GAC23 wrote:

How on earth can replacing a few bits of rubber cost £1,600!!!

Because they want to replace the suspension arms too. Surely I don't have to do this?

if your dealer charges 150 an hour plus vat like my one does, its easy to rack up a huge labour bill.
Personally I think that is a high price, but I don't know what proportion is the parts vs labour.

If you havent already, ask for a cost break down so you know exactly what they are replacing.
Then you can decide if you want to buy the parts and have them fitted elsewhere.
I would be using an independent, not main dealer. Its also worth travelling if needs be in order to save more (cost vs convenience). Too many toys, not enough time

2011 4.4 TDV8 AB Black

According to the main dealer:

Front suspension bushes need replacing.

And the rear subframe bushes are on their way out.

I got this from a (very) trusted local independent specialist:

We have costed this for you and estimate around £1950 + vat @ 20%
Which includes parts and we estimate would take approx. 2 days to complete.
This will include replacing the front lower suspension arms and trailing arms as its a more cost effective way of replacing the bushes and you also get new ball joints, To replace the rear subframe bushes involves bleeding the brakes and driveshaft removal and finally the car would need 4 wheel alignment to reset the steering geometry.
All Nuts, Bolts and hardware removed‚ would also be replaced during this work.

The only things which are broken are some pieces of rubber.

£1950 + vat is a huge amount of money for some rubber I'd say. What do I put here then?

My indie recently put mine in for its MoT it passed without issue but they did say they noticed the rear subframe bushes are getting worn but not to worry as they take a very long time worn before they need replacing, and yes it is a big job.

They told me not to worry about it, perfectly safe and will go on like this for ages. David

Please let me know if my comments upset you, I may wish to upset you again.

I’d question whether the bushes are actually broken, they will always flex a bit which leaves scope for a technician to decide they need changing.
I had a similar report from a Jag main dealer a few years ago along with a similar quote, 2 years 60000 miles and 2 MOTs later I sold it without a single bush being changed.
If they aren’t causing a problem I’d be reluctant to change them.

Thanks for your comments.

The front bushes are definitely shot.

They make a noise all the time. And the dealer sent me a video showing they're worn.

Not so concerned about the rears - they're only 'on their way out'. So I hope they take as long to wear out as you've said.

Still gobsmacked that pieces of rubber can cost so much to replace.

Have spoken to LR Customer Service in the hope they'll help.

Will keep you posted ... What do I put here then?

I tried and failed to get some help from LR.

As the car is over 6 years old they won't do anything.

I still think it's absurd the part's only good for 58,000m / 6 years. And replacing bits of rubber can cost so much.

Anyway ...

Looking to source the parts and get a friend or trusted mechanic to fit. Does anyone have the workshop manual pages for replacing:

>> Replace front lower front arms
>> Replace front lower rear arms

Thank you. What do I put here then?

I would replace the bottom ball joint as well while you are doing it but can be a bitch to get out may need to heat it up.
I've just got all the parts to replace mine on both side, all 6 items was under £200 ( Bearmach) but you can get cheaper ones around £120 but I like to use a make that I know

Thanks, @srpara.

What I still don't understand is why you have to replace the whole front lower front arms and front lower rear arms when it's only the bushes which have failed. What do I put here then?

You can just replace the bushes but would need a bush extraction tool or make something up.
Im a lazy git and just prefer to replace the whole unit , the less faffing about the better ( it's an age thing just ask Stan )

Last edited by srpara on 15th Oct 2018 8:52am. Edited 1 time in total

Thanks.

I'm on a budget so just the bushes could be the way for now.

Is replacing all the arms i need a long job? What do I put here then?

If your "rears" are "on their way out" you may start seeing evidence with increased tyre wear on either the inner or outer edges, and that will also impact on your budget! .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

That's the cheapest way to do it, only two bushes to replace on the front (each side) just make sure the swivel joints aren't knackered

Joe90 wrote:

If your "rears" are "on their way out" you may start seeing evidence with increased tyre wear on either the inner or outer edges, and that will also impact on your budget!