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philip1972



Member Since: 16 Jun 2017
Location: Marval 87440
Posts: 523

France 2006 Range Rover Autobiography 4.2 SC V8 Java Black
How do I check/test suspension arms and joints?

I will be doing some work on the car that requires the wheels off. While under it I thought I would check/test suspension arms/joints etc, but how do I do that?

I don't have knock or bangs, but even for future reference, how can you tell if they are worn and needing replacement?

Cheers all

Post #665860 4th Jun 2023 8:40am
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Merchy



Member Since: 14 Feb 2021
Location: North Wales
Posts: 1181

United Kingdom 2006 Range Rover Vogue Td6 Zermatt Silver

A couple of ways to check are - visually inspect the arms, are the rubber boots ( where fitted ) still in good order. On some arms etc it is possible to see the rubber bush, to see if there is any degradation of the rubber. Use a pry bar to lever the arms etc to see if there is any play.

Not long after buying my car I paid a friendly MOT garage owner the price of a few pints to put the car on a ramp lifted it up, myself and the garage owner spent a good few minutes carrying out the above checks. It is so much easier doing it this way. Hope this helps Thumbs Up

Post #665863 4th Jun 2023 8:56am
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philip1972



Member Since: 16 Jun 2017
Location: Marval 87440
Posts: 523

France 2006 Range Rover Autobiography 4.2 SC V8 Java Black

Cheers Mercy, thats great Thumbs Up

Post #665864 4th Jun 2023 9:09am
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V8 Bob



Member Since: 15 Mar 2018
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 357

United Kingdom 2012 Range Rover Westminster TDV8 Ipanema Sand

Make sure car is safely supported on suitable axle stands remember they weigh nearly 3 tonnes!
Then use a pry bar to put pressure on suspension arms and joints to see where there is excess
movement. 2012 tdv8 Westminster arrived Jan 19 gone Dec 23

200 TDi discovery bobtail gone
RR classic v8 bobtail gone
300 tdi Discovery 3 dr gone

Post #665865 4th Jun 2023 9:20am
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Cam-Tech-Craig



Member Since: 03 Aug 2011
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 16281

England 2015 Range Rover SVAutobiography SDV8 Loire Blue

Morning Steve, hope life is treating you well...

If yours don't bang over bumps then there's a greater chance it won't have much wrong with it...

But yes, as above. Visually check the rubber bits and use a prybar to check for play everywhere... Thumbs Up

Post #665870 4th Jun 2023 10:22am
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garyRR



Member Since: 13 Mar 2021
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1465

United Kingdom 

Mine don't make any thuds or bangs but the front front arms have gone, the ball joints in the front rear arms have slightly play, and the rear drop links have play... yet no symptoms.

My car was tested on a very impressive automated rig.

Also, if it's any help:
- rear and front drop links are possible to change on a driveway
- the front front arm *is* possible, but the nut on mine is so heavily rusted, the only option may be oxy-acetylene, or removing the driveshaft in order to get an impact socket and breaker bar on it
- the front rear arm ball joints are a no-go. The torx screws which hold them into the hub have rusted into soft cheese. They will need drilling out and re-threading. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

Post #666002 6th Jun 2023 8:19am
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Old-un



Member Since: 12 Feb 2022
Location: Manchester
Posts: 139

United Kingdom 2011 Range Rover Vogue 4.4 V8 Causeway Grey
Suspension problem

My nearside tyre is wearing on the outer tread which could suggest mis-alignment however, also produces a "bang on the same side when I drive over a road hump of a size but the offside has no problems re bangs or odd tyre wear.
Any ideas re possible causes anyone ? RR owner

Post #669775 25th Jul 2023 12:22pm
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Snowy90 L322



Member Since: 24 Aug 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 220

United Kingdom 2004 Range Rover HSE Td6 Giverny Green

usually, its the anti roll bar tie rods that go first, easy to change, sometimes you notice a click or noise in reverse.
163k miles in nothing else has been changed, I'm sure its tired but doesnt show up on any MOT inspection

Post #669776 25th Jul 2023 12:32pm
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dingg1



Member Since: 29 Jun 2013
Location: PORTUGAL
Posts: 1340

2007 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.2 SC V8 Stornoway Grey

163k

I'd get the lot done, upper and lower control arms, drop links and track rod ends. The car will drive like new again.

You can get a kit of all components for about £300

Post #669778 25th Jul 2023 1:07pm
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Snowy90 L322



Member Since: 24 Aug 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 220

United Kingdom 2004 Range Rover HSE Td6 Giverny Green

Would be good, but rusty Sills to do first!

Post #669779 25th Jul 2023 1:11pm
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