Looking to buy LR3 - a few questions

[Bane]

I have read on here and other forums about having to replace tires every 12,000 to 18,000 miles due to weak bushings. Some have mentioned replacing the stock bushings with bushings from LR3's in england. Anyone know what this costs, and does it take care of the premature tire replacement? Seems a bit insane to only get a year or so out of tires.

I've also read about having to replace tie rods, is there any solution to that? I am not a car expert so, excuse my ignorance if my questions seem a bit odd.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[dantheman1]

Where have you heard this? Although the bushings are softer for US-spec LR3's (something about fat americans wanting a smoother ride), I still got 60k miles out of the first set. As far as the tire wear, my wrangler silent armors have lasted more than 50k miles and still have plenty of tread left. As long as you go to the dealer for an alignment every 15k miles or so and get some quality tires, you should be fine.

 

[Bane]

I heard about these issues via the issues thread here and via a friend that has an 06 that he has had to put tires on after owning for 18K miles.

I also read in the issues thread about others that have had to do tie rods and ball joints. Have you had that issue? If so at how many miles?

I have been lookig at an 06 HSE with 43K miles on it.

Thanks,

 

[dantheman1]

I've only had to replace the tie rods once somewhere between 60-70k miles. Your friend probably had the stock goodyear tires on his truck. They didn't wear down from poor suspension geometry, it's because they are terrible tires. It's widely known that the stock goodyears wear out quickly, unevenly, and noisily(?). At 43k miles, you'd probably be looking at putting new brakes on it (if warped or worn of course), maybe a new tstat soon if you get a CEL. Depending on how hard it's been driven, you shouldn't have to worry about bushings and tie rods till 60-70k miles.

 

[Houm_WA]

Bane, let me try to shed some light on this, because you are mixing a few separate issues.

1. The stock tires on the LR3 were crap. THOSE tires alone are the ones that got about 18k miles. Once replaced (AND NOT BY THE SAME TYPE TIRE) wear has been more along the lines with what you'd expect.

2. The bushings on the LR3 are indeed a bit softer and may need replacement just about every 50k miles or so, depending on use.

3. I've heard of a few tie rod replacements but not what I'd call a "common issue." Same with ball joints.

 

[Bane]

Turns out my friend forgot to tell me that he had his LR3 lifted improperly, and that is what was causing the tire wear.

Next question, I know 05 was the first year for the LR3. Is it safe to get on 05 if I find one in good shape or should I stay away?

Thanks,

 

[dantheman1]

Bane, this has been covered on this forum a few times with posts that go into much further detail. In short, getting an '05 is fine as long as it has had all the tsb's performed and was previously owned by someone who did the proper maintenance or was generally a picky owner. HOWEVER, I would highly recommend sticking with 06/07+ and not worrying about it. Chances are, it's going to be hard to find an '05 (which is now out of the factory warranty) that has had all the tsb's performed while it was under warranty. A few tsb's that were fixed or updated with better parts on newer models that I can think of are: sunroof drain, steering wheel, front dif breather valve, steering column, steering rack, fuel tank.

 

[Bane]

Is there anyway to tell if TSB's have been done? Can a dealer look this up?

 

[thorgal]

Dealer can look up any info for you, if you ask them nicely...

 

[e24kgold]

Here is a list of the big work I've had done on the LR3 covered under warranty (GMAC)

Purchased 8/08 at 55,101 miles

First visit to dealer 10/10/08 at 57,267 miles

1. Clogged drains - Labor $172.50
2. Keyless entry inoperable - water intrusion from clogges drains damaged splice. Installed new link of wire and covered in shrink wrap. Remolded harness and sodered jumper wire --- Labor $172.50 Parts - $8.08
3. Steering rack and pinion replace - Labor $230 Parts-- $491.40
4. four wheel alignment per steering rack install $79.95
5. Replace power steering pump - Labor $149.50 Parts -$313.77
6. Replace air cond. compressor - Labor $529 Parts $548.09
7.Replace Air suspension compressor - Labor $161.00 Parts $665.93
8. EAS system calibration $92.00

Total bill including some out of pocket expenses (Oil change and deductible)
$3692.55 (out of pocket expenses were about $400)

Second trip to dealer - 2/15/10

1. Replace control arm bushings - $285.02
2. Install new parking brake wiring harness -$269.00
3. Replace coolant resevoir --Labor $99.48 Parts. 74.53
4. Replace power steering pump (again) Labor $223.83 Parts - $333.76
5. Replace ball joints and tie rod ends - Labor $99.48 Parts. $220
6. Replace leaking washer fluid resevior - Labor $298.44 Parts $97.56

Out of pocket expenses included -
1. 90k mile service $513.85
2.Air filter- $36.78
3. mount and balance customer tires $120.00
4. Replace transfer case fluid $118.26
5. new battery $235.28
and other misc. stuff
Total $3357.41 (out of pocket $1585.22)

Total $7049.96 not including PM and oil changes and the like.