Front End Suspension(?) Unidentified Noise

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txfromwi

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The 2013 (85K) has had a Front End noise for a while now and I need your opinions.
The 2016 does not make the noise and I know the 2013 did not when it was younger.

It started with just the drivers side, but is now on both sides.

I suspect it's in the suspension somewhere, but I can't see anything wrong.
There are no noticeable problems on the road
It happens most dependably when going over small surface irregularities, like when turning into the suburban driveway and you go up over that ridge where the driveway meets the roadbed.
It's a "dunk" kind of sound.
No error codes.

Any assistance in locating places to inspect would be most appreciated.

Thanks!
 
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ryanjl

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Could be several things.

Control arm bushings.

Sway bar bushings. Either the sway bar end links or the bushings where the sway bar is bolted to the frame.
 

Shredahead

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Sounds exactly like lower control arms and bushings. I’ve gone through two sets of them since 65k miles. Try coasting 1-2 miles per hour, hit the brakes hard. If you get the clunk, it’s most likely the lower control arm bushings.
 

txfromwi

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The braking test says it's lower control arm bushings, but I can't get under it to confirm until the weekend.

So OEM bushings or some other supplier? And if so, who?
And how long should I budget for the repair, both sides?

Thanks
 

ryanjl

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It's almost universally the rear bushing on the lower control arm that goes bad. Look to see if it has evidence if its inner fluid leaking out.

Some will replace just the bushings. That's the cheapest route for just parts, obviously.

If you take it to a mechanic, they'll want to replace the entire lower control arm. The greater labor costs to just replace the bushing (removing the old bushing can be a PITA) offset a lot of the cost of the whole lower control arm. Replacing the whole lower control arm also gets you new ball joints.

OEM is probably the safest bet. I went with the green poly bushing units from Atlantic British. They've been great for me in the 2ish years they've been in. Do not go for the cheapest ones, the ones that Lucky8 sells. I used those and a ball joint started making horrible noises after a little over a year.
 

txfromwi

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Will further diagnose this weekend, but in preparation I have watched a few videos.

Sway bar bushings look easy.

Control arms don't look like too bad a job as long as it's not too hot outside - I am in Houston, TX.
I will do the entire control arm, I like the idea of a new ball joint as long as we are at it and I have never had much luck pressing bearings/bushings in/out.

One question. Videos recommend greasing the bolts. One video says grease, one says copper grease. I tend myself to use white lithium grease.
Does it matter? [Seems like this is always a matter of opinion (at least on brakes).]

Thanks
 
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Stuart Barnes

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If you’re greasing bolts just grease the parallel part, Not the thread or nut. (Give it a spray and wipe once you push the bolt though the housing) Torque values on these rovers are all “dry” unless stated in the shop manual.
 

iSurfvilano

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Don't replace the bushing if you find out it's a LCA ---- Just replace the entire control arm with a Atlantic British one. This way you get the ball joint as well.
 

txfromwi

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Diagnostics Day.
I put it up in the air, on jack stands of course, and when I push/pull on the wheel I can see the LCA, at the rear bushing, move (not much, but it is moving) in relation to the frame. If it moves with just me pushing on the wheel, it must be moving alot more with the full weight of the vehicle on it.

Sway Bar end links and sway bar bushings all feel and look tight with no issues.

I will move forward with LCA replacement - it will be a few weeks, but hopefully before the end of the month.
 

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