2006+ Steering shimmy and vibration - TSBs

[umbertob]

A number of tech bulletins have been issued by Land Rover North America, either new or replacements for older bulletins, addressing wheel balancing and steering wheel vibrations while driving or braking. Lots of owners have been affected by either issues over the years, and by the looks of it the newest model years are not immune. As always, check your VIN against the range indicated within each document before calling your dealer if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

[RRSupercharged888]

Are these TSB repair costs covered even if you are out of warranty?

[umbertob]

As stated on the TSBs, normal warranty policies and procedures apply. If your factory warranty is up, the repair costs are on your dime (unless you have an extended warranty covering them.)

[RRSupercharged888]

Thanks for the info umbertob

[AwfAxis]

I realize I'm digging up an old post, but I just had the service done as documented in LTB-00400.pdf in the first post.

This problem was primarily solved when I did my first visit over this issue, but there were still infrequent moments when I felt vibrations. It was time for my 1st year complimentary service, and I mentioned to my service mgr I was aware of the bulletin. I love upgrades (I'm a software developer), so I asked to have it done.

He said to wait until he could get the parts, and then do the steering and service together. Took several weeks, but I got a letter last week saying the parts were in. Did the service yesterday.

* Results *

The steering wheel was replaced, and other than feeling new, can't tell any difference visually. The "hydra-bush" and steering gearbox was replaced, and it does behave differently.

The overall steering feel is heavier, like a Mercedes Benz. There isn't so much road feel being transmitted to the wheel, and any sensation of a shimmy gone. I can still feel the harmonics coming through the wheel at 2400-2800 rpm like usual, but it is muted.

The truck had to be realigned, and I noticed that the specs were a bit different. The alignment sheets from a year ago and today have been revised. Seems the front toe spec ranges are tighter, and the rear specs have loosened. Don't know how the values matter. The technician put the numbers in about the same specs as a year ago.

I "feel" that the previous oversteer I sensed is gone. However, the wheels feel like they want to grab onto the imperfections more, making me have to correct much more often on our badly rutted roads (snow country).

We'll see what happens over time.

[gooseyloosey]

Very interesting observations AwfAxis. Looks like LR has taken the approach of numbing down the steering.

While consensus is that the double wishbone is the best performing suspension design (and probably has to be used on the RRS due to its ability to self correct at different ride heights), I think one of the downsides to it is an inherent higher sensitivity to unbalances in the suspension.

I was talking to a Honda mechanic a while back and brought up this subject and he agreed that the models with double wishbone (Accord and some models that had it prior to Honda moving to a McPherson style) were more sensitive to wheel balance than the non-wishbone cars.

[BWB RRS HSE]

TTT - useful TSB's from the moderator.

[2011RR]

I have a Range Rover (non sport variety). Are there similar TSBs for these models? I suffer from the vibration under braking malady after only 11,000 miles.

[Frisco_TX_RRS]

Most of us have been living with the shimmy for years - so do you think the new lower arm bush and Steering gear may solve it for an 06. Willing to try for a extended warranty repair ...

[BWB RRS HSE]

Most of us have been living with the shimmy for years - so do you think the new lower arm bush and Steering gear may solve it for an 06. Willing to try for a extended warranty repair ...

Frisco...mine is MY 2010 and my VIN falls right into the range of the affected vehicles. LRNA has authorized the TSB for the steering gear and other parts. I am relocating and trying to get this work done at a new dealer is like extracting teeth. First I have to bring in the RRS for them to get component #'s off of my vehicle so they can do a FRED request (which is required at any dealer). A little hard to get done when the service advisor won't return your phone calls. Once I get this work done, assuming it will be in 2012, I'll give you the blow by blow of what changes occur. I am expecting them to match what Awf has posted.

[BWB RRS HSE]

A number of tech bulletins have been issued by Land Rover North America, either new or replacements for older bulletins, addressing wheel balancing and steering wheel vibrations while driving or braking. Lots of owners have been affected by either issues over the years, and by the looks of it the newest model years are not immune. As always, check your VIN against the range indicated within each document before calling your dealer if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

As stated before, my vehicle's VIN was in the affected range for steering gear. I had intermitent shimmy from the day I purchased the vehicle and it was blamed on tire balance and/or OOR tires by the original dealer in PA.

I just had all three of these LTB/TSB's performed on my 2010 RRS.

All I can say is WOW...what a difference!!!

Everything in the front-end is tight and no shimmy or vibration. Can't say enough about Tom Wood Land Rover Service in Indianapolis...they will have my business going forward.

[gkwait]

Thanks Umbertob. Even though my VIN for 401 falls in the range, my dealer would be lost after " maximum tire road force variations (RFV)" let alone spell Newton, or know who he was.
"60 Newton (6.1 kgf /13.4 lbf) first harmonic RFV, 100 Newton (10.2 kgf / 22.5lbf) peak-to-peak." I can just imagine my service advisor or tech reading this... Oh, how I would love to be a fly on the wall.