2006 RR Sport - Hard 'CLANK' when reversing

[pilotpen]

Hi All,

I have a 2006 Range Rover Sport, and have started to notice that when I reverse to the right (so, steering wheel turning clock-wise), that there will be a loud "clank", almost a jolt, while reversing. I have not noticed this happening at all when reversing to the left (steering wheel counter-clockwise).

This is not going at high speeds - backing into a park spot, doing a 3-point, etc...not power-reversing! :P

Any input on this would be greatly appreciated!

[pilotpen]

Morning!

So I did some "testing" - anything close to a 35 degree angle or more will cause this crank, anything less seems to be smooth...hmmmm

[umbertob]

Are you on stock tires and wheels?

[pilotpen]

Are you on stock tires and wheels?

Stock wheels.
Got some Continental Xtremes last April...255/50R19...

Do you think it could be the tires, Umbertob?

[umbertob]

Not with that size. I thought you may be running oversized wheels or tires.

[rovmd]

Could be some play in your steering rack.

[PJPR01]

how worn out are your tires? Wondering if you are actually hearing the terrain response kick in as a result of the tire slipping on the road surface which can happen as your tires wear a bit down to the end.

[pilotpen]

The tires are only about one year old - so it shouldn't be that...no slippage involved, as it's just simple reverse parking, etc.

rovmd - what might be involved with the steering rack? I have a feeling it could be something suspension related...hmmm!

[gooseyloosey]

From easiest:
1. Make sure no wheel well covers etc are rubbing or hitting the tire at full lock--look for rubs
2. Check steering tie rod end ball joints for play--need lift
3. Steering rack mounts--while on lift
4. Check the U-joint/coupling on the steering shaft between the rack and steering wheel. There was someone on here who had an issue with this some time back.

[pilotpen]

From easiest:
1. Make sure no wheel well covers etc are rubbing or hitting the tire at full lock--look for rubs
2. Check steering tie rod end ball joints for play--need lift
3. Steering rack mounts--while on lift
4. Check the U-joint/coupling on the steering shaft between the rack and steering wheel. There was someone on here who had an issue with this some time back.

Thanks Gooseyloosey! The rig will be going to the dealer's tomorrow - we'll see what happens!

I also have a 3rd party warranty, so will post back with a review on how well the dealer works with this company, and vice versa!

[pilotpen]

UPDATE!

The dealer has called back, and they've determined that I need a new Front Lower Ball Joint, and Control Arm Bushings.

They're calling my 3rd party warranty company now, and am going through the usual process to see what/how much they will cover.

Does anyone have an approximate cost I can expect to have this fixed, should the warranty come back negative?

[pilotpen]

UPDATE!

The dealer has called back, and they've determined that I need a new Front Lower Ball Joint, and Control Arm Bushings.

They're calling my 3rd party warranty company now, and am going through the usual process to see what/how much they will cover.

Does anyone have an approximate cost I can expect to have this fixed, should the warranty come back negative?

Warranty does NOT cover this!! Craaaaap. Approximate cost is $1500 on this one from Land Rover. Is this accurate?? Apparently this is wear an tear...

[dantheman1]

Warranty does NOT cover this!! Craaaaap. Approximate cost is $1500 on this one from Land Rover. Is this accurate?? Apparently this is wear an tear...

Ouch. It's true, it's considered wear and tear but certain aftermarket warranties specifically do cover suspension components such as control arm bushings and ball joints, mine did. I had them replaced over 3 times on my old LR3 under my extended easy care warranty. I know that the LR CPO warranties don't cover this, but it's odd that an aftermarket one wouldn't. I'd take a close look at your policy, maybe call them and verify yourself.

[pilotpen]

Ouch. It's true, it's considered wear and tear but certain aftermarket warranties specifically do cover suspension components such as control arm bushings and ball joints, mine did. I had them replaced over 3 times on my old LR3 under my extended easy care warranty. I know that the LR CPO warranties don't cover this, but it's odd that an aftermarket one wouldn't. I'd take a close look at your policy, maybe call them and verify yourself.

I rang them up, and they did claim this was general wear and tear - not covered. Which warranty are you using/used that did cover this? This is gonna come close to $2k including the alignment, etc etc...

Apparently this is a pretty common issue for LR3s/LR4s, but the service advisor mentioned that he doesn't see it much on RR Sports.

Well, they weren't able to do the fix right away, and I need my rig for the weekend - it's back in my possession! Now to decide what to do...

[dantheman1]

This issue is very common on rrs along with lr3/4 since they use the same suspension setup. I bought an easy care warranty for my LR3 and they paid out 3 times to have control arms replaced. I bought a ford ESP warranty for my rrs and I specifically asked them over the phone before I bought it if it would cover suspension bushings and they said yes. Other users on the lr3 forums have also had success with ford ESP to cover suspension bushings as well.