I neglected to check the sway bar while I had a wheel off. I will check those bushings next. Something is definitely worn. The popping noises are easy to produce at will. Sharp turns at low speed. I occasionally get a slight steering wheel wobble.

 

Curious, how did you use your Defender over those 100k miles? % on road and off. I’m wondering what might have caused the suspension component wear you are sharing.

 

I bought this one with around 80k on the clock. No idea how the previous owner used it. But it was owned in Florida, so I doubt it did any real off roading. Control arms are a known wear item on modern LR products. I had a D5 with 40k that needed them replaced. It seems l405 owners replace them about every 40-50k miles. I will report back once I find the issue. Or just trade it in for a moto van.

 

Quick update on a couple recent developments for awareness and tracking:

- Replaced rear shock at ~110k miles. Technician observed a significant leak, but no codes thrown. Seems about right for the life of the vehicle, thankfully it was covered under extended warranty! I did not replace the other one yet but I expect it to go soon as well.

- Had to replace the driver-side radiator after a leak developed at a weld seam. Funny enough, this is the same radiator that was replaced at about ~30k miles under warranty. The passenger side radiator is still going strong. I know others have had to replace aux-radiators and I'd be curious to see if the majority have been the US driver-side one. Coincidence that I've had to replace the same 2 already? Probably not. Thankfully this was also covered with my extended warranty.

Lastly I wanted to share that on my last multi-day off-road trip throughout Utah I noticed that my steering and suspension in the front is starting to feel jumpy and loose when traveling over rocky terrain. I think the lower control arms, bushings, and probably CV's are ready to be replaced soon which will be a pricey job.

@zac431 Did you end up replacing your lower control arms and/or any other parts of the suspension?

 

I did not. I checked all the bushings as best I could and they seemed okay. I had my local dealer look it over when I went in for a recall. They found that a few bolts from the front skid plate were missing. They replaced the missing bolts and the noises went away. They said they have seen this before and the tech said thats what it sounded like him when I first demonstrated the noise.

 

Well the misfire saga continues. Currently at 107k miles and the misfire I experienced around 93k has returned. Engine cuts out (feels like a transmission slip) under load on the interstate between 2500-3000 RPM. I guess its time for another PCV value....

 

@zac431 P300 or P400?

Let us know what the official diagnosis is

 

P300. The Indy shop I had change the transmission fluid said it was probably the PCV valve when I mentioned it. I changed it myself along with the spark plugs and the issue was instantly resolved. I already ordered another PCV. Hopefully that fixes it again. At least they are easy to change.

 

I had a similar experience right after a service. Turned out to be a cracked spark plug. I’m guessing the tech just wanted that last 1/2 turn of the wrench …

 

I had to have 2 fuel injectors replaced under warranty but it felt exactly like you all describe.