2003 Land Rover Discovery SE7.

Noticed over the past month or so a noticeable rattle in the left front. The rattle would turn into a shake at about 50mph...enough that it would shake the steering wheel.

After several searches on the forum I finally put it up on a rack and checked all four tires for play. The left front has about a half inch of noticeable play going left and right and nothing up and down. All others are fine. Checked all bolts and connections and nothing needed tightening. (note that I've replaced the prop shaft recently from GBR and all fittings have been greased).

What I'm looking for is a best guess to what the issue is. I'm assuming it's the ball joints but any advice on other culprits would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Left front has 1/2 inch of play? I would start there. Have a friend move the wheel as you did, and crawl under to take a look and see where the play is coming from. It should be pretty obvious what the issue is once you are able to trace the play.

 

Appreciate the reply. Any idea on other possibly reasons.....before I put back on the lift.

 

Nothing that is cheap -if you think it might be front wheel bearings, the hub and bearings are kind of like one big unit, and $$$.

 

tie rod end, maybe a bearing. 1/2 of play thats a lot of play, i would not be driving that anywhere but to a lift.

 

If you are none mechanical, take it to a good front end shop, not the dealer, and get the truck on an alignment rack, they can tell you exactly what is wrong, then get back to us with an estimate so we can make sure they are not screwing you.

 

Thanks everyone. Gonna put it up on the rack tomorrow and take a look. Curious about the hub/bearing issue. If the hub and bearing were bad wouldn't I get movement on all axes (up down, left and right). Also any idea if the bushes in the panhard would cause this.

The questions are all for my education...I know the only way to find out it to look up her skirt. Thanks again.