I have a 1999 Discovery II (140,000 miles). It has the infamous vibration at ~30 mph and it disappears at about 45 mph. I checked drive lines, u-Joints, and flex coupler. These all look good and tight. When I checked the hubs (jack-up and try and move the tire side to side etc..), the right front hub "wiggles" a very slight amount, i.e 1/32 inch. The left front hub does not "wiggle" at all.

My question is: Does this small amount of movement on the front right hub mean it is bad and in need of replacement to fix the vibration?

Thanks!!
Don (landrover60@comcast.net)

 

Possibility that it has more movement under load....so maybe so
How bout your tires? Are they balanced?

 

Hi Dusty1, yes I had the tires balanced and I also replaced the brake rotors (it was time).
Thanks!
Don

 

To be certain it's your hub and not track rod or steering rod you should check both sides. If you get the slight wiggle on both tires it's most likely something else.
Either way, all these parts are an easy fix. The hub is really simple to put in. It's all one unit. no bearing pressing etc.

 

I have noticed my left front tire has a bit of a movement in it. Nothing on the right side, I think it might be a wheel bearing issue but it has been snowing and cold lately, plus I'm still working on this knee replacement recovery thing. Maybe this weekend I will get it jacked up and checked out. Have not driven much since it started acting up, maybe 40 miles total or so. No noise, just a vibration once at higher speeds.

 

Thanks to all for the info! A new development. It has started making a "thumping" noise that sounds like it is coming from the front driveshaft/u-joints. It is especially pronounced during slow speed acceleration and deceleration. I don't think my u-joint inspection was very good. I am going to replace the u-joints (with the grease fittings).

One more question: There is something called a "Hookes" joint from the shaft to the transfer case output. Does this have a u-joint that needs to be replaced or is it a permanent part of the drive shaft? The repair manual says it is sealed permanently at the factory so I'm thinking this is only replaced with the whole drive shaft?

Thanks!
Don / landrover 60

 

Your hub should have no up and down movement when not loaded. Run a search threr are plenty of posts on rebuilding driveshafts. Not something you really have to know you can buy a new one for under 250 .but i guess its part of the RICHual.