I have a 2006 LR3. Lately it's felt soft in the front end when steering etc. When looking underneath, I see this. I'm guessing this is the cause.

What is this? Any ideas as to the cost to repair? Can I just press it back together, etc. I'm pretty handy I just can't seem to find this in a schematic anywhere. So I'm going to the experts.

Thanks!
Mitch



Sorry, the picture loads sideways.. Should be 90 degrees rotated to the left.

 

Sway bar end link

 

I believe that is the sway bar link. It's about an hour job give or take a few mins and can be performed using basic open end and socket wrenches.

 

...it is indeed the sway bar end link. By the looks of it, I'd replace it. The part is cheap and the install simple. If you presses that one back on - if even possible - I'd worry about its integrity and whether or not it might just pop off again. Also I'd be trying to determine why that happened. I snapped a link once and it was because my shock had worn out and was no longer limiting wheel travel.

 

Wow. I'm surprised it just felt soft in the front! Driving with a disconnected sway bar link (on one side) would lead to very unpredictable handling and a lot of body roll.

 

 

Ha, thanks everyone. Yes it's been soft with a lot of 'lean' in the front end, but that's about it. No other noises, etc.

There is a lot of corrosion around it too, so I think the rubber boot might have separated and allowed foreign material in, which could have caused it to pop off over time? Just a theory, everything else looks OK to me although I'm no expert.

I found the part online, and have ordered. I'll update when I replace with anything new. Thanks everyone, much appreciated.

Mitch

 

It could also be the bushing correct? If that's worn I imagine it could create movement and knock the sway bar off.. I'll check those too.

-Mitch

 

It could, but those will usually cause a heck of a lot of clunking over minor bumps before they get that bad. They loosen up causing the bar to be able to rattle around. I've never seen one get so bad it allows the sway bar to rip off the link. I think your link is just corroded and has come apart. It's just a ball type joint.

 

However...if your shock was bad and was allowing travel outside the norm it could also potentially cause this as mentioned above. I can't say I've ever seen an end link separate either, they also tend to clunk a lot when loosening up.