Freelander - Steering Ball Joints - Premature Wear
Bulletin Number - 0001
Issue - 2
Date - 22.08.2001
Model - Defender, Range Rover Classic, Discovery Series I and Series II, Range Rover, Freelander
Affected Range - All vehicles
Re-Issue Information - ACTION: - repair procedure details amended.
Problem
STEERING BALL JOINTS - PREMATURE WEAR
Cause
A number of reports have been received indicating premature failure of ball joints. During investigation by Land Rover and our supplier, failures have been attributed to poor maintenance, i.e. a missed service and/or poor integrity inspection during the vehicle main service/annual inspection.
Action
At the required main service, check the integrity of all ball joints for wear and, in particular, joint dust covers that may be split or incorrectly fitted. A dust cover that is split or incorrectly fitted will allow water and dust ingress, which WILL accelerate wear. If a dust cover is damaged or there is visual evidence of grease on the cover exterior, the entire joint must be replaced. The following procedure replaces the Service Schedule requirement detailed in Workshop Manuals, Section 10, Maintenance.
CHECK/TIGHTEN STEERING UNIT AND STEERING ROD BALL JOINT FIXINGS, CHECK CONDITION OF BALL JOINTS AND DUST COVERS.
Ball joints are lubricated for their normal life during manufacture and require no further lubrication. Joints should be checked at specified intervals but more frequently if the vehicle is used continuously under arduous conditions. Any ball joints exhibiting wear or dislodged/damaged dust covers will need to be replaced.
The following method should be used to test for radial end float in drag link and track rod ball joints for the following vehicles:
| Model Affected | VIN Range |
| Defender | All |
| Range Rover Classic | All |
| Discovery Series I | All |
| Range Rover | Up to 1A 456407 |
- Raise vehicle on a four post ‚drive on ramp.
- By hand, attempt to move the joint forwards and backwards, and side to side (Refer to illustration 1). No end float in either direction should be detected. If end float is present, the joint must be renewed.
- Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 57, Steering, for relevant repair procedure.
NOTE: The joint contains an internal spring. DO NOT test by articulation (i.e. having an assistant move the steering wheel from side to side while observing the joint). This will move the joint against the internal spring, giving the impression of end float, leading to wrong diagnosis.
The following method should be used to test for axial and radial end float in drag link and track rod ball joints for the following vehicles:
| Model Affected | VIN Range |
| Discovery Series II | All |
| Freelander | All |
| Range Rover | From 1A 456408 |
- Raise vehicle on a four post ‚drive on ramp.
- By hand, attempt to move the joint forwards and backwards, side to side and up and down (Refer to illustration 2). No end float in any direction should be detected. If end float is present, the joint must be renewed.
- Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 57, Steering, for relevant repair procedure.
Parts Information
Issued for information purposes only. Refer to the Parts Microfiche / Electronic Parts Catalogue to confirm correct part number details as required.
Warranty
Refer to the Warranty Codes Manual for the Complaint Code which most accurately defines the fault. Refer to the Repair Operation Times Manual for individual SRO numbers and repair times.
