QuestionQUESTION: I just bought a 1998 LR Discovery (I, I believe), with 59000 miles on it. The Carfax looks clean, maybe a snowbird owned it for most of the last 5 years, as they drove it only 5,000 miles or so. I bought it from a small dealer on Ebay, though I was able to check it out a little first. Here are my questions:
At up to about 55mph it rides fine, but above 60 or so, it gets a periodic and violent shaking, as if the wheels are about to fly off in different directions. They appear to be in good shape, no odd wear that I can see, lugnuts are tight. I am told maybe just an alignment, but this feels like far worse than an alignment, especially given how sporadic it is. Could the tires be used and mismatched by side? Steering dampers? Something else?
Radio powers on, shows a display, can change bands, etc, but NO sound. None. The security light isn't on. I was told by the seller that the code maybe on the back and to pop the stereo out to look. When I tried that, the light DID come on and it beeped at me until I put the key in and turned it. Bad stereo? Bad amp? Are speakers on a seperate fuse/relay?
Power sunroof opened yesterday, slid back as it should, then when I went to close it, I got zero response from the switch. The window just wouldn't close, move, shake, etc. Luckily I found the manual gear. Is this likely a motor issue or jamming?
Also, the drivers window does not work. Having replaced Ford window motors before, I am not daunted, but before I pull off the door panel, is there any advice for removing/replacing the window motor and/or regulator? Thanks!!
ANSWER: The shaking sounds like th tires or a balancing issue. It could also be the panhard rod bushings or steering linkages. Check them all.
Radio code can be retrieved by calling the dealer with either the radio serial number or the VIN. Leave the radio on with the ignition on for one hour, then enter the code.
The most common problem with the sun roofs is the rails.
If you have replaced motros and regulators before, you should have ni problem here. There is nothing unique to the model. It is most likely a regulator, motros fail less frequently.
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QUESTION: I took my Disco to the LR dealer in Ft Lauderdale, FL and they checked it out. They said that the tires were bad (especially the 2 rear) and they needed to be replaced before they could check the rest of the steering system reliably. I thought this sounded a bit odd, but ok. They charged me 1/2 hour for the checking (about $75). They also said the radio didn't need a code, it was dead (I opened it up, yep, blown capacitor).
I took it yesterday to Tire Kingdom to get 4 new tires and they did an alignment (luckily a 6-month/6,000-mile warranty on the alignment). My Disco rides better now, but still shakes above 60 on any bumps. So, not the tires, not the balance, not the alignment, but now I can go ahead and check the panhard rod bushings and the steering linkages like you said. Tire Kingdom said they looked at it but saw nothing broken or worn and no play in the wheels. Would the bushings and/or linkages not be so obvious as that?
I have not replaced the window motor or sunroof system yet, but just today, after an apparently heavy rain last night, the passenger side floorboard was saturated! I took out the floormat and a stream of water ran onto the ground. Being that I drive it only about 10 miles twice a day, I wouldn't think heater core or a/c system. Nothing else appears to be wet (paper in the door pocket is dry), although I did notice a drop of water hanging from the tiny speaker on the passenger side roof...strut/thing(?), next to the windshield. None of the rubber seal around the door seems bad, no wetness on the door, doorframe or dashboard. Am I more likely looking at the firewall area in the engine compartment, the windshield sealant or something else?
Also, one last question (I promise!). The turn signal bulbs are 7506, and fit well in the bulb sockets, but do not seem to make proper contact (single contact sockets). One at least in front doesn't appear to be corroded. Is there a good way to rig this (or substitute part), or bite the bullet and pay the $25 each from the dealer?
Thanks again!
AnswerI have to trust that the tire shop, and even the dealer in their cursory inspection, would notice suspension play (suspension bushings, panhard rod and steering linkages). This only leaves the shock absorbers, steering damper and steering box to look at. I would start with the shock absorbers. Sometimes as they get hot and less effective you get trammel.
The windshield normally leaks on the passenger side, bottom corner. This should be addressed as it causes corrosion to numerous modules and relays. Check them all for corrosion.
Buy the bulb sockets, but shop around. I believe they are only about $5.
