QuestionI have a 2001 Discovery SE (second owner). Original owner bought Discovery from local LR dealer and had all servicing done there, he had a 100,000 mile LR warranty with vehicle, which transferred to me. I have had most of the service done at dealership, as well.
Yesterday it appears the universal joint broke and the drive shaft snapped. Looks like damage was done to oil pan and the transmission housing, possibly the gears in transmission. I've had vehicle towed to a local garage (dealer is 45 miles away). I have just over 102,000 miles at this point.
I called dealer and asked if they ever had any problems like this, and any possibility LRUSA would cover since I'm just over warranty period. Dealer stated that at the 90,000 service they check for wear to the drive shaft and they did not think LRUSA would cover since I had not had that service done.
My questions - 1) does it seem reasonable that a vehicle like this would have a universal joint and/or drive shaft fail at 102,000 miles. Most of my driving is highway, little "off road" is around our farm when wet/snow causes pasture to be slick. 2) Am I up hosed?
I have had no problems with this vehicle before, and in general, have found it to be a solid truck, but now . . . I'm wondering what to do.
AnswerHi Mark,
I doubt that LRUSA will do very much for you. You can try but unless all the moons of jupiter are in alignment and a solar eclipse occurs during the phone call, you're on your own with that UJ problem.
Unlike the ABS problems or the ABS, TC, HDC combo (three amigo's) problems, you UJ problem is rare. Your Disco has 100,000 miles and its reasonable that a problem like this could arise. If you tried to litigate, you'd have to demonstrate that this was a common problem and LR is to fault. Very hard to do.
You could purchase salvaged parts from www.car-part.com and reduce your repair bill. Most parts you describe can be found there - it's just a question of finding a salvage yard close to you.
So to answer you specific questions:
1. Yes, its possible to have axle problems with only 100,000 miles. I had my CV joint fail at 125,000 ($2500 repair).
2. Yes, you are not only hosed, you're soaking wet and staining the carpet. Seriously, for such a heavy vehicle, its bound to happen eventually. It may be another 100k miles IF it happens again.
I suggest you do the repairs, buy salvaged oil pan and transmission (if you suspicions are true) and buy an OEM UJ from Atlantic-British. I believe they even have a better UJ than the OEM part. Check them out at www.roverparts.com.
As for LRNA...make sure you are registered as the new owner of this Disco ... in case there is ever a factory recall. If one ever surfaces concerning your UJ, you could then argue for compensation.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
