Land Rover Repair: Knocking noise, radius arm bushings, land rover discovery

Question
I have taken our Land Rover Discovery, 97', to the dealership twice now for repairs. I have been hearing a knocking noise(they describe it as popping)when I make left turns. However, I hear it at other times as well. They have replaced the radius arm bushings seal, tie rod ends, ball joints,and panhard rod. I drove it out of there today for the second time, and not even a mile down the road, I heard the same knocking noise again. I am not a mechanic. I am only going on what they tell me and what I've read on the internet. I have put $1,600.00 into trying to resolve this problem. They have said it may develop new noises because of new suspension parts. It sounds like the same noise to me.I don't think they know what the problem is and I can't afford to keep paying them for their "second-guessing" solutions.Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Amy  

Answer
Hi Amy,

there should be absolutely NO noise when you make any turns.  None whatsoever!

I'd be very upset after paying out $1600 and still have the original problem that I started with.  This sounds more like an axle or CV joint problem and I'm surprised that the LR dealer did not find that...unless they are loading up the workorder with false repairs.

I would demand that the dealership repair the problem and compensate you for repairs that were not necessary.  If they refuse, escalate the problem within the dealership and then move on to LRNA head office.  

Why should you pay for mistakes they made?  Those parts they swapped out will probably end up on another vehicle and someone else will be charged.

I've had all sorts of suspension work and axle repairs done on my '95 and I've never heard any 'break-in' noise, especially when turning.  That system should be tight and without noise.  Sounds like someone is 'yanking your chain'.

Amy, raise your voice and make sure they fix the problem without charge to you.  If you don't get satisfaction, threaten to contact your area's consumer protection agency and state/provincial auto repair fraud office.

Best of luck,

JohnMc

NB:  I still get 'riled-up' when I read how someone is being cheated by a dealership.  You've paid out $1600 and still have the problem;  I paid out close to $5000 and when I went to drive it out of the dealership, the Disco would not even start!  And that's why I brought it in to them!  Time to calm down now....my wallet still hurts ...where's my valium...