Land Rover Repair: drive train, wheel bearings, ball joints

Question
Dear John, I bought a 2001 discovery 2 series 6 months ago and i have had nothing but problems. These unfortunate events have led me to believe that the only thing to discover is whats wrong with it. With that being said, i've recently had the transmission rebuilt in the truck and after a few weeks of driving it i have noticed that when i get to speeds 35mph and higher i get a vibration with the faster i go the more intense. I took it back to the shop and they suggested it needed a new drive shaft, so after that was installed i am stuck with the same problem. Please help me!

Answer
Hi Brooks,

was this work done at a certified LR shop, an independent LR shop or a local mechanic?  I'd take it back and make them correct the problem they were paid to fix but failed to solve.  If you are in N.America, most states and provinces have agencies that can help you enforce this and you should not have to spend another dime.

As for the cause of the problem, is the vibration in the ride, in the steering or does it come from the the engine?  Does it seem to come from beneath you or in front?  Could it be a wheel related? Wheel bearings, tie rod, hub, ball joints, are a few vibration sources that I am familiar with.  I had a transfer gearbox problem that felt like it came from just below me - I also would hear a whirring sound that increase with speed. New TG fixed that.  A balljoint problem was revealed by having a garage perform a wheel alignmment.  The electronic alignment failed and even isolated the cause to the front driver side wheel.  Check your tires, are they worn evenly or do you see a different wear-pattern on one or more tires?

Once you've resolved your garage problem - and I do hope you get some satisfaction from the garage that failed in its attempt to repair your vehicle - make sure you take your LR to a garage that specializes in LR repairs, has the correct testing/diagnostic equipment and a good reputation for service.  

If your search online for LR clubs in your area, you should be able to hook up with a local LR owner who may be able to suggest a LR shop that does good work.

If a dealer did this to you, contact LR head office and press your complaint to them.  Hopefully, they will listen and do something for you.

Best of luck,
JohnMc