Replacing Lower Control Arms 2016 LR4 HD

[Alchern]

Hello All,

I have to ask for some guidance. 2016 LR4 HD - I’m getting the obvious clunk at the front end and my side job LR mechanic confirmed I need new front lower control arms a couple months ago. The unfortunate thing is that said mechanic recently passed away unexpectedly. I am nowhere near a LR dealership.

I have now taken the vehicle to a ‘new-to-me’, reputable mechanic who claims to be able to work on these vehicles with no issue. The problem for me is trust, as a first time customer. I’ve been quoted about $1000 including tax for a complete replacement of both front lower control arms with Meyle HD, and a full alignment after job is complete.

My overall questions are, is there anything in particular that I can give guidance to this new-to-me mechanic to help the job go smoothly? I do have a GAP tool. Is that helpful for the job in any way? Anything else I should have replaced while they are in there completing the job? Any particular sensors or other things to look out for? Things to be careful of in the area? Anything particular to do with air suspension, including height setting, prior to doing the job.

Any guidance that I can pass along would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[powershift]

If I felt like the mechanic needed help I wouldn't take it to him. For the LCA's, get the Land Rover brand or the brand that Land Rover uses to relabel.

 

[mm3846]

LCAs are very straightforward. Put the truck in tight tolerance mode with the GAP tool before the alignment.

 

[txfromwi]

LCA, the last time I did them, were something like $200-$300 each.
Use Rover branded.
If you are really into pressing bushings and want to alter the ride, that is also an option that some have taken.

I find this particular job a PITA because I keep bonking myself on the head when installing them, but others have no problems - go figure.

Agreed that it needs to go in for alignment after you are done.

Here is a video on the task, including adjusting ride height. I hope it's useful.

 

[ugmw177]

THe Meyle HD LCAs are good as are the LR branded or Lemforder [LR susppier]. Last ones i used were the Meyle HDs...have about 30k miles on them..very good. As others stated, set the system in "tight tolerance mode" prior to alignment. back to customer mode immediatley afterwards. i see you are in Ontario..probably have road salt rust on the LCA bolts...your mechanic will probably have to cut them out so you might expect additional labor unless he has already padded for that. otherwise it is straght forward

 

[Alchern]

Thank you all for taking the time to respond. Greatly appreciated.

 

[Rberkel]

Also worth noting that the bolts need to be torqued to spec with the vehicle in std ride height. With the vehicle on the lift it is best to have the front suspension deflated so you can easily push the suspension up to std ride height position and then torque the bolts. If not done like that the bushes will not last long.

 

[ftillier]

or put it back on the ground at normal height and then torque things down.

 

[Pagoda]

I second the advice here. Meyle is a very reputable brand - no need to spluge on OEM. Just ensure you do NOT fit arms with poly bushes. They will be distinct and they're a huge problem. Just stick to OEM spec (i.e. not poly bushes). The point about tight tolerance mode is key.

 

[timc930]

if you are keeping truck you will be going these again, get them from FCP, lifetime warranty. very easy to do, just mark washers for re-install, then alignment.