Member Since: 21 Jul 2011
Location: Dorset
Posts: 3
Used the wrong jacking point
Might have broken something.
Afternoon all,
This is my first post and as is often the case with first posts I need some advice.
Today rotated th wheels front to back as the rear tread was getting low. I jacked the left rear corner using what I thought as the correct jacking point. It turns out it wasn't as I've fitted side steps which mount using the rear jacking points,
Anyway, all wheels got rotated and when I started the engine I now hear a buzzing noise from th left rear. The suspension raises and drops as expected when I flick the switch and the buzzing goes away when th suspension is being dropped. It comes back when level and lifting. It did go away after 5 minuts but then came back again.
So, what did I break? A few inches behind the left rear jacking point there is a platic cover with a small hole into which the jack fits perfectly - hence my mistake. What's behind this cover?
I did find a piece of metal on the floor after I moved the car. It looks as though it could be the corner of a mounting bracket for something. It's a light alloy metal and reminds me of alloy wheel metal. Could it be that I broke the mount for whatever is behind that plastic panel and that is what the buzzing noise is?
There are no messages on the dash or any warning lights.
Next week my wife is going on a 600 mile trip and I need to be confident I've not set the wheels in motions for a breakdown.
Any help will be appreciated.
Regards
RobC
31st Jul 2011 3:08 pm
johnboy3
Member Since: 24 Oct 2010
Location: northamptonshire
Posts: 190
Hi must be you air compressor which is under that cover.
31st Jul 2011 3:14 pm
crwoody
Member Since: 09 Mar 2009
Location: Littleborough
Posts: 2109
It sounds like you've broken the compressor mounting bracket, that would explain the bit of metal that dropped out, the buzzing noise will be the compressor touching the chassis while it's running.
I don't think it's a major big job to replace the bracket.Clive
31st Jul 2011 3:20 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
You may have damaged the compressor itself or it could be just the bracket. The bracket top bolt is a right royal pain to get to (unless I am just dumb), the others are dead-easy.Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 25 Jan 2011
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 371
I did exactly the same with exactly the same end result....you have broken the alloy mounting bracket that holds the suspension compressor.
The noise you can hear is the whole unit vibrating against the bracket or housing.
Fiddly but can be changed, it's just the top bolt that is a bitch to get to.
You can get replacement brackets from ebay for about £50.
Certainly won't be the last person to do this.
Daz17 4.4 Autobiography FFRR
57 VW Transporter - now gone!
09 D3 HSE in Black - long gone!
08 RRS TDV8 HST - long long gone!
31st Jul 2011 6:53 pm
robc76
Member Since: 21 Jul 2011
Location: Dorset
Posts: 3
Cheers all. I'll see if I can bodge a repair until I can affect a permament fix. The compressor appears to work just fine. The suspension goes up and down as quickly as it ever did.
I do have two more questions
1) As the sidesteps use the jack mount point as it's fixing, I was going to drill a couple of new holes in the chassis to become the new jacking points. Good or bad idea?
2) What is the bracket to search for? "Discovery 3 air compressor bracket"? Just want to make sure the internet sends me the correct part.
Regards
Rob C
1st Aug 2011 12:39 pm
Bodsy Site Sponsor
Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
Speak to Nick (parts Manager) at Yeovil Landrover, he will sort you out at a good price. Bodsys Brake Bible
Clock/ SNOTM /3Flash / 4x4Info /BT Update /Service Reset/Error Codes / Gearbox Reset See It Here
1st Aug 2011 12:53 pm
mark the spark
Member Since: 22 Jun 2011
Location: southampton
Posts: 2477
hi rob i did exactly the same earlier this year following a puncture and rushing to swap in the rain and i have side steps as well you do feel a bit of a D but it is apparently an easy mistake
i broke the mounting bracket and apparently the mounting case as well and put a nice dent in the side of the compressor to boot its been a little noisier ever since but nothing damaged long term other than pride
as i hadnt had the car long and wasnt familiar with all its systems i took it back to the independant i bought it from for diagnosis cost me about £150 to get fixed and they at least waited till i left to have a good laugh would have though the jacking points would be more obvious painted green or something but you live and learn
i will say that with side steps fitted the scissor jack is completely useless you cant wind it up without hitting the steps with the handle
1st Aug 2011 4:57 pm
robc76
Member Since: 21 Jul 2011
Location: Dorset
Posts: 3
Hi Mark,
Taunton LR are going to allow me to pay them £184 to get it fixed on Saturday. I'd normally do this kind of job myself but my wife is off on a trip on Monday so I'm willing to foot the bill to guarantee the job gets completed in time.
I didn't have a problem with the jack and the steps. I just used the rods in the kit. Mind you, it was a bloody good work out to get the car raised up far enough to lift the rear wheel. The price to be paid for such good suspension travel.
I know what you mean though, I've only had the car for just under 2 months so I don't yet know where all the bits and bobs are either.
As soon as I can, I'm going to drill another couple of jacking point holes in the chassis. I'll then be applying some white paint so they can seen easily. This is just in case my wife gets a puncture and requires the services of Mr. RAC man to get her going again.
Thanks to all who put their hands up and admitted the same mistake. It makes me feel just a little better.
Regards
Rob C
2nd Aug 2011 5:02 pm
sowr
Member Since: 07 Feb 2009
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 46
I wouldn't drill holes in the chassis members - I'd buy a nice new jack with different interface before I'd do that.2006 LR3 SE-7 Zermatt Silver
Technology Package
3rd Aug 2011 5:30 am
countrywide
Member Since: 16 Sep 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 6019
I have seen several D3 jacks collapse without warning, so rather than drill holes and rely on that I would get another jack. I won't use the D3 jack after witnessing one collapse during a simple wheel change on flat ground.
I know we all moan about what constitutes a recall, but I think they really should recall the jacks, I know of at least 4 which have failed from people I know (not just forum visitors, but people I know). Would be interesting to see how many have failed, if I have seen this many among a relatively small number of people.
3rd Aug 2011 9:18 am
sowr
Member Since: 07 Feb 2009
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 46
here in the US Alltrade make a great 3 Ton All-In-One Bottle Jack/Jack Stand.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
but it is apparently an easy mistake
would have though the jacking points would be more obvious painted green or something but you live and learn
