Discovery 3 manual gearbox problems

The problem is exaggerated somewhat when everyone online knows someone, who knew someone, whose Discovery broke down, and that suddenly makes them an authority on the vehicle, yet never even put a foot in one. This article is not to offer solutions to each issue but to make you aware of the common problems you could face when owning a Discovery LR3.

I have been quite pleased to get to this mileage with only the normal lr3 issues. I stand to be corrected, but many land rover discovery 3 owners would be content with that level of reliability. That level of reliability from such a high-specced, technologically advanced SUV is decent in my opinion.

Bear in mind, this is the V8 and not the 2. All wishbones changed, 4 arbs, drop links, steering inner arms and track rod ends, rear prop shaft, compressor, starter motor, AC condenser, 2 CV joints due to split rubbers and the suspension compressor. Had the rear brake pipes changed as they corrode in our horrible climate, both back calipers have been changed and so has a front. I used that excuse to upgrade.

It will need the gearbox rebuilt as the torque converter is dying and the gear change is slurred. I could have but I played it safe. It seems this particular Discovery 3 had a hard life and yet it keeps going. This is mainly due to the sheer size and weight of this beast. Remember it has a ladder frame chassis as well as a Monocoque integrated which increases its mass somewhat. It weighs in at around 2. Knocking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces and metal clunking sounds are tell-tale signs you have suspension components to replace.

Excessive body roll around corners is a dead giveaway your suspension components like tie-rods, ball joints, etc. The next examples seem like the owner had a few more electronic gremlins than mechanical suspension issues.

It has been noted that many of the electronic fault warnings that crop up on the dash with engine lights flashing and other cryptic messages are, in fact, related to a faulty or undercharged battery. These vehicles have so many sensors and electronic circuitry which makes them very power-hungry. To handle the load better, consider upgrading to a slightly larger battery if possible.

This particular owner seemed to be quite happy with his Discovery 3 apart from the high maintenance costs. I had k on mine when I sold it. Bought it at 48k. Sold it for a few reasons. Main was the maintenance. Thrust bearing. Richy , Apr 24, You must log in or sign up to reply here.

Show Ignored Content. Your name or email address: Do you already have an account? No, create an account now. Re: Gearbox Removal on a Disco 3 Post by twoakers » Sat Jan 29, pm OK I am now an expert on gearbox removal We finally got it out this afternoon, after overcoming all the 'snags' that LR failed to mention in the workshop manual Now remember my original box would not engage reverse gear?

Well we checked it over and found that the reverse gear spring detent had a broken cir-clip. That's it a simple broken cir-clip that will cost about 4p to replace Tomorrow we install the 'new' donor gearbox from a crashed car that had only done 15, miles IMPORTANT - if your manual box becomes difficult to get into reverse i. Re: Gearbox Removal on a Disco 3 Post by twoakers » Mon Jan 31, am Here is a summary of the project so far: First, thanks guys for your support and advice.

At least it confirms that we are working along the right lines. It's a good job I am being helped by my brother. He started an apprentice mechanic in about and ended up as a workshop manager. He has a Disco 2 On Saturday we worked out that when LR simply said "remove the 14 transmission bolts" what they meant was you had to go through lots or try it and see scenarios First we had to lower the transmission.

Just like they said except it would not lower onto the chassis cross member until we disconnected the exhaust from the turbo and the air intake on top of the engine from the intercooler. Then we had to work out how to reach those top bolts including the exhaust bracket bolts booth side and top.

This was done almost exactly like you said Pete. Except that we found that we could get to 'em with extra long socket extensions and an air ratchet driven through the gear change hole from INSIDE the car. Auto with a bit of added auto, unless it's a commercial van. XTR2Turbo 1, posts months. That is what I have. Thanks Guys, all Rural, no traffic, no urban. A bit of a split with auto coming out top at the moment, I suppose it is what you get on with then!

M 7, posts months. The auto is really good on a D3, just make sure it's had a fluid change at k. Manuals can suffer from clutch failure, quite expensive to fix.