My FF's just been in at the main-stealer for some warranty work.

They've said the creaking noise I hear is my front and rear suspension bushes - they need replacing.

The stealer says this is wear & tear so not covered by my warranty.

My car will be 7 in November and has done just under 59k miles.

Should I push the point that this is too soon for wear & tear, or accept it and shell out?

What do you think? What do I put here then?

Rubber deteriorates with age unfortunately. It's a bit like when your tyres start to crack but there's loads of tread left.

Mine's rear suspension ball/Rose joints have started creaking at about the same distance - metal on metal creaking due to lack of lubricant.

Graeme, with the right tools, the rears are very easy to replace. I hired the tools from a bloke on the AULRO forum. Ron B. VK2OTC
2004 L322 V8 Auto
2007 Yamaha XJR1300
Previous: 1983, 1986 RRC; 1995, 1996 P38A; 1995 Disco1; 1984 V8 County 110; Series IIA

Thanks Ron, however my son's tool kit is on hand. I had gained some breathing space by injecting oil though the rubber caps a while ago but noticed the squeak returning yesterday so will start replacing the joints soon.

Paul thornton wrote:

Rubber deteriorates with age unfortunately. It's a bit like when your tyres start to crack but there's loads of tread left.

^^ which one are you referring to? The bushes on the outer ends of the control arms are not rubber, they are rose joints.

I thought they were metal on metal but it seems they have plastic/nylon(?) strips as a bearing surface. Here's one of mine with the rubber boots removed and degreased - you can see the strip protruding out of the bush.

Click image to enlarge

The nylon/plastic inserts stop the end play but the load is metal to metal.

Ahh, thanks Graeme. Ron B. VK2OTC
2004 L322 V8 Auto
2007 Yamaha XJR1300
Previous: 1983, 1986 RRC; 1995, 1996 P38A; 1995 Disco1; 1984 V8 County 110; Series IIA

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I just recently had to replace my rear offside top and bottom rose joints. The car is 11 years old with 80k miles and they looked pretty original to me.

I would say that it's quite possible at 7 years to have to replace them. I guess it just depends on how the car has been used.

DrRob wrote:

Get the parts from site sponsor Advanced Factors and don't forget discount code. See their section...

http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/post485637.html#485637 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
New Defender D300 90 on order so "Rory" will be going to a new home....!
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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So consensus is the bushes giving up now is wear and tear - thank you.

I've asked the main stealer and a respected independent for a quote.

How on earth can replacing a few bits of rubber cost £1,600!!!

Because they want to replace the suspension arms too. Surely I don't have to do this? What do I put here then?

well I am about to fit a new bottom rear rose joint and the part is only £20 so someones trying to make an awful lot of money . . . . . . .