Hi everyone. I'm a new Land Rover owner - 1996 Discovery 300tdi. I'm a novice car mechanic, and part of the reason I bought the Disco was to have something "simple" to get to know my way around, as well as having a load of fun! I have some questions that I could really do with some advice on...apologies in advance if they're stupid and obvious!
1) There is obviously a fair amount of corrosion to the steering damper. The casing on the right hand end has separated off and there is a cylindrical section of casing hanging off the damper. You can see where a section of shiny metal rod is exposed at the right hand end of the damper. Is this dangerous? Do I need to replace it straight away, or is it okay to drive with it? If I need to replace it, can anyone suggest a good place to buy....the prices seem to range from £18 (Armstrong on eBay) to £70 (for an OEM).
2) On the underside of the main gearbox bellhousing, in the front centre, there is a threaded hole with no bolt in it! The Haynes manual has a picture of this (1B.5), and there is definitely a bolt screwed into the hole in their picture!! Again, is this dangerous to drive, and what bolt do I need to replace it?
3) I've noticed a fluid leak under the left hand side. It appears to be water leaking from the back of the front left wheel arch and dripping onto the left radius arm, and from there dripping to the ground. Could this be a leak from the washer fluid reservoir? Like I said, the fluid is definitely not oil, is odourless, and looks to be very watery.
Thanks so much for any help. Again, apologies for the noobie lack of knowledge!
Rory
1) There is obviously a fair amount of corrosion to the steering damper. The casing on the right hand end has separated off and there is a cylindrical section of casing hanging off the damper. You can see where a section of shiny metal rod is exposed at the right hand end of the damper. Is this dangerous? Do I need to replace it straight away, or is it okay to drive with it? If I need to replace it, can anyone suggest a good place to buy....the prices seem to range from £18 (Armstrong on eBay) to £70 (for an OEM).
2) On the underside of the main gearbox bellhousing, in the front centre, there is a threaded hole with no bolt in it! The Haynes manual has a picture of this (1B.5), and there is definitely a bolt screwed into the hole in their picture!! Again, is this dangerous to drive, and what bolt do I need to replace it?
3) I've noticed a fluid leak under the left hand side. It appears to be water leaking from the back of the front left wheel arch and dripping onto the left radius arm, and from there dripping to the ground. Could this be a leak from the washer fluid reservoir? Like I said, the fluid is definitely not oil, is odourless, and looks to be very watery.
Thanks so much for any help. Again, apologies for the noobie lack of knowledge!
Rory
