Full Version: newby here, need advise
Just got a Discovery, 1997, around 90k miles, seems like it's in good condition but honestly I know nothing about them! (Got a good deal from a friend who was moving). I was hoping I could get some good tips on the top ten things to watch out for, fix, replace, maintain, or whatever so that I can keep this 'Disco' going strong! THX!
By 1997 most of the gremlins in the early ones (disintegrating gearboxes, misaligned timing belt failures) were ironed out.
The first thing I would do is a full service including all the oils i.e. gearbox oil transfer box oil both diffs and the swivel housings, set the tappets etc, you never know how long since it was last done and a bit of fresh oil goes a long way towards preventing future problems. If you don't know for sure that the timing belt has been changed in the last 4-5 years get that done too as the rubber belt will perish by about 6 years go ping and you'll need some bits for the engine - it is a service item but one which often gets overlooked. If it had the belt alignment problem it will most likely have been fixed under warranty but depending on when it was built it might be OK anyway, 1997 was when the "kits" started being factory fitted.
If you want something else to do, a bit of grease in the wheel bearings never hurts as preventative maintenance and isn't hard to do, a seized wheel bearing at speed can be "interesting"....
Other than that just take it as it comes and enjoy
The first thing I would do is a full service including all the oils i.e. gearbox oil transfer box oil both diffs and the swivel housings, set the tappets etc, you never know how long since it was last done and a bit of fresh oil goes a long way towards preventing future problems. If you don't know for sure that the timing belt has been changed in the last 4-5 years get that done too as the rubber belt will perish by about 6 years go ping and you'll need some bits for the engine - it is a service item but one which often gets overlooked. If it had the belt alignment problem it will most likely have been fixed under warranty but depending on when it was built it might be OK anyway, 1997 was when the "kits" started being factory fitted.
If you want something else to do, a bit of grease in the wheel bearings never hurts as preventative maintenance and isn't hard to do, a seized wheel bearing at speed can be "interesting"....
Other than that just take it as it comes and enjoy
Also check the sills arnt rusty and a new coat of paint will not hurt and the rear floor can have a habit of rusting so have a look round the edges for any signs of rot.
Front axle bushes can make it drive badly but easy to fix very dependant on high millage of offroading.
Anti roll bar ball joints are only £12 ish each I found replacing them on my 95 disco made a big improvment but they were all shot to start with
Front axle bushes can make it drive badly but easy to fix very dependant on high millage of offroading.
Anti roll bar ball joints are only £12 ish each I found replacing them on my 95 disco made a big improvment but they were all shot to start with
i got ripped off on one of those a couple of months back- ended up paying almost 2 grand. i was not happy.
what did you pay?
what did you pay?
Thanks for the advice. I pick it up today, I'll take it in and give it a good once over, hopefully no suprises!
Cheers!
Cheers!
QUOTE (BogMonster @ Aug 7 2006, 07:05 PM) 
By 1997 most of the gremlins in the early ones (disintegrating gearboxes, misaligned timing belt failures) were ironed out.
The first thing I would do is a full service including all the oils i.e. gearbox oil transfer box oil both diffs and the swivel housings, set the tappets etc, you never know how long since it was last done and a bit of fresh oil goes a long way towards preventing future problems. If you don't know for sure that the timing belt has been changed in the last 4-5 years get that done too as the rubber belt will perish by about 6 years go ping and you'll need some bits for the engine - it is a service item but one which often gets overlooked. If it had the belt alignment problem it will most likely have been fixed under warranty but depending on when it was built it might be OK anyway, 1997 was when the "kits" started being factory fitted.
If you want something else to do, a bit of grease in the wheel bearings never hurts as preventative maintenance and isn't hard to do, a seized wheel bearing at speed can be "interesting"....
Other than that just take it as it comes and enjoy
The first thing I would do is a full service including all the oils i.e. gearbox oil transfer box oil both diffs and the swivel housings, set the tappets etc, you never know how long since it was last done and a bit of fresh oil goes a long way towards preventing future problems. If you don't know for sure that the timing belt has been changed in the last 4-5 years get that done too as the rubber belt will perish by about 6 years go ping and you'll need some bits for the engine - it is a service item but one which often gets overlooked. If it had the belt alignment problem it will most likely have been fixed under warranty but depending on when it was built it might be OK anyway, 1997 was when the "kits" started being factory fitted.
If you want something else to do, a bit of grease in the wheel bearings never hurts as preventative maintenance and isn't hard to do, a seized wheel bearing at speed can be "interesting"....
Other than that just take it as it comes and enjoy
i had an early disco and the thing was fantastic. mind you did have to have the clutch rebuilt! but apart from that the old truck was super. no rust either! only thing was the interior was so poor bits kept dropping off! 
Yes, bits are dropping off in mine as well, the "wood" trim, for instance. Seems the exterrior rear window seals are cracked in the corners, how's that to find replacements? No Rust, just lots of sun damage to the plastic parts outside, oh, and a strange thing with the rear-view mirror, it's got a permanent brownish haze over its surface..is that to do with an auto-dimming feature I wonder?
Cheers!
- Brewmaster
Cheers!
- Brewmaster
QUOTE (brewmaster @ Aug 14 2006, 06:12 PM)
Thanks for the advice. I pick it up today, I'll take it in and give it a good once over, hopefully no suprises!
Cheers!
Cheers!
QUOTE (brewmaster @ Aug 16 2006, 12:06 PM)
oh, and a strange thing with the rear-view mirror, it's got a permanent brownish haze over its surface..is that to do with an auto-dimming feature I wonder?
Most likely means it no longer works. Mine had that and it then "leaked" so I now have a nice brown looking puddle at the bottom of the mirror.
Ivan
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