New '97 RR SE owner with questions & comments

Greetings to all!

Just got a '97 RR with 117,000 miles on it. White, tan leather interior, garage kept, in darn good shape. I live out in the country, our roads are like off-roading on a daily basis. Felt good about the purchase until I started reading the forums. AACK!! There seems to be so many problems with these.

I took it into the local LR dealer for a 140 point certification check. Hey, I figured I'd bring it there, have a real pro go over it and go from there. WOW! A $3500 estimate and I'm dying. As I look closer, there are a few $45 light bulb replacements, $275 for front brake pads?? $460 for rear pads & rotors?? I see a pattern here.

Back to the forums. Hmm, seems the brakes are no different from other cars. I think I can replace the left rear license plate bulb for a *little* less than $45. I'm feeling better.

Just replaced the cabin filters. The heating/cooling seemed quite anemic, but the old filters, I'm not exaggerating, had nearly 1/2 inch of crud on them! Disgusting. New filters installed in about 10 minutes, and whirrrrrr! The fan works great. Changed the oil, piece of cake. Used Mobil 1. I like the synthetics, they seem to keep the internals cleaner and it's much easier starting in the winter.

Couple of things I can't find articles on...

Steering parts - drag link and cross tube.
Right front axle tube seal
transmission lines and cooler.

If any of you can tell me more, or point me in the right direction, that would be most appreciated. I also have questions about the EAS. Would it help to spray Armor-All or some equivalent on the bladders so they won't break down? I'm replacing the inlet filter, and just found out there's an outlet filter I'll replace also.
How 'bout books? Of course, there's always the FSM. Did anyone buy one of those CDs off eBay? How are Haynes or Chilton manuals?

This vehicle is amazing. Super-comfortable due to the nearly infinite adjustablilty of the seats. All major system function perfectly. The engine is the smoothest engine I've seen. The EAS works great and can sure impress people. :) The brakes are phenomenal for the weight of this vehicle. Ever since reading the forums, I've just been waiting for something to break. :(
Of course, I've decided to start working on it to make sure something breaks.

Anyway, there is a uniqueness about this Range Rover that transcends normal car ownership. It's just a *feel* that can't be explained. I hope it stays with me, and it doesn't break down too much.

Thanks for your time and any recommendations.

Steve Olson
'97 Range Rover
Pennsylvania, USA

SteveOPA,

I own a 1991 Range Rover w/173K miles and got it at 63K about 10 years ago.

To be a RR owner and NOT own the bank (as you have seen) you will need to get involved. I don't have time right now to cover your questions but there are plenty of sources of good info / parts.

Here is my favorite place to start on finding low cost parts
http://www.rangerovers.net/rrpartsv.htm

There are also oil/tranny/differential/transfer case suggestion I have posted on this forum. Do Advanced Search on sender "glenncof".

Also get to know air idle control valve. All my vehicles need attention there whenever idle is an issue.

Final quicky, if you have air suspension (which I suspect) plan on pulling it out. In your case perhaps before first breakdown.

Air Suspension – IF you really like it and are willing to insist that any shop doing work on it MUST follow your instructions, then do homework and identify/upgrade weak links with help from like-minded owners. I have read shops put on a lift and blow things. I found http://www.carelect.demon.co.uk/rrair.html without looking.

Brake pads – On the RR Classic, the pads are removed without disturbing the caliper. Remove two guide pins, press the pistons back into caliper, and slide out pads from the top. Easiest brake job I have ever done.

I used Raybesto PG+ from Pep Boys front/rear were $79 total after CA tax. Somewhat dusty but inexpensive. I have used Performance Friction from Kragen on another SUV and liked them better.

I suggest looking at EBC’s green stuff http://www.ebcbrakes.com/Automotive.html avail from my Pep Boys. I believe they are made in UK so maybe them have them for RR.

Manuals – I have a Haynes. It covers 22 years, up to 1992, so not great for the 1991 but workable. I find what I need but supplement with google search. Cost $29 ?? Forums are invaluable.

I would check into Bentley. http://www.bentleypublishers.com/product.htm?code=YVW5 I think I have seen them for $100. Probably worth the difference it if you don’t have a repair manual.

These manuals, by the way, are suggested EVEN IF you plan to have a shop do the work. Like I said, RR is hands on vehicle.

Read owners manual also. Mine has electrical schematics, maintenance, and of course capacities/fluids.

Some local libraries have AllData database which is good for some parts explosions and repair steps. Used by pro’s. See all recalls for 1997 RR at http://www.alldata.com/TSB/68/97680706.html

Finally, I have heard about computer failures being common in the 4.0/4.6 series until 1999 (after purchase by BMW) when Bosch computers were used. Common failure means scarcity of used ECU’s ($$$$$). I would research this before something occurs so I would know where to get a good price.

Forums:
http://landroversonly.com/forums/
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/index.php

Parts (high cost/good full service sites):
http://www.roverparts.com/ Atlantic British provided a catalog that had full parts explosion specific to my Classic.
http://www.roversnorth.com/ (has BBS and some tech tips)

I have a 1991 Vogue SE, its a hands on truck, if you cannot fix it yourself the dealers will rip you off. Get the manual, build up a good stock of parts to replace and it will serve you well. I have very little trouble having had range Rovers since 1975, not much i have not touched on them.

Just wanted to get back on this ...

I've done the front & rear brakes & rotors. One of the easiest jobs I've ever done. I only wish I'd gotten new pins for the brake calibers, they were a little worn. I replaced a bunch of burned-out bulbs. Of course, shortly after that the little orange LEDs (indicating what buttons have been pushed for the climate controls) all went out. Hmmm ...

The air suspension rides like a dream, but I do notice it goes down when you shut the car off. When should I start to worry about it??

There are various leaks in the engine compartment. I saw a dealer report on this vehicle, and they had replaced valve cover gaskets three times in about 36000 miles! Mine are leaking a bit now. Question, has anyone out there used something like Permatex along with the gasket to make sure they don't leak, or is it something I'm going to have to put up with?

Overall, I love this Rover!

SteveOPA

Just wanted to get back on this ...
The air suspension rides like a dream, but I do notice it goes down when you shut the car off. When should I start to worry about it??
SteveOPA

I think all vehicles with air suspensions and active height sensors will lower after you exit, since there's less pressure on the system. If the compressor comes on and lifts the suspension when you enter the vehicle, and startup, then it's just releasing that excess air. I'm just guessing based on experience with my Mark VII...I wouldn't be concerned unless it's also losing height over night.

reference your rocker box leaks, this is due to some clown mechanic not srewing them down in a logical order, he has strained them but you can use permatex use the none setting version, works well.
Your air suspension sensors input to the EAS will need looking at in the near future. It should deflate when you switch off the ignition, hence should rise, inflate when you start up. Will not do any harm at present but it indicates work to come. You can check these inputs to your EAS quite easy. The CD Rom workshop manuals are excellent and avaiable on eBay well worth the money I kep one for when i am travelling easier than lugginf along the FSM.Just wanted to get back on this ...

I've done the front & rear brakes & rotors. One of the easiest jobs I've ever done. I only wish I'd gotten new pins for the brake calibers, they were a little worn. I replaced a bunch of burned-out bulbs. Of course, shortly after that the little orange LEDs (indicating what buttons have been pushed for the climate controls) all went out. Hmmm ...

The air suspension rides like a dream, but I do notice it goes down when you shut the car off. When should I start to worry about it??

There are various leaks in the engine compartment. I saw a dealer report on this vehicle, and they had replaced valve cover gaskets three times in about 36000 miles! Mine are leaking a bit now. Question, has anyone out there used something like Permatex along with the gasket to make sure they don't leak, or is it something I'm going to have to put up with?

Overall, I love this Rover!

SteveOPA