Front steering Bar

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Hello Sorry if this is a stupid question. Defender 200tdi 1990 G Reg
Think I need to renew my drop arm ball joint and track rod end on the same bar, any one know the part numbers ? and whats the correct name for the bar??
Thanks.

 

[sp00k]

Steering tie bar and track rod ends. You can get HD version of the bar. Don't have the part no's to hand but the no's are different for the left and right track rod ends when you come to order them.

 

[jamesmartin]

rtc5869 and stc3295 are the numbers,drag link the name

 

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Thanks. I have a spare drop arm and am sure I have a draglink too, what would be the easiest, building parts on spare draglink on the bench then replacing whole thing? or replacing ball joint and track rod end in situ on vehicle??
I know the Drop arms are hard o get off.

 

[Saint.V8]

I opted to change the ball joint on the drop arm as this was by far the easiest option....simple to do too.

Getting the drop arm off can be a sod!

 

[flat]

I opted to change the ball joint on the drop arm as this was by far the easiest option....simple to do too.

Getting the drop arm off can be a sod!

Exactly what he said.

I had to cut my drop arm off. Also buy the ball joint tool from paddocks etc - makes the job a breeze

 

[waldershelf]

Exactly what he said.

I had to cut my drop arm off. Also buy the ball joint tool from paddocks etc - makes the job a breeze

What he said.... the little tool from paddocks makes the changing the drop arm ball joint dead easy.

(Todays interesting but pointless fact......"Pitman Arm" is the proper name for the arm that comes off the steering box)

 

[Saint.V8]

I have a series of photos somewhere of the ball joint replacement process that I took for a How To...but didn't get round to writting it.

Will dig them out.

 

[Kwakerman]

Replace the ball joint with the arm still on the vehicle, a lot less hassle than trying to get the arm off.

 

[IamRobbie]

When I changed mine I set the length to the same as the old one, however I did read that there is a correct measurement. 900 and something mm... Maybe 917 or 927 but I can't remember. Someone else may come along with the answer

 

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Thanks Everyone, -Mechanic Mate had a look at it today, says the drop arm ball joint is OK this was fitted last year for MOT, but the Track Rod End does need replacing, so looks like my job will be a little Easier.

 

[jamesmartin]

When I changed mine I set the length to the same as the old one, however I did read that there is a correct measurement. 900 and something mm... Maybe 917 or 927 but I can't remember. Someone else may come along with the answer

drag link length needs to ensure when road wheels are straight steering box is exactly central ,most drop arms and boxes have a slot and hole for a pin to centralise steering box,you then centralise steering wheel to suit,then a road test will show what adjustments needed to bring steering wheel back to center and so pas box

 

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Gonna order drag link tomorrow. Trying to get all he fiddly jobs done when I get the time. Done a full service today all filters and oil, also changed all washers on the spill pipes as a couple of them only had one on and were leaking slightly, torqued the four injector clamps down all even so should have no leaks now.
Another problem I have is there is quite a bit of play in the steering wheel, seems to be getting worse, Undid the big nut on top to turn the allen key adjuster but it will not budge, seems stuck solid, tried spraying etc but still will not move it just turns the nut with it.
Any Ideas on how to free it up?

 

[jamesmartin]

Gonna order drag link tomorrow. Trying to get all he fiddly jobs done when I get the time. Done a full service today all filters and oil, also changed all washers on the spill pipes as a couple of them only had one on and were leaking slightly, torqued the four injector clamps down all even so should have no leaks now.
Another problem I have is there is quite a bit of play in the steering wheel, seems to be getting worse, Undid the big nut on top to turn the allen key adjuster but it will not budge, seems stuck solid, tried spraying etc but still will not move it just turns the nut with it.
Any Ideas on how to free it up?

ensure you only adjust it when pas box is central,and feel for play just going by rocking input shaft with your hand,either side of central there will be play in box by design, a large 6mm allen key to hold adjuster whilst you get nut moving by a 19mm spanner,best to start from a tightened nut

 

[The Mad Hat Man]

ensure you only adjust it when pas box is central,and feel for play just going by rocking input shaft with your hand,either side of central there will be play in box by design, a large 6mm allen key to hold adjuster whilst you get nut moving by a 19mm spanner,best to start from a tightened nut

Jimbo - you can put a 6mm? pin in the box when central caynt ya?

 

[jamesmartin]

Jimbo - you can put a 6mm? pin in the box when central caynt ya?

bigger than 6mm iirc, i use a drill bit, but yes you should do

 

[border]

ensure you only adjust it when pas box is central,and feel for play just going by rocking input shaft with your hand,either side of central there will be play in box by design, a large 6mm allen key to hold adjuster whilst you get nut moving by a 19mm spanner,best to start from a tightened nut

Will give that a try when I get more time in the daylight. There is about a couple of inches play in the steering wheel before it actually stars to turn the wheel, is this Bad??

 

[jamesmartin]

it sounds like theres room for adjustment ,but like i say feel as you adjust by rocking shaft,box must be centered

 

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it sounds like theres room for adjustment ,but like i say feel as you adjust by rocking shaft

Will Do Thanks James. Just hope I can get that adjuster moving.

 

[jamesmartin]

if your really stuck with nut retighten it and using a flat ended punch hit each flat a few times eventually it will stretch nut enough to undo