Defender steering column play

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dinisrosa

Member
Posts
39
Location
Portugal
Hello everyone

I’m trying to kill every steering wobble I can feel on my Defender and I found out this play on the steering column. I think it’s not normal and I’d like to know your opinions (it’s not on the cv joins, it’s right on that rubber area).
Please see video attached.

Thank you in advance!
 
That is lateral play not rotational. I think due to the nature of the rubber mounting (designed to split and prevent the column impaling you in a collision) this may always be there. As there is no rotational play then it should not be effecting any play in the steering.
 
That is lateral play not rotational. I think due to the nature of the rubber mounting (designed to split and prevent the column impaling you in a collision) this may always be there. As there is no rotational play then it should not be effecting any play in the steering.
Hmm, yes I see.. The play is indeed lateral only, never rotational. But on those pot holes when cornering it might be transmitting that play to the steering wheel, no? I can feel it on my arms.
 
Both ends should be fixed, steering box and steering column so there should never be any ability to move laterally as long as all the parts are fastened correctly.

If you are feeling it in the bumps maybe the damper need refreshing. But it also may be just the fundamental setup and design of the steering depending on what you are comparing to. If compared to another Land Rover with drag link steering setup then a valid comparison. But if compared with a normal car with a steering rack then you will get more bump steer feedback through defender the system by the mechanical design of the box and bar setup over rack and pinion.
 
Both ends should be fixed, steering box and steering column so there should never be any ability to move laterally as long as all the parts are fastened correctly.

If you are feeling it in the bumps maybe the damper need refreshing. But it also may be just the fundamental setup and design of the steering depending on what you are comparing to. If compared to another Land Rover with drag link steering setup then a valid comparison. But if compared with a normal car with a steering rack then you will get more bump steer feedback through defender the system by the mechanical design of the box and bar setup over rack and pinion.
Both ends should be fixed, steering box and steering column so there should never be any ability to move laterally as long as all the parts are fastened correctly.
This makes sense. I think this column is ok.
Thank you very much, Dag! I was already preparing myself to buy a new one! 💸💸😬
 
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