Finding dodgy steering fault

Good morning all,

I have been driving my early LR 90 for a while now and have become concerned with the steering at higher speeds (40+). It has power steering and I don’t know if the problem is with the box or the pump. If I am driving straight then I can keep it straight without a problem (little wandering). If I turn right (gradual turn/bend in the road) then the input from the steering wheel matches the tyres on the road (predictable steering). If i have a turn to the left I sometimes have to turn the wheel 10-30 degrees before the tyres turn and it is a little scary at speeds above 40mph. Inside town the speed is slow enough where I can predict the slow steering and get ready for it. I first thought it might be the fluid but the reservoir is full. What do you think is my most likely fault? I was thinking the box but this is my first LR and don’t know many of the tricks yet. Thank you for your time.

Doug

does your steering wheel also sit cocked over to one side when the wheels are straight (but when rolling you can hold it straight without the wheels being affected ?)

also does it pull any direction under power/braking

pas box ,get another one, they only have no free play in centre of travel on input shaft wear, bad rebuild can effect this so that fairly tight one way loose the other

Top Drive,

The steering wheel is cocked to the side a little (allignment) when I am moving and I have not checked drift with hands off wheel or pull during braking, I will check tonight.

Mr. Martin,
That was my assessment as well, I was told that the box was new (unsure if rebuild) where should I go to get a good rebuilt box. I know they are pricy and a PITA to fit so I would like to do this once. any recomendations would be appreciated.

Thank you again
Doug

swgeek said:

Top Drive,

The steering wheel is cocked to the side a little (allignment) when I am moving and I have not checked drift with hands off wheel or pull during braking, I will check tonight.

Mr. Martin,
That was my assessment as well, I was told that the box was new (unsure if rebuild) where should I go to get a good rebuilt box. I know they are pricy and a PITA to fit so I would like to do this once. any recomendations would be appreciated.

Thank you again
Doug

Click to expand...

I too have loose and wandering steering, and my steering wheel is cocked to one side, although that is a tracking fault. I am looking at a new steering box renewal, but first I have changed: All springs, all dampers, rear arm bushs, and over the next few days am changing the front steering ball joints, steering damper and radius arm bushes. The radius arm bushes can cause unnerving steering if badly worn. When you come off the gas pedal, if you feel wandering off power, that can be the worn bushes I am told as the front axle moves slightly. Also worn swivel pins (on the nearside??) However, I have a gut feeling that I will change everything and end up with the box. Google and you will find plenty of recon boxes for about £200-£300...Who do you buy from is the question? which is the best recon?

rear axle bush / brackets can wear causing self steering underload and freewheel brit part do adwest box new for £300 +vat