heavy steering on a defender

hi all graeme on again i'm looking for some information on a defender power steering box as i have some free play on the steering but can't seem to find any info anywhere on how to adjust the free play up mon the box as all the ball joints etc are all in good order with no play on them.
i also have a minor problem with the power steering in that when the engine is running from cold the steering is very stiff but the pump is new the belt is tight and as far as i can tell it is atf in the system albeit a little dark now any pointers as to where to find the info on the boxes please ?

big g.r. said:

hi all graeme on again i'm looking for some information on a defender power steering box as i have some free play on the steering but can't seem to find any info anywhere on how to adjust the free play up mon the box as all the ball joints etc are all in good order with no play on them.
i also have a minor problem with the power steering in that when the engine is running from cold the steering is very stiff but the pump is new the belt is tight and as far as i can tell it is atf in the system albeit a little dark now any pointers as to where to find the info on the boxes please ?

Click to expand...

Adjusting the box is easy but it is a case of "feel" and experience, you could do with being shown the first time. the only time you will feel "negligible" play is in the center of its movement and the trick is to adjust until this tiny point has just about got play you can feel. any more and it will be too tight. If the play is in the drop arm bearing however the box will need stripping and the bearing changed. Its a sleeve bearing that has to be reamed to the drop arm shaft... Not for the novice..

You "stiff" steering makes me initially think "thick" oil.. have you got the correct oil in there, or maybe the box is in need of an overhaul..

Wise words from CharlesY -

Steering Box adjustment
This is what RAVE says for a 300tdi ... .

1. Apply park brake brake, chock wheels and Jack
up front of vehicle until wheels are clear of
ground.
2. Support chassis front on axle stands.
3. Disconnect drag link from steering drop arm.
4. Check torque to turn See Fault diagnosis,
Stiff Steering Checklist.
5. Centralise steering box See Centralise
Steering Box.
NOTE: Only check for no backlash when
steering box is in central position.
NOTE: If steering wheel is not straight, it
should be repositioned See Repair,
Steering Wheel.
6. Adjustment is obtained by rocking the drop arm
about centre whilst an assistant slowly tightens
the steering box adjuster screw.
7. Tighten locknut when all backlash has been
removed.
8. Repeat the check for backlash. If backlash exists
loosen locknut and repeat adjustment
procedure.
9. Turn steering wheel lock to lock and check no
tightness exists.
10. Ensure front wheels are aligned and in straight
ahead position.
11. Adjust drag link 924 mm between ball joint
centres.
12. Connect drag link and tighten to 40 Nm (30
lbf/ft).
13. Lower vehicle to ground level and remove
chocks.
14. Road test vehicle
If so they want you to jack both front wheels off the deck, and waggle the steering arm under the box to see if there's any free play.

You get a mate to lie under the car and waggle the steering arm, while you working from the top undo the adjuster lock nut just a little, and very gently nip down the adjuster till your chum says there's no free play. Locknut now. You then turn the steering wheel gently and slowly to full lock one side, then all the way to the other side, and back to centre. If it feels good, that's the job done.
If it doesn't feel good you need to make little adjusts till it feels at least sort of OK, bearing in mind it's a LandRover after all.

thats it trewey , ah were gona post the rave link, tis easy enough mind , once yers done it !

thanks for the info guys i know what i'll be doing this weekend if weather permits
or more importantly the wifey lol !!!!!!!!!!!!!!