P38 Tram-lining

If you find your P38 is trying to follow every on-road rut then, provided
the steering is in good shape, renew the steering damper. I've just changed mine @ 103k and have eliminated all tendancies to tram-line making driving less tiring and much more enjoyable. Cost is about £25 - £50 dependant on source and fitting time around 15 minutes. This can be done without jacks or high lift since the damper is situated just beneath the front bumper and secured by two 19mm bolts.

Just ordered myself a gas one, see if it makes much difference!!

Well, picked up the Bilstein gas upgarde, i replaced it but have not driven it yet but the differnece between the old and new was incredible. My RR has done 109K and the old unit had a lot of play while the wheels were straight. Speaking to my local specialist they recomend the oil type damper fro around 50K miles but the gas versions last probably double that amount if not more. One obvious difference was the the old oil unit when removed stayed in the positon but the new bilstein actually pushes out, so it keeps a constant pressure?!?! I will report back any difference if any when i get to drive it!!

How much are the bilstein dampers and where can i get one from? my rig has done 89k and tramlines a bit so was going to replace the damper and get the tracking done

I got mine from my local Land Rover Specialist, JSF in Norwich. It cost £70, i have had a good a long drive in it at the weekend and im pleased to say that i have noticed a great difference when driving on straight roads or motorways, i am not having to constantly adjusting the steering, and the steering feels fresher!!

GANDY said:

If you find your P38 is trying to follow every on-road rut then, provided
the steering is in good shape, renew the steering damper. I've just changed mine @ 103k and have eliminated all tendancies to tram-line making driving less tiring and much more enjoyable. Cost is about £25 - £50 dependant on source and fitting time around 15 minutes. This can be done without jacks or high lift since the damper is situated just beneath the front bumper and secured by two 19mm bolts.

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Gandy,
Quick question for you.
I've just ordered a new damper for my P38.
The bolts you mention, are they size M12 with a 19mm nut?
The next question is, is the bolt threaded all the way or is there a blank flange before the thread? and how long is the bolt in length?
Did you use stainless?
I'm asking this so I can get the fixings ready prior to the swap over, next week.
James.

GANDY said:

If you find your P38 is trying to follow every on-road rut then, provided
the steering is in good shape, renew the steering damper. I've just changed mine @ 103k and have eliminated all tendancies to tram-line making driving less tiring and much more enjoyable. Cost is about £25 - £50 dependant on source and fitting time around 15 minutes. This can be done without jacks or high lift since the damper is situated just beneath the front bumper and secured by two 19mm bolts.

Click to expand...

Hi

I don't know too much about this but saw a post a while back that attributed a lot of tramlining to makes of tyres as well. From memory the recommended tyre to come out of it was the Avon Ranger/Ranger + or whatever it is called.

Just my penniworth.

Adam