Play in steering

I'm new to discovery so I'm sure I've a lot to learn, anyhow when I fetched it I noticed there's quite a bit of free play in the steering
Is it a simple case of taking it up a little on the steering box or do I need to look elsewhere too?
Thanks

look elsewhere first , its often a good idea to hold track rod and draglink whilst someone rocks steering wheel vigorously , if all ok you can adjust he screw on box top but ensure box is in central position and rock steering linkage as you adjust so you just take out freeplay

Thanks for the advice I'll do that

If you're "measuring" the play in your steering by the amount of steering wheel movement, do your checks with the engine running just above tickover so that the power steering system is operating. I've found that there can be quite a difference between the engine running or not.

brian47 said:

If you're "measuring" the play in your steering by the amount of steering wheel movement, do your checks with the engine running just above tickover so that the power steering system is operating. I've found that there can be quite a difference between the engine running or not.

Click to expand...

id beg to differ

jamesmartin said:

id beg to differ

Click to expand...

If I interpret Brian47's post correctly I think he means there is a difference in play with the engine running or not, which there is.

Has the steering damper ever been replaced? If not it could be well past it by now.

Ive no idea about the damper I only picked it up last week and its on the ramps at the moment having a few bits replaced (xy switch for one)

managed to get a quick look today and everything else seems to be quite solid
theres about 4" of movement in the steering wheel before it takes up any slack so I'm guessing its the box, Ill try nipping it up to see if it helps - fingers crossed but I won't be holding my breath

mossey said:

managed to get a quick look today and everything else seems to be quite solid
theres about 4" of movement in the steering wheel before it takes up any slack so I'm guessing its the box, Ill try nipping it up to see if it helps - fingers crossed but I won't be holding my breath

Click to expand...

Is that with the engine running? As mentioned above, mine seems to have a significant amount of play with the engine off, when the engine and power steering pump are running this disappears. (Ive just replaced steering box, pump, draglink and steering rod). 4" of free play seems very excessive.

Nigel1943 said:

If I interpret Brian47's post correctly I think he means there is a difference in play with the engine running or not, which there is.

Click to expand...

steering may well be easier to turn but actual play wont differ,engine running has no effect on any play in the system ,box must be adjusted with box in central position ,after first checking ujs and ball joints ,drop arm etc, holding draglink and track rod whilst someone rocks steering wheel vigorously helps diagnose ball joints

Ok I've nipped the Allen screw up about a half a turn then tightened back up and it seems to have done the job, just need to drive it now to make sure I've not gone too far but seemed ok up and down the drive
Thanks for the help guys

mossey said:

Ok I've nipped the Allen screw up about a half a turn then tightened back up and it seems to have done the job, just need to drive it now to make sure I've not gone too far but seemed ok up and down the drive
Thanks for the help guys

Click to expand...

if you rock the input by hand you can feel backlash been removed adjust till it is just gone ,as said when box is central

Thanks for all the advise I appreciate it