Shakes like a shi**ing dog!!

Hi all
Can anyone point the finger at a problem I'm encountering with the steering/suspension on my series 1 disco 300TDi.
When travelling on A roads at about 60-70mph and the nearside encounters a rut/drain hole or other surface imperfection the front steering goes into vibration/oscillation mode felt through the steering wheel and the throttle has to be lifted to clear the condition.
On a dual carriageway or motorway i.e smooth surface the steering/suspension behave perfectly at all speeds???
Has anyone experianced the above symptoms??????
Cheers Spud

The steering consists of a great many components, all of which must be accurately adjusted to work in synch. Start off by checking the condition of the steering damper, if you don't get lucky there then get a garage to check the pre-loading on the steering swivels (not really a diy job).

Hope this helps,

Chris.

Hi

Most important if it does not happen all the time you possibly have a broken spring or detaching spring, detached ball joint (Which won't show up less the wieght is removed from the axle) Check the Steering joints both in car, under the bonnet as it enters the steering box, check the hub for security and CV joints (I believe these are rebuildable)

Really dumb question does it happen either way? or just nearside or offside?

On top of what Chris has suggested

Hope this is some kind of help

Charlotte

Bloody blimey o'reily!!
What a fun packed weekend.

1st checked swivel bearings pre load, should have been around 12lbs effort, mine were nil, two shims out and load now = 14lbs, nice and firm. Also filled the swivel with the one shot grease.

2nd, steering damper replaced. The original had about as much resistance either way as a trombone has!!

3rd ball joints replaced throughout the link system as they would not come out without a fight and the use of a blow lamp!!

Now running straight and true even when aimed at potholes and drain covers

I wouldn't mind all this if the wagon had enough miles on it to make Neil Armstrong wince but it's a M plate 300TDi ES with 49k on the clock that has led a charmed and quiet life for the last six years running to and fro picking up the paper and the odd trip to the dump.
Bloody landies this ones now going to get a sound thrashing and a liberal coating of mud!!
Cheers spud

hi i came across this with my last v8 disco and i was about to die when told bye someone that only landrover can sort the problem then i came across a man who new a bit about landies and i went ahead with his advice and i put my v8 on gas shockers and wow problem solved no more fighting steering wheel after hitting tiny pot holes it transformed the whole ride but also try checking or replacing your steering damper regards colin