Steering problem

diver · Aug 16, 2009

Friend of mine has a 300tdi Disco. Complains of steering being vague at speed. Car is wandering around a bit particularly when towing and more noticable on overrun. He's owned the car for few years so knows this is out of the ordinary.
There are no knocks or bangs so I assume the A frame ball joint is unlikely. Nothing at first inspection looks loose and he only uses it on road.
Theres obviously a whole load of usual suspects but where would anyone start looking first?

nicedayforit · Aug 16, 2009

diver said:
Friend of mine has a 300tdi Disco. Complains of steering being vague at speed. Car is wandering around a bit particularly when towing and more noticable on overrun. He's owned the car for few years so knows this is out of the ordinary.
There are no knocks or bangs so I assume the A frame ball joint is unlikely. Nothing at first inspection looks loose and he only uses it on road.
Theres obviously a whole load of usual suspects but where would anyone start looking first?

First thing I would look for is any free play in the 4 ball joints on the steering.
one each end of drag link and one each end of track rod.
Mine did what you describe- ball joints on drag link worn.
Also check to see if drop arm is secure on output shaft of steering box while underneath.

discool · Aug 16, 2009

The nicedayforit it is correct, again

I had nothing to do so i had look at my ball joints as u do, I found that both the rubber dust covers on the nearside were split so I replaced the ball joints and what a change, the steering now much more precise and a lot easer to turn. So with just two new ball joints it can make so much of a difference.

Paul D · Aug 17, 2009

Converse is also true ... if they've had water get in and rust, say it's been stood a while, and the links stiffen than this can give almost identical results ..

diver · Aug 17, 2009

Ta all. Nice to have a consensus. So out with the plus gas and the blow lamp. Best to do all 4 and be done with it.

Steering problem

diver

Active Member

nicedayforit

New Member

discool

Well-Known Member

Paul D

Old, nackered 'n broke, but the Landy is fine . :)

diver

Active Member

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