Steering Wandering

Hi,

My 97' 2.5 P38 has developed play in the steering and now wanders when on most road types. Previously very positive steering, but developed this fault within two weeks(600 miles). I fitted a new track rod end on the drag link to steering box arm which was shot and thought this would cure it - but itwas exactly the same afterwards. Adjusted the steering box as far as it would go - still the same result. Tried altering tyre pressures as a last resort - no joy! All u/j's and joints on column seem good.

I've now got a brilliant vehicle (which has cost me a fortune) that now feels as if the steering parts are made of rubber bands and it's a pain in the ass to drive. It did use to squeel on tight locks which does point to the box but I don't think it would have deteriorated that quick.

Anybody got a few suggestions before I spend money on a box? Also is there anywhere I can get parts if I overhaull the box myself and any special tools needed?

Cheers

Kevin

Have you checked your suspension bushes? They could be shot where the axle joins the radius arms.
How new are your tyres? Maybe they have lost their edge.
I know it sounds stupid but we have had high winds of late - a crosswind will amplify any faults that you may not have noticed before.
My P38 is fine but is tricky in a strong crosswind and everything is tight and how it should be with the steering/suspension.

I`ve got this problem too, had it for a while but i think my steering damper is way over due being replaced.
I know what you mean by being made of elastic bands its like someone steering in a movie.

Hi,

The tyres are good - ish with 2 new on the back (replaced about same time as problem started.....I wonder if that's affecting the front in some way?) bushes haven't been checked but will do within the next hour or two when the water and cow sh*t have dried underneath (Live in rented house on farm)

It is a lot worse in the wind but still crap going slow in country lanes when being shielded by high hedges - so it is a steering suspension problem and not the elements. I was a mechanic in the 70's and eighties so I've plenty of experience on basic motors like these. Having new cars for last 10 years and not working on them I seem to have forgotten the basics . I just needed somebody to give me a few hints to get my brain going again.

I'll keep you posted of any results. Also i just happened upon a website called Paddocks who do a lot of stuff - way cheaper than anybody elses parts so maybe my plans to sell the Rangie will be put on hold.

kevin

Carefull about "Paddock products" You pay for what ya get! Not all is bad, but DON'T buy land rover springs whatever ya do!!!!!!!! NOR P38 p/st boxes, they leak in two weeks and ya get hell of a problem getting another one.
It could actually be ya steering box anyway, even though ya have adjusted it.

Just been out and checked suspension bushes and all seem good. There is a little bit of play in track rod end but not enough to warrant the excessive play. I'm 90% sure it is the box - anybody know of cheaper places if Paddocks not too good? Rimmers want 440 + vat plus a hefty surcharge.

There are a few on e bay but prices are high and they could be as rubbery as mine. Anybody know of places to get parts from if I overhaull myself?

Kevin

As daft as this may sound, try ya main dealer for bushes and p/st box, my main dealer in Chesterfield do offers on occasions, can understand the prices from Rimmer brothers. Land rover may do a recon unit but will be with a warranty and no hassle exchange if something goes wrong.
Hope this helps ya M8.

Thanks Kev. Will find a few prices Monday.

Kevin

I had funny quotes from independant specialists, then went to my dealer for a quote, then found it was cheaper by far, so i always check now, just the parts though, not the labour prices. Glad to be of help.

Kev,

What is actually wrong with the paddock s/ box. What experience have you or others had? They're half the price of everybody else - tempting, but if you know something I don't and would rather not say on forum, e mail me on [email protected]

Cheers

kevin

Like the man said, you gets what you pays for.
All aftermarket suppliers sell crap, it just takes a bit of time and experience along with helpful advice from forums like this to weed them out.
And yes, dont be afraid to approach a main dealer, they have had to sharpen up their act over recent years in order to maintain their parts sales when faced by low cost competitors offering 'big savings.'
The big advantage is that LR genuine parts have a pretty much no quibble warranty which is far easier to make a claim against when the dealer is just down the road as opposed to another supplier the other side of the country.
Good luck

Nearly all independant parts dealers sell parts from Britpart,Allmakes etc. even Rimmers as an option. Either Adwest or Burman are manufacturers of Steering boxes and do a repair/replacement service. Land Rover do not make steering boxes-they buy them in. I have had stuff from Paddocks without problems. Suppose it's the luck of the draw. Most owners of P38's and other Land Rovers are unfortunately in the position of using genuine spares because of the cost and if they all used the dealer for repairs there would be no point in having this or other LR forum.

Should read NOT in the position th use genuine spares

I've just hadf a similar problem to this. I checked all bushes an track rod ends etc and all were ok. I then took it to my local tyre fitter who checked the wheel alignment and found it was well out, this had caused the inside edge of the tyres to round off slightly (but still legal), so I got the front and rears swapped around and the alignment sorted and the problem has now gone away!