Steering wobble...

Hi all, driving back from Berrick to Hertford (A1) on the half term break I noticed that there was a lot of play in my steering. The car is a S reg, manual 300 TDI (Disco). There is a fault that I know about already, a leaky swivel ball seal which is being fixed this weekend, but what else should I check or replace while I have the thing apart? The fluid in the steering reservoir is fine and nicely topped up but one thing I have noticed is that when the car is stationary and I give it a full turn (full lock) there is a sort of sqeeking noise but not grinding and as I said earlier when driving there is so much play in the steering. Could the leaky swivel ball be affecting this? Help !
Cheers
Al

The leak itself won't cause the problem, unless the swivel bearings have run dry.

Get someone to rock the steering wheel while you check the draglink and steering rod joints, also check for play in the steering box and shaft. wheel bearings may also cause problems.

Cor, quite a lot of possibles then. Thanks!

Also worth checking all the suspension bushes , if these are worn it may cause your disco to wander , which can give the impression of steering play.

without sounding too stupid are they easy to find, so I can get access to to view them?

Cheers
Alex

Don't forget the steering damper and it would be worthwhile checking the rear suspension bushes and A frame ball joint.

BTW it might be better to check the front end out with the axle supported on axle stands so that both front wheels are off the ground. Check all the ball joints (grease them while you're under there if they have grease nipples on them).

Check the swivel bearings for play - don't confuse with wheel bearing play.

I think somebody mentioned the lower steering shaft? Check the universal joints on the steering shaft and also that the pinch bolts are tight.