Stering

After changing avery part of my steering I am still having problems. There seems to be play in the steering box, is there a way of tightning this up or is it a new box job? The one I have is only about a year old recon.

Cheers

according to the haynes manual it says that adjustment is possible but is not easy and is best done at the dealers but im sure that someone will have had the same problem and either found a way to sort it or know someone else who as.

I just read another discription, sounds a bit hit and miss.

James said:

I just read another discription, sounds a bit hit and miss.

Click to expand...

This is what RAVE says for a 300tdi ... .

1. Apply park brake brake, chock wheels and Jack
up front of vehicle until wheels are clear of
ground.
2. Support chassis front on axle stands.
3. Disconnect drag link from steering drop arm.
4. Check torque to turn See Fault diagnosis,
Stiff Steering Checklist.
5. Centralise steering box See Centralise
Steering Box.
NOTE: Only check for no backlash when
steering box is in central position.
NOTE: If steering wheel is not straight, it
should be repositioned See Repair,
Steering Wheel.
6. Adjustment is obtained by rocking the drop arm
about centre whilst an assistant slowly tightens
the steering box adjuster screw.
7. Tighten locknut when all backlash has been
removed.
8. Repeat the check for backlash. If backlash exists
loosen locknut and repeat adjustment
procedure.
9. Turn steering wheel lock to lock and check no
tightness exists.
10. Ensure front wheels are aligned and in straight
ahead position.
11. Adjust drag link 924 mm between ball joint
centres.
12. Connect drag link and tighten to 40 Nm (30
lbf/ft).
13. Lower vehicle to ground level and remove
chocks.
14. Road test vehicle See Fault diagnosis, Road
Test Procedure.



1

That is the same as I read. Not quite sure on the backlash bit are you able to explane. It might be me just being dumb!

First is it the right car we are dealing with?

If so they want you to jack both front wheels off the deck, and waggle the steering arm under the box to see if there's any free play. I think you could do this without taking the drag link off, but it would be better to take it off.

You get a mate to lie under the car and waggle the steering arm, while you working from the top undo the adjuster lock nut just a little, and very gently nip down the adjuster till your chum says there's no free play. Locknut now. You then turn the steering wheel gently and slowly to full lock one side, then all the way to the other side, and back to centre. If it feels good, that's the job done, but it might be plan to attach the drag link before you set off down the street.

If it doesn't feel good you need to make little adjusts till it feels at least sort of OK, bearing in mind it's a LandRover after all.

CharlesY

Thanks Charles, I think you should rewright the manule because I understand that now.

Mine is a 200tdi but I think the box is similar enough.

James said:

Thanks Charles, I think you should rewrite the manual because I understand that now.

Mine is a 200tdi but I think the box is similar enough.

Click to expand...

You are right - the boxes are very similar, but there are several makes of the things. They all work in much the same way.

What we should never forget is that the official manuals are written for the guidance of fitters who don't give a **** about you or your car. All they want is 5 o'clock to come round every day, and their pay packet on Fridays. Moreover, and this is a VERY important thing for ALL LandyZoners to keep in mind, the manuals are written in the hope that the job can be done "OK" in ONE TRY. In other words they want to adjust it ONCE, and get rid of it and you after taking your money. They don't want to spend days fine tuning your steering. They do not care if it isn't perfect, but you might like it as near perfect as it can be.

Your advantage is having time, patience and skill. You don't mind adjusting the Goddam box half a dozen times a tiny bit at a time, because you know it will be lovely-jubbly by the time you are done. NO garages have the time to do that, and anyway, why would they when they don't care anyway?

CharlesY

Well said! Thanks

always nice to know that somebody has the knowledge to save a few quid!you could probably save a small fortune by doing the job yourself knowing that the job is done right as garages usually dont give a **** what they do as long as they can take your money.