swivel preload adjustment

I have a steering wobble at around 70mph (Disco 200TDi) which I think comes
from the swivel pins (have replaced various bushes).

According to workshop manual adjusting the preload is done without seal,
etc, i.e. with swivel housing removed from axle.

Is it possible to do on the car, without removing anything? If so, I presume
you would need a different value on the spring balance used for pulling the
swivel around?

Also, is this a useful exercise, or is it better to replace the pins and
bearings? Assuming that if play occurs, there will be wear on the pins?

Thanks for any advice,

Pieter

"Pieter Vroom" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I have a steering wobble at around 70mph (Disco 200TDi) which I think comes
>from the swivel pins (have replaced various bushes).
>
> According to workshop manual adjusting the preload is done without seal,
> etc, i.e. with swivel housing removed from axle.

Can be done that way but equally can be done on the axle.

> Is it possible to do on the car, without removing anything? If so, I
> presume you would need a different value on the spring balance used for
> pulling the swivel around?

Yes , more force needed to pull it round, but not much more. Don't forget
the seal should be covered in ep90/grease so there isn't that much friction.

> Also, is this a useful exercise, or is it better to replace the pins and
> bearings? Assuming that if play occurs, there will be wear on the pins?

See how many shims you have in the top first. If theres none you've little
choice but if you still have a full complement then you have room for
manouver. I did this on my Rangie and it made it a much nicer drive and took
the fear factor out of pot holes.

Lee D

Thanks Lee, will give it a go on the car.

Pieter

"Lee_D" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Pieter Vroom" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>I have a steering wobble at around 70mph (Disco 200TDi) which I think
>>comes from the swivel pins (have replaced various bushes).
>>
>> According to workshop manual adjusting the preload is done without seal,
>> etc, i.e. with swivel housing removed from axle.
>
> Can be done that way but equally can be done on the axle.
>
>> Is it possible to do on the car, without removing anything? If so, I
>> presume you would need a different value on the spring balance used for
>> pulling the swivel around?
>
> Yes , more force needed to pull it round, but not much more. Don't forget
> the seal should be covered in ep90/grease so there isn't that much
> friction.
>
>> Also, is this a useful exercise, or is it better to replace the pins and
>> bearings? Assuming that if play occurs, there will be wear on the pins?
>
> See how many shims you have in the top first. If theres none you've little
> choice but if you still have a full complement then you have room for
> manouver. I did this on my Rangie and it made it a much nicer drive and
> took the fear factor out of pot holes.
>
> Lee D
>
>
>

In message <[email protected]>, Pieter Vroom
<[email protected]> writes
>Thanks Lee, will give it a go on the car.
>
>Pieter
>
>"Lee_D" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> "Pieter Vroom" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>>I have a steering wobble at around 70mph (Disco 200TDi) which I think
>>>comes from the swivel pins (have replaced various bushes).
>>>
>>> According to workshop manual adjusting the preload is done without seal,
>>> etc, i.e. with swivel housing removed from axle.
>>
>> Can be done that way but equally can be done on the axle.
>>
>>> Is it possible to do on the car, without removing anything? If so, I
>>> presume you would need a different value on the spring balance used for
>>> pulling the swivel around?
>>
I you do it on the axle with everything in situ I usually guess at about
14-18lb at the track rod eye as a good estimate. Get a feel for it - if
the hub has needs a nudge to move left and right it's about ok but if it
flops about under it's own weight it's not good! Oh, and always remember
to stick a jack under the hub to support it while you take the shim(s)
out - stops the oil draining past the swivel seal and all over the floor

--
AndyG