Tight........

Hi, been on the forum for years, but just bought myself a Series 3 Lightweight after selling my last one 10 years ago.
I've just put it through it's MOT which it passed first time. The problem I have is that when I drive it down the road it seems very tight - like the brakes are on, or like it's stuck in FWD. However, all the brakes are free, all fluids changed in gearbox , axles engine etc.
FWD system works fine, engaging in and out no problem .
It had stood for 3 years in a warehouse before I bought it without being turned over , just being pushed in and out every morning and evening.
I did have to replace the fuel tanks due to corrosion. Just wondering whether there could be surface rusting on internal components that could be causing the problem . Could continual use help "loosen" the vehicle up?
Ian

Is it on original crossply tires,if you are used to radials then it may feel tight also check pressure.

tottot said:

Is it on original crossply tires,if you are used to radials then it may feel tight also check pressure.

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It's just had a set of new radials fitted, the original Military Good Year tyres were perished. But thanks for the input.
The steering also seems heavy - I know I'm used to power steering , but it seemes excessively so.

It's going to have heavy steering, people in hatchbacks with out power steering moan, a landrover that is heavier and has wider tyres will have heavy steering, I understand there could be another issue though e.g. No oil in your steering box.

I mean it's heavier compared to any of the previous Series Land Rovers I've owned (12 over the years). At a stand still it's almost impossible to turn the wheel.I have replaced the fluid as a matter of course along with all other fluids However, it's the stiffness/tightness throughout the whole drivetrain that is worrying me.

Lift the front and see what the steering feels like, if it is tight remove a steering arm from the hub and have a feel of the swivel tension. Remove two screws from the top of the relay and fill with EP90. A process of elimination will find any tight spots. My money is on a dry relay.

Do you think its possible that you've forgotten what they're like to drive?
I always feel my s3 diesel is the same....come off the gas and it slows like the brakes are on. Don't use brakes much! Gets just a little better when all oils are hot in diffs etc.

Land Raver said:

Do you think its possible that you've forgotten what they're like to drive?
I always feel my s3 diesel is the same....come off the gas and it slows like the brakes are on. Don't use brakes much! Gets just a little better when all oils are hot in diffs etc.

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Possibly ! Forward momentum seems very laboured and it feels like I'm towing a bus behind me.In contrast, when I climbed behind the wheel of my Td4 Freelander straight afterwards I suddenly got the feeling of driving a super sleak sports car! So I suppose it may be the fact I've got used to driving more modern vehicles (all Land Rovers I hasten to add). But I still have this nagging feeling telling me my last Lightweight was never this slow..............

have you tried pressing clutch to see how it freewheels or doesnt and slows quick

Your steering sounds like a dry or seized relay to me, where it turns through the chassis.

Thanks for all the replies. I'm off the weekend. I'll get it up on axle stands and check all the steering. I'll let you all know what I find in due course.

My money is with divie on a dry relay. My s3 had sat for 15yrs prior to me getting it and the drive home was fun to say the least, massive steering effort required. Now with the proper oil (or at least some oil) in the really it's hardly fingertip effort but very much what it should be. Hope you get her sorted at the weekend!

Just a thought - it is actually going into 2wd? If it's stood for a while the internals of the transfer box or its operating mechanism can seize up so it appear to be in 2wd but isn't. Did you check the transfer box levels - it's a different filler plug from the main box.
Well worth checking the steering box, relay and swivel hubs. With the front wheels off the ground you should be able to track down any stiffness in the steering.

oxides said:

Just a thought - it is actually going into 2wd? If it's stood for a while the internals of the transfer box or its operating mechanism can seize up so it appear to be in 2wd but isn't. Did you check the transfer box levels - it's a different filler plug from the main box.
Well worth checking the steering box, relay and swivel hubs. With the front wheels off the ground you should be able to track down any stiffness in the steering.

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wouldnt it being in 4wd make the steering tighter on the tarmac too??

CarlosVanDango said:

wouldnt it being in 4wd make the steering tighter on the tarmac too??

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I'd describe it as heavier, but yes.

Not had chance to do anything yet, but hopefully I can have a look tomorrow (Tuesday).
It was in 4wd when I bought it, with the clutch pedal to the floor. It was driven around once the cluch slave cylinder was replaced and bled up and 4wd disengaged. Was just wondering whether there may have been any trans wind up, as it seems to have been left in 4wd for the last 3 years, every day being pushed in and out of a unit every day.
Forgive me if this is nonsense, it's been donkey's years since I owned my last series Landy and I've forgotten more than I can remember.