What is this?

Stupid question really but here goes anyway. I have a 1989 110 V8 and it needs a lot of work. At the front, below the front bumper and set back a bit there is a tube that runs parallel with the bumper about 3 inches in diameter. I have seen this on a couple of other 110's but a lot don't seem to have it. Is this just an accessory or what? basically it is rusted through and i want to remove it, if not are replacements available.
It bolts on if that is any help. In this picture of a 110 you can see the item in question. Look forward to your answers.
http://www.speedace.info/automotive_directory/car_images/Land_Rover_Defender.jpg

I think you maybe talking about the steering damper. Does it look like a shock absorber? It takes some of the harsher movements out of the steering when going over bumps in roads/ potholes/off-roading. No you dont have to have it fitted. You can get a replacement unit from about 13quid

It int a steering damper but not sure what it is - could it be one of the bits they fit railway wheels to?...or just a bit of extra underbody protection?

oh yeah, i wasnt really looking to closely. HD tie rod?

it's a steering guard

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LAND-ROVER-DE...ItemQQimsxZ20090404?IMSfp=TL090404129003r8293

bingo!

steering guard

What sean says......

Cheers for that, at least i now know what it is, now the question to replace or remove completely!

norfolksparks said:

Cheers for that, at least i now know what it is, now the question to replace or remove completely!

Click to expand...

if it's rusted through as you've said it's not going to be offering much protection is it

i have a brand new one of them in me stash if you want to replace it

It's actually an extra way to get trapped on tree-stumps.
Clever design too. Guaranteed to cause maximum grief.

CharlesY