Adviser Pete · Nov 3, 2016

Calling all experienced Defender drivers. Greetings all. Just bought (today) a 2001 90 (County) (100,000 miles and new MOT this week) which is great but concerned about the apparent slack in the steering. When driving on motorway approx. 5 to 10% movement of steering circumference before any apparent movement in the steering. Vendor (expert) tells me that is not unusual ..... and I shouldn't worry....... any advice welcome.

blue beasty · Nov 3, 2016

10%.....30 degrees ish?

Not exactly unusual but not good and needs looking at.

I'd doubt the honesty of an MOT passed with that amount of play.

Flossie · Nov 3, 2016

Easiest way is to get someone to wiggle the steering whilst you look under the bonnet at the UJ's, then at the steering box drop arm, then the ball joints. You will spot where the movement is being lost.
Common place is lost movement in the steering box itself, this can be adjusted out to a certain degree, if the lost movement is anywhere else then parts need replacing but they are cheap generally
.

Adviser Pete · Nov 3, 2016

blue beasty said:
10%.....30 degrees ish?

Not exactly unusual but not good and needs looking at.

I'd doubt the honesty of an MOT passed with that amount of play.

Many thanks. Very helpful. I will be paying the MOT station a visit tomorrow. There were no advisories.

Adviser Pete · Nov 3, 2016

Flossie said:
Easiest way is to get someone to wiggle the steering whilst you look under the bonnet at the UJ's, then at the steering box drop arm, then the ball joints. You will spot where the movement is being lost.
Common place is lost movement in the steering box itself, this can be adjusted out to a certain degree, if the lost movement is anywhere else then parts need replacing but they are cheap generally
.

Thanks for the advice. Very helpful. Will do as suggested (after a visit to the MOT station)

Adviser Pete

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blue beasty

Leaks an prone to bits dropping off

Flossie

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Adviser Pete

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Adviser Pete

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