Disco 1 Interesting steering issue

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wolf

Active Member
Posts
212
Location
Victoria, British Coiumbia
I have been noticing a definite need for my Disco I to start drifting, rather nastily, at highway speeds (i.e., 60 mph) when I take my foot off the accelerator (no brake applied) - in other words - during deceleration. Now, I have had a leaking steering box for several years and I just kept pouring fluid in it and not worrying about it as I had a rebuilt steering-box standing by. Lately, that leak has become pronounced so I think, regardless of the drifting issue, its time to change out that old steering box. My question remains: - can there be other things/malfunctions that cause this unhappy and un-steerable drift (un-steerable, at least, for about two seconds which seems an eternity at highway speed) to occur? Malfunctions such as a seizing or seized front prop-shaft that has been working at too great an angle for too long owing to suspension boost of 2 inches)? Or - maybe improperly set front bearing preload (bearings replaced about a year ago)? Any and all ideas welcome.
 
... and A-frame bushes and mounts ..

First check would be tyres, tyre pressures and wheelnuts .. ;)
 
Panhard rod bushes.
The bushes theme continues and so I will check it out; many thanks for your help.
Panhard rod bushes.
Maybe that weld repair has "re-broken"??
No; they are good but, as per the consensus of posts here, other bushings are looking a lot worse for wear. I will replace them a let you guys know what that accomplished. Thanks for the input all the same!
 
You guys are terrific! Thanks for all the helpful input as the bushes in question (as per your posts) all look way "too-long-in-the-tooth" as they are shrunken and battered. I have stared at them many a time when under the vehicle for various reasons and it never occurred to me to check them. There's nearly enough room in some of them to permit ye olde disco to crab-walk down the highway! Many thanks to all of you!
 
Hello Wolf. As the guys have said replace these worn bushes but after doing it get the geometry checked. I don't mean tracking, that just tells you if the front wheels are inline with the rear, it doesn't tell you if the axles are inline with the chassis. I replaced both rear link bar bushes and they looked fine. However I got steering problems were I couldn't align my steering wheel, had it tracked several times only to be told the tracking was spot on, but the inner front tyres kept scrubbing. When I had the geometry checked the problem was the rear axle wasn't inline with the chassis. Three 2mm shims under the mounting plate squared it all up and all the steering problems disappeared. Who would have thought 2mm would make that much difference, but it did. Its worth having it checked. Hope this will help.
 
Hello Wolf. As the guys have said replace these worn bushes but after doing it get the geometry checked. I don't mean tracking, that just tells you if the front wheels are inline with the rear, it doesn't tell you if the axles are inline with the chassis. I replaced both rear link bar bushes and they looked fine. However I got steering problems were I couldn't align my steering wheel, had it tracked several times only to be told the tracking was spot on, but the inner front tyres kept scrubbing. When I had the geometry checked the problem was the rear axle wasn't inline with the chassis. Three 2mm shims under the mounting plate squared it all up and all the steering problems disappeared. Who would have thought 2mm would make that much difference, but it did. Its worth having it checked. Hope this will help.
Thanks Zuggy - will do on that geometry.
BTW - I have only done that front Panhard and it already made a difference but I know the rest have to be done to - however - I had to go buy a press as paying the local garage for merely pushing in bushings was downright highway robbery: i.e., two bushings (old ones out - new ones in - about a ten minute job since I delivered Panhard and bushings to the garage) cost me $59.00 Canadian which would be the same as you paying 59.00 Pounds. Also, that was at a local garage, not the LR/Jaguar Stealership - where I would have paid twice that again. So, I have my new press and will be merrily working my way through all the bushings. Again, many thanks for helpful 'heads-up' on that axel geometry.
 
I will let you guys know how things work-out as I proceed with this bushing replacement work and, if any, what pitfalls to look out for when its time on for such work on your own Landies. This will take a bit however as I am also finishing up a total overhaul on the multi-function trailer my Disco tows tools, garbage and everything else under the sun, in.
 
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