Is my steering heavy or normal?

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MrJC

MrJC

Well-Known Member
Posts
1,241
Location
Near Wigan Lancs. 1997 Defender 110 300tdi
I have looked at previous threads re heavy steering.... my problem is that I have only ever driven one Land Rover Defender so I have nothing to compare it with.
I have a standard set up including tyres on a 1994 90 300tdi. The streering seems a bit heavy but consistant in all weathers. At walking pace speeds and up to say 15mph if I do a right or left turn and let go of the steering wheel it does not straighten up 'on its own'.
I had put this down to the permanent 4 wheel drive? But I am not so sure.
I haven't checked or replaced the steering oils so no idea whats in it. Steering is heavier than anything else I have driven with power steering. Is this about right? Does your steering self centre at low speeds?
 
No expert chap, but would expect a certain amount of self correction. Do you have a steering guard? Once had a prob whereby drop arm and associated bits were stopping steering operating correctly
 
kwhajh said:
No expert chap, but would expect a certain amount of self correction. Do you have a steering guard? Once had a prob whereby drop arm and associated bits were stopping steering operating correctly
Click to expand...
Yes I have a steering gaurd but it was fitted about 6 months ago... pretty sure its okay as the steering has been the same for a year now. I will take a look at that thank you:)
 
Might be just the way your landy is ?
But you can jack the front end up and axle stand it - see if its easyish to turn the steering then by hand at the road wheels .

If not Id start checking ball joints / swivels and steering UJs for tightness ( case of take the ball joint/s off and check for free movement and both hubs etc )

Had siezed ball joint on my brothers drag link . and Steering UJs tight on my one that made the steering heavy .

Worth a look if nothing else :) .
 
My steering is temperemental, it almost judders to the speed of the enginge sometimes when stood still on tickover. When i go wading the power steering goes completly for a few minute till it dries out. Can one hand it round corners though when doing 5 - 10 mph when feeling lucky. But like steve said it does'nt self centre as easy as a car though, i.e a fiesta.
 
I took another look at my steering the other day..... it had been parked up for 2 weeks and the steering was stiffer than normal but after a while it losened up. I have taken it out 3 times since and it is back to its 'normal' stiffish self.

It seems tightest when going straight on at any speed and after a quarter turn it becomes easier.

I jacked it up when cold and tried the steering. It turned easy enough although very slightly lumpy. While still jacked up I started the engine and found no noticable difference in resistance when I turned the steering wheel.

Fluid levels are fine.... fluid is pink and clear, no leaks. Its only since getting my 110 and comparing the steering this has bothered me. The 110 steering is very easy.

Should I notice any change in the steering when jacked up, engine on...engine off?

Any suggestions on what to do next or is it maybe 'just the way my Landy is'?
 
I had a similar problem on my 90, i had tight spots in the steering at about half a turn in either direction.

Turned out to be the Steering Uj's from memory there is 3 in the engine bay you can get to with a can of WD40 with a long straw.
Gave em a good soaking and all is well now.

BearDy
 
Yup as you look at the engine it runs down the left hand side,
lots of bent pieces of metal bar with i think 3 UJ's.

Give them a good lubricate and soak and see if that helps.

BearDy
 
Given it a good soaking with GT85.....just a short drive around the block and it does seem slightly easier. Given it another dose and will leave overnight.
Thinking back when it was jacked up the tightness was in the same positions engine on or off as well as when driving. Lets see how that goes overnight. Cheers for that

Can anyone tell me if when front jacked up you should notice significant difference in the steering when the engine is off and then running? Mine seems about the same.
 
MrJC If your steering U/Js are siezing ( like mine where ) dont f*ck with them just replace - there only £11 each . I almost crashed mine when they locked up on me for a second .

when I took em off i couldnt even move them by hand ....... New ones you can push around with your fingers
 
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I will look hard at the collapsible steering column first? It looks reasonable to look at so how can I tell if it needs replacement? I know people have replaced them (Buster has) but for what reason? Was it giving tight steering or somehow failed?
 
MrJC said:
I will look hard at the collapsible steering column first? It looks reasonable to look at so how can I tell if it needs replacement? I know people have replaced them (Buster has) but for what reason? Was it giving tight steering or somehow failed?
Click to expand...

he wanted to fit a newer style steering wheel - from what i can remember
 
sypher said:
MrJC If your steering U/Js are siezing ( like mine where ) dont f*ck with them just replace - there only £11 each . I almost crashed mine when they locked up on me for a second .

when I tool em off i couldnt even move them by hand ....... New ones you can push around with your fingers
Click to expand...

Just read this after my last post..... I think this could be a very good place to start and work down! :eek: Many thanks!
 
MrJC said:
I will look hard at the collapsible steering column first? It looks reasonable to look at so how can I tell if it needs replacement? I know people have replaced them (Buster has) but for what reason? Was it giving tight steering or somehow failed?
Click to expand...

Might of been coz they where worn , its an easy job to do but as from what you discribed the steering being lumpy ( tight-loose-tight and so on ) id go straight to them U/Js for sure .

Just read this after my last post..... I think this could be a very good place to start and work down! Many thanks!
Click to expand...

No probs , without looking a busters how to page to see how he did it - I'd use a chisel in the clamp part to slightly spread it after removing the clampp bolts Fully , ( dont go smacking the hell out of it as you'll damage the shaft splines below ) . :)
 
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there is a screw/bolt on top of the steering box. this adjusts the 'slop' in the steering. some people don't realise and tighten it right up making steering stiff and horrible. maybe someone has messed with this? has it always been bad or is it a new problem?
 
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