whobbly steering

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85Santana3

85Santana3

Active Member
Posts
284
Location
Canada
I was traveling and did not use the Land rover for 3 months and today as I drove it I was amazed at how whobbly the steering is. I did an online search and it looks like reason could be any number of things: bad tires, bad suspension parts, problem with steering components, etc.
Can any one suggest a systematic way to figure out what the problem is?
some additional info:
1985 Santana 3 especial (series III) 3 door petrol model
It wobbles at all speeds and gets worse as speed increases.
Steering has a play (lag/delay/looseness,..)
As I drive it feels like one or more of the wheels are extremely low in air and slide to sides.

Thanks a million in advance
 
thanks for reply. Is there a way to check if it is due to wheel or tires before doing that (without actually changing tires)? Are there any signs that it is due to tires or wheels?
 
To be honest I know the tires are still there but I have not inspected them and as for pressure I think they are OK (visually) I will check them tomorrow morning. At the risk of sounding like a fool: If somebody rocks the steering wheel while I am holding different parts, what should I expect to happen?
 
Don't do what I did and after having all 4 wheels off, put them all back on with the wheels nuts on backwards. The car drove like a clown car; all over the shop. Bloke in tyre shop (took to get tracking done) just laughed at me....... Having said that, the tracking being done can make a world of difference, if they can move the track rod (BIG stillson req'd and Oxyacetylene in my case).

But probably just worn steering components as well making it all worse! :rolleyes:
 
also check the relay isn't loose in the bottom of the crossmember, a mate has a S2 with a loose relay (i gotta sort out the fix) which has pretty vague steering, everything else is fine and i've adjusted the steering box up to the manuals specification

once the bottom of the relay is sorted it should then steer like it's on rails (for an old landrover)
 
OK so I checked everything that was suggested (tx) and here is the update:
tire pressure: front 32 back 40
tire conditions : good no damages or unusual wear pattern
balancing check: could not do
inspection:
passenger wheel is loose needs to tighten/adjust wheel
driver side ball joint needs to change
driver side front leaf springs: 2 are broken
general note: this thing leaks oil practically anywhere oil is present

There goes what was left of my savings
 
85Santana3 said:
OK so I checked everything that was suggested (tx) and here is the update:
tire pressure: front 32 back 40
Click to expand...
--- 88" or 109 ?? in my 88" i run 25 front and 30 rear in my 109 i run 30 front and 40 rear

85Santana3 said:
passenger wheel is loose needs to tighten/adjust wheel
Click to expand...
definitely

85Santana3 said:
driver side ball joint needs to change
Click to expand...
there's some of the play

85Santana3 said:
driver side front leaf springs: 2 are broken
Click to expand...
will probably increase the problem of "bump steer"


85Santana3 said:
general note: this thing leaks oil practically anywhere oil is present
Click to expand...

if it isn't leaking it's doubtful you have any oil in it ;)
 
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