I have recently changed my steering box and had a similar problem. In my case, I had a lot of difficulty in getting the drop arm onto the steering box output shaft tightly enough. When I turned the steering from lock to lock with the wheels on the ground to create some load on the steering, the drop arm was rocking on the output shaft causing a "clunk" and similar symptoms to what you describe. I'm still tightening the drop arm securing nut periodically when the "clunk" comes back. I suspect my new drop arm does not have very well machined splines or the wrong draft on the splined hole.
During my investigations I also found that the drag link ball joint was not as tightly into the recess in the drag link as I initally thought. I had to put another washer below the castle nut to ensure that split pin located between the castellations on the nut once it was tight enough. Before I fixed this there was extra play in the steering.
If you haven't done any work on the steering connections, double check the drop arm securing nut and the lock washer. Also check other linkages for play and that the steering fluid is correctly topped up.
If it's none of the above, it may be a fault within the box in which case you might want to swap it for a reconditioned one.
Hope that helps.
During my investigations I also found that the drag link ball joint was not as tightly into the recess in the drag link as I initally thought. I had to put another washer below the castle nut to ensure that split pin located between the castellations on the nut once it was tight enough. Before I fixed this there was extra play in the steering.
If you haven't done any work on the steering connections, double check the drop arm securing nut and the lock washer. Also check other linkages for play and that the steering fluid is correctly topped up.
If it's none of the above, it may be a fault within the box in which case you might want to swap it for a reconditioned one.
Hope that helps.
Oh yes. And check the mounting arm bolts and steering box bolts are done up. The manual for my 300Tdi says that the mounting arm bolts need tightening then slackening off a whole turn. It was very loose when I did this so I've tightened them up so that they're just biting. This should minimise too much movement on the box as you're turning which could cause some asymmetry in the steering sensitivity.
nobbyraw
New Member
Ok thanks for the info will have a look at all fittings on the steering. I have got some new track rod ends to fit to hopefully help reduce the problem! If it don't help then I will consult neil over at Wiltshire land rovers and see if he can sort me out with another steering box.. Cheers
