Baxter · May 6, 2019

My defender is driving me nuts haha!

This problem happened before its full service, new shocks replaced, four new tyres, and wheel alignment. All done recently.

The steering still feels vague, especially when I get to 60/70mph. The vehicle feels like its wandering left to right. It never used to do this. Steering wheel just feels loose and I don't have full control. It needs to go back to my local garage as its definitely not right.

Any ideas here?

Thanks

tottot · May 6, 2019

Check for play in any of the steering joints and steering box with wheels straight ahead. Check steering column UJ's. Check swivel housing preload. All bushes front and rear axle.

Litch · May 6, 2019

As above, a little wear in any of these items can cause the symptoms you describe.

From what you say, this started before you had the service and parts replaced but now it is no better?
Are tyre pressures ok (start with the simplest thing first)?

How long before someone comes along and says:- "they all do that, it's a Land Rover after all".

Baxter · May 6, 2019

Thanks.

I've listed those parts mentioned by Tottot and name drop them at the garage.

Yes the symptoms were before the service and parts changed. No prior to what I'm experiencing the steering was very solid and I was in full control. Theres definitely something wrong.

Baxter · May 6, 2019

Litch said:
As above, a little wear in any of these items can cause the symptoms you describe.

From what you say, this started before you had the service and parts replaced but now it is no better?
Are tyre pressures ok (start with the simplest thing first)?

How long before someone comes along and says:- "they all do that, it's a Land Rover after all".

I took air out of the tyres and running them on 35psi and still no difference.

slomofo · May 6, 2019

I’d be getting that Garage to prove the wheel alignment is spot on.......

What you may find is everything that was slightly worn (bushes/steering damper/etc) will be more noticeable now - personally i’d look at steering drop arm ball joint & drag link first.

Birdbrain · May 6, 2019

Also check panhard rod bushes

dag019 · May 7, 2019

slomofo said:
I’d be getting that Garage to prove the wheel alignment is spot on.......

I would also be checking they have performs the alignment correctly. Unlike a modern car with a rack you cannot centre the steering using the wheel. You need to centre the steering box and then make all the adjustments with the box centred.

I would also check the panrod bushes as suggested above, and possible the radius arms. you can get some very odd symptoms when the bushes start to degrade.

300bhp/ton · May 7, 2019

Baxter said:
My defender is driving me nuts haha!

This problem happened before its full service, new shocks replaced, four new tyres, and wheel alignment. All done recently.

The steering still feels vague, especially when I get to 60/70mph. The vehicle feels like its wandering left to right. It never used to do this. Steering wheel just feels loose and I don't have full control. It needs to go back to my local garage as its definitely not right.

Any ideas here?

Thanks

Sounds like a worn steering box I'm afraid. Basically if you hold the wheel and not move it and the vehicle steers one way or another. Or when it steers you turn the wheel to correct and it seems to steer the other way. Not very nice on the road.

However it is worth checking other bits too as steering boxes are pricey. Check there is no play on the hub, either bearings, swivel or even loose flange nuts on the axle flange.

Also check for play/excess wear on the radius arm bushes front/rear and the panhard rod.

johnlad · May 7, 2019

Check the rear trailing arm bushes, can cause rear wheel steer

Rodeo Joe · May 7, 2019

Nut and bolt rebuild....only way to cure it

Baxter · May 15, 2019

It was the NS trailing arm bush that had a lot of play in it. Both bushes replaced have now been replaced and steering back to normal.

Thanks for your comments.

bigfatsi · May 16, 2019

I've just had this issue. Would wander and be really light to steer. Slightest bump or wind would have it moving around. Issue was that the swivel preload was too slack. Set them up (Shim out of each side was needed) and it's straight and steady. Cost nowt!

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