I have recently bought a 93 tdi 200 90 and am really pleased with it but have a few questions for you experienced guys.

Is it possible to get the steering on an older landy absolutely 'play -free' or am I expecting too much? I've never driven anything newer tha 10 years old so don't really know what to expect. Vehicle doesn't wander but steering can feel very vague on roads with substantial camber or at speeds above 60mph.

I was thinking of changing wheels as I have MT tyres on at the moment and I'm sure they are not enahancing tarmac stability - have seen some good wheel/tyre combination deals at formula4X4.com - what tyre size would be best for mostly road work?

taz

If yer steering is vague it's probably about as good as it will ever be. Even the good ones need constant correction at the wheel.

Having the swivel pin housing preload set correctly helps a lot,also the steering box has some adjustment but you do have to set this right not just tighten.

Suspension bushes and track rod ends (x4) can all add to vagueness if worn

Absolutely no reason for the steering to be vague if everything is in good condition and set up correctly, anything less is wrong and saying that "they all do that" is just an excuse for not maintaining the vehicle correctly.

The steering on my 1986 90 has always been tight with no wandering or wheel correction required whatsoever.
Ok, the swivels, steering-box, TRE's & bushes etc are not original (not many are on a 32-year old vehicle) but it is not as if they are all brand-new. The steering-box was replaced 15-years ago, the swivels, TRE's & column UJ's about 5-years ago and the bushes about 2-years ago. Tracking is spot-on (garage checked, not DIY) and I keep tyre pressures which suit my vehicle and the load it carries. My current tyres are 265/75x16 Cooper ST Maxx and while they are not as well road mannered as the BFG AT's they replaced they are still a good road going tyre that inspire confidence in any weather and at speeds above your quoted 60MPH. Steering wheel is 14-inch and requires no input at all to maintain a straight line plus the reduced size gives me more elbow room.


Looseness in the steering is always going to make things feel bad so check this thoroughly (best way is to lift the vehicle and then get someone to play with the steering while you go through all the components to see if you can detect any wear). With that sorted then turn you attention to the suspension, worn shocks and/or bushes make a huge difference and if you are in any doubt then you should consider a suspension overhaul which does not have to be expensive and is well within the scope of a keen newcomer. Standard shocks & springs are the perfect place to start unless you know that you will frequently be carrying heavy loads in which case HD standard height rears are a good alternative. Is your suspension standard or has it been lifted in the past as this can have an effect?
Are your existing tyres matched (ie. the same type) and at the correct pressures? You say you are considering changing them but before you do this you have to be certain that you know what you are going to do with the vehicle. No point going for an MT if the vehicle rarely ventures off the tarmac, better to go for an AT or even a road biased tyre. Be honest with yourself and choose the best tyre for you.

Plenty you can check before spending money but just remember, they CAN drive nicely.

What he said...There should be no absolutely no play at the steering wheel in the straight ahead position.