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JoolsB

Member Since: 28 Mar 2020
Location: The North
Posts: 162

2011 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 HT Orkney Grey

Wobbly steering wheel?

Hi all, I wonder if anyone can help. I have a 2011 2.4 Puma and I've got a bit of a wobble on the steering wheel. There is no issue with the steering itself, at any speed, it's just that when I'm stationary I can grip the wheel at the quarter to three or half past twelve positions and rock it from side to side and get, maybe up to 5mm play - almost like it's loose on the steering column - except that it isn't. If it makes any difference, it's a 14" momo, not the stock wheel. I've only noticed this recently, which leads me to believe something in the steering column is loose.

Any ideas where to start would be appreciated.

Thanks

14th May 2020 1:29pm

Co1

Member Since: 19 Aug 2018
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 3667

I don’t think that is an issue at all. Try pumping up the tyres a bit and see if it goes away.

14th May 2020 4:48pm

JoolsB

Member Since: 28 Mar 2020
Location: The North
Posts: 162

I'll give it a go, cheers.

14th May 2020 5:27pm

blackwolf

Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17314

2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey

Do you mean that you can rock it back and forth as through you were steering, or back and forth as in towards you and away from you?

If the former you may just be feeling the slack that is needed to operate that power assistance valves in the box. If the latter you have a serious problem!

14th May 2020 5:42pm

JoolsB

Member Since: 28 Mar 2020
Location: The North
Posts: 162

It's the latter and it works side to side too - if I didn't know better, I would say that it feels like the steering wheel isn't fully set on the splines. Like I say there's only a few mm of movement and steering response at any and all speeds and under load is fine. I'm not sure if this is a recent development although I think I would have noticed it previously if it was there.

I'm going to be home tomorrow so will have a chance to get at it and have a proper look - if anyone could tell me what I'm looking for - over and above the obvious.

Cheers

15th May 2020 8:02am

blackwolf

Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17314

OK, that is serious and needs sorting as a matter of priority and before you drive it.

First step is to remove the centre cap or pad from the steering wheel (it should just pry out carefully) to expose the nut at the top of the column. Then waggle the wheel and see if the wheel is moving relative to the nut. You may find that it is worth putting a finger over the nuts and wheel since it is often possible to feel movement you cant see.

If you're luck, you will fine that this is where the movement is, in which case tightening the nuts will probably fix it. Even if you can't see or fell movement, check that the nut is tight (not crazy tight since the wheel actually sits on a taper, but firmly tight).

If the wheel is solid on the column, as established by the above, then it is most likely that the top bearing in the column has failed. This unfortunately is a bigger repair since as far as I know the bearing cannot be replaced on its own and the upper column is likely to need renewing. I would suggest doing the test above first, then reporting back to this thread with the result, then we'll either celebrate with you if you've fixed it or offer further guidance if you haven't!

Hope this helps.

15th May 2020 8:19am

JoolsB

Member Since: 28 Mar 2020
Location: The North
Posts: 162

Righto, better have a look then. Cheers, will let you know how it goes.

15th May 2020 8:40am

JoolsB

Member Since: 28 Mar 2020
Location: The North
Posts: 162

Well, after all that, it was the nut on the splined shaft that had loosened a little bit.

Many thanks Blackwolf - I was happily assuming that the fixing nut couldn't be loose because when I put it on, I had properly tightened it.

Valuable lesson - don't assume just because you tightened the

out of something on a Defender, it will remain tight!

15th May 2020 10:57am

blackwolf

Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17314

I'm glad it was the cheap solution, not the expensive one!

15th May 2020 11:55am

Co1

Member Since: 19 Aug 2018
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 3667

Yep, by far the best result you could have hoped for!!

15th May 2020 12:53pm

JoolsB

Member Since: 28 Mar 2020
Location: The North
Posts: 162

blackwolf wrote:
I'm glad it was the cheap solution, not the expensive one!

Great, more money to spend on bits that I don't need then

15th May 2020 1:58pm

Ads90

Member Since: 16 Jun 2008
Location: Cots-on-the-Wolds
Posts: 809

2007 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 CSW Keswick Green

Is there a recommended torque for the steering wheel nut?

15th May 2020 3:15pm

JoolsB

Member Since: 28 Mar 2020
Location: The North
Posts: 162

Given my experience, I've just gone for FT

15th May 2020 4:27pm

Naks

Member Since: 27 Jan 2009
Location: Stellenbosch, ZA
Posts: 2626

2010 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 SW Alpine White

Also check the Panhard Rod and bushes

--
2010 Defender Puma 90 + BAS remap + Alive IC + Slickshift + Ashcroft ATB rear
2015 Range Rover Sport V8 Supercharged

Defender Puma Workshop Manual: https://bit.ly/2zZ1en9
Discovery 4 Workshop Manual: https://bit.ly/2zXrtKO
Range Rover/Sport L320/L322/L494 Workshop Manual: https://bit.ly/2zc58JQ

15th May 2020 4:37pm

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