 | Home > Technical > Steering issue. Intermittently heavy, no self-centering |
 
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| familymad Member Since: 13 Dec 2011 Location: Bucks Posts: 3481   
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Steering box
Steering damper Swivel tension Oil or grease in swivels lacking 1951 80" S1 2.0 1995 110 300TDI 1995 90 300TDI |
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30th Sep 2021 10:47am |
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| Dinnu Member Since: 24 Dec 2019 Location: Lija Posts: 3469  
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Perhaps it is a good idea to still take the front diff fill plug off and have a peep inside.
With handbrake applied and one of the front wheels off the ground, you should be able to rotate that wheel freely. If not check that your center diff lock is not engaged, which could manifest with same symptoms - although the warning light should also come on (warning light is on the speedo face). 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing 2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black |
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30th Sep 2021 10:47am |
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| jpboost Member Since: 13 Apr 2021 Location: Gatwick Posts: 377  
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It's definitely a sudden change.
The difflock light isn't on (and it works), but I wonder if it's possible to have knocked the lever a tiny bit so it's almost engaging. The lack of self-centering is certainly similar to driving in diff-lock (although it's something i rarely use). I'll try to get some time this evening to have proper look under it. Although most of my tools are miles away in a lockup, so I may be limited to what I can do! |
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30th Sep 2021 11:01am |
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| blackwolf Member Since: 03 Nov 2009 Location: South West England Posts: 17541 
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This is very reminiscent of the time when my front 2-gear diff broke up, and if you find nothing else obviously wrong I strongly suggest jacking both front wheels of the ground to check the operation of the diff. It isn't fun when it fails completely whilst you are driving!
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30th Sep 2021 12:57pm |
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| rallysteve Member Since: 10 Feb 2014 Location: Cumbria Posts: 2238 
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Have had a similar experience with a 2.2tdci engine in a car. It was the PAS drive belt slipping occasionally and causing intermittent loss of assistance. From memory on my transverse engine the PAS pump was driven off the gearbox end of the camshaft though whereas I think the longitudinal puma engines have a more conventionally located pump. Worth checking the belt condition and tension though.
Steve 02' 110 TD5 Double Cab Rebuild Thread |
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30th Sep 2021 1:05pm |
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| jpboost Member Since: 13 Apr 2021 Location: Gatwick Posts: 377
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Thanks BlackWolf.
I'd definitely like to avoid total steering failure if I can... Dinnu suggests (above) checking each front separately. Are you referring to the same, or something additional with both wheels off the ground simultaneously? Thanks Jon |
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30th Sep 2021 1:07pm |
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| hank Member Since: 12 Sep 2016 Location: South Wales Posts: 2314 
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I was getting a heaviness in steering a few weeks ago. Was knackered panhard rod bushes
> 110 XS Double Cab |
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30th Sep 2021 1:09pm |
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| blackwolf Member Since: 03 Nov 2009 Location: South West England Posts: 17541
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You can check the diff operation lifting one. With one wheel lifted and the CDL disengaged, spinning one wheel should spin the propshaft and it should be smooth. If the diff has failed and locked, you won't be able to spin the wheel. If the diff is in the process of failing, expect grinding and notchiness. |
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30th Sep 2021 2:39pm |
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| jpboost Member Since: 13 Apr 2021 Location: Gatwick Posts: 377
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So, following some investigation (in the rain...)
The PS reservoir has plenty of clean fluid in it. There are no leaks visible at any part of the steering system Both front wheels have no play in terms of wheel bearings or swivels. Both front wheels rotate freely, and smoothly. (A relief!) Panhard bushes seem ok (but hard to tell without moving them) Unfortunately there's nobody about to wiggle the steering for me, so the various bush checks were static. As I'm less rushed (i.e. not trying to get to work or get a toddler to childcare), I took a step back and tried to check exactly what I was experiencing. It was then I noticed that the steering is also 'not right' when at a standstill, so I think also this rules out the diff.. The steering UJs look a bit dry/crusty. Could these be the problem? A bit more searching on the forum does suggest that these could possibly be at fault, but can these really fail/seize overnight? So I sprayed some grease (unfortunately I don't have any WD40 or penetrating oil here) into and onto both the upper and lower UJs. I don't think it's made much of a difference, but that may just be as the grease I used isn't thin enough to have got into the joints. I think, from this, I either need to replace the steering coupler, and/or the steering pump. Is there any way I can test the pump? Thanks |
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30th Sep 2021 6:10pm |
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| landy andy Member Since: 15 Feb 2009 Location: Ware, Herts Posts: 5789 
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Lubricant the UJ’s on the steering wheel to steering box shaft (under bonnet). Especially if the engine bay gets washed.
You’ll may be surprised by a cheap spray of grease/oil. |
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30th Sep 2021 6:21pm |
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| Race.it Member Since: 27 Aug 2019 Location: Algeciras Posts: 827  
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I have done the bush checks in the past by putting a mobile with video recording looking at the area then wiggle the wheel and then replay the video Searching for my first Defender...and started just as Covid hit, so talk about timing.
5 months after starting the search I found it, and here is the details |
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30th Sep 2021 6:54pm |
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| jpboost Member Since: 13 Apr 2021 Location: Gatwick Posts: 377
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That's a really good idea.
I'll give that a go over the weekend. |
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1st Oct 2021 7:10am |
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| Caterham Member Since: 06 Nov 2008 Location: Birmingham Posts: 6316  
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If you think it feels like the diff lock then don't rule it out. Took me almost 100k miles to realise mine was occasionally locking. |
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1st Oct 2021 7:27am |
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| jpboost Member Since: 13 Apr 2021 Location: Gatwick Posts: 377
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2 weeks on, and i thought I'd better update this:
The more I drove it, the more I thought the stiffness was a bit notchy and definitely was there when stationary. So, my money was on it being the steering UJs. So I ordered the steering shaft lower section (inc both UJs and the expensive heat shield). I've not had time to fit it yet, but over the last week, the steering has gone back to normal. I can only assume the grease i sprayed has gradually worked into the joints and freed them up a bit. I'll still fit the new part (as it's sitting in boot), but the panic is off. Any tips on fitting? How long should I expect it to take - I don't have access to a ramp so I'll be working on the drive. |
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18th Oct 2021 1:58pm |
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