Disco 1 Steering

[pug303]

Hi, Our 300tdi seems to have become stiffer in the steering and I'm wondering about causes. Jacked up it seems to be stiffer to move from lock to lock, even with the steering wheel. On the road it doesn't centre as easy. Alignment is Ok.

Has done 230,000km. Are we looking for a steering box or could it be the bearings in the front hub swivels.

Thoughts please.

Thanks

Cheers

Jim

[Quiggers]

Anything leaking there, pug303? What condition is the power steering fluid?

I have probs with the steering in mine but while its annoying, I'm not going near it yet. There has been discussion about ths issue here not so long ago.

Cheers, GQ

[PhilipA]

We should have this in the FAQs!!!
The first place to look is the universal joints in the steering column. One is just above the steering box and one near the firewall. Give them a good dose of WD40 and see if that helps, or better still take them off and inspect for stiffness, play etc.
That is by far the most common cause. If not that get back, anyway let us know how you go.
Regards Philip A

[jf1056]

At 230000k, have a look at the steering damper. If its the original, probably ineffective and could by now be starting to bind. Mine did, Bilstein fixed it.

[pug303]

Hi, the steering column unis get regular doses of WD40 as I am aware of that problem.

Steering damper is a fairly new OME, so no problem there.

Steering box has had a couple of seals in the past but isn't leaking at present.

I'll keep fishing and let you all know what I find.

Cheers

Jim

[MacMan]

You haven't tightened the steering box too much have you? It does need a tiny amount of play for smooth lock to lock travel.