2007+ Steering box backlash adjustment.

[Rick Fischer]

Hiyas

Did go and look at adjusting the steering box backlash.. mmmmm moment!

First, the fan lower shroud and one of the intercooler hoses obstruct the top of the box. A little fiddling and playing finally gives one a view of the top of the box.. Is one of those LR "no room for two bodies, three handed jobs."

Anyway having managed to gain access I discovered that there is no slot or perhaps no internal wrenching for Allen key or Star key. Did see if I could clean out a hole with a scriber of perhaps pull out a plug, to no avail.

Question: In spite of the WS manual for 2007+ saying the box is adjustable and undo lock nut and and adjust center screw, is the box backlash in fact adjustable in the vehicle. If so, will I find an internal wrenching hole in the screw if I persevere; and is it Allen or Star.

cheers

Rick F

[PAT303]

Do not adjust the backlash on LR steering box's ever,they are not the problem.Do a tyre balance first then mechanical issue's such as swivel pre-load and pan-hard rod bushes. Pat

[DazzaTD5]

just some info....

*Its difficult to get to because its a part that hasnt changed, while around it there is a new engine, fan shroud, radiator etc etc.

*I think from memory its an internal allen key.

*BUT all it does is tighten the free play thats in the box, as in you can have loose free play or tight, I dont recommend messing with it to be honest. Even the previous TD5 model its very rare I've had to adjust them, normally only when someone else has tampered with it..

I've not driven a Defender TDCi (puma) that had loose or wishy washy steering, any vibration, feedback or pulling to one side will be tyres, balance or alignment..

Regards
Daz

[Rick Fischer]

will leave well enough alone :0)