Sloppy steering fixed.

[PeterH]

My steering was feeling pretty sloppy and my LHS front tyre was showing signs of uneven ware, so while my 2001 HSE was in at the mechanics getting other things done, I thought I'd let them deal with that as well.
They replaced the top ball joints on both sides, as well as all the tie rod ends, including new shafts and a wheel alignment.
Without exaggerating, it really feels like a new car to drive now, I can't believe the difference. It really is a pleasure to drive again!
I guess these things wear slowly over time, so you don't really notice until it gets bad enough.
So if your steering is feeling a bit so-so, might be time to check out what is going on under there.
Cheers, Pete.

[poleonpom]

nice one. mine's feeling pretty woolly too, how many km's do you have on yours?

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[UK_P38]

I found a small tightening, 1/8th turn, on the bearing preload screw on the steering box (hex head with a nut surround on top of the box) made a huge difference also...

[PeterH]

Poleopom, mine is heading towards the 200k mark, so thought best to do it properly.
I'll be needing a new set of tyres soonish, so probably a good move to have the front end sorted before new tyres go on.
The lower ball joints were fine on mine, but the upper ones were on the way out.
Cheers, Pete.

[jezza89]

Having a similar problem with my 2001 HSE, steering is very sloppy and not very precise. My mechanic pointed out that some steering links were worn but I have not got around to replacing.

I've replaced most of the suspension components on my Subaru, so I am hoping the Land rover stuff is similar.

[poleonpom]

Hey Pete,

Thanks for letting me know, mine's coming up to 180k so it's in the same ballpark - going to have a good look around.

BTW, maybe a good idea to change your brake lines if you haven't already done so - mine split recently and the car has had a relatively easy life

[PeterH]

I'll check the brake lines out, they would be the original ones on mine still.
I guess 11 years is a pretty good innings for parts like that, I was thinking of giving the brakes a bleed anyway, might be a good time to replace the lines.
Cheers, Pete.

[PeterH]

Jezza89, I don't think it would be too hard to replace those bits, as long as you have a ball joint popper, the rest should be straight forward.
The tie rod ends were pretty seized on to the shafts on mine, so they opted to get two new shafts, they come as a set including tie rod ends.
At least there is room to move under a P38, probably much tighter space under a Subaru.
I can't believe the difference to how it was, it really feels like a new car to drive now.
The wheel alignment was out as well on mine, I had got into the habit of compensating for it pulling to the left and being loose, I have to readjust my steering habits now!

[mtb_gary]

I've just checked under the car last night after doing a clean from the weekend before and noticed some of the rubber boots on the ball joints and steering are becoming perished, and in a couple of cases actually split....not good .
Looking around the usual on line sites for replacement parts there are a couple of brands that are available. Which one is the best? Both seem to claim they are superior?
Britpart or Lemforder
Gary

[lardy]

Lemforder are the way forward, britpart are good enough in many cases, but seem to allow plenty of variables in their production execution