Thread: Catastrophic Steering box failure!

The only way it could happen is if the shaft snapped,I've seen them lock up on full lock because people tighten the pre-load up but never a shaft failure. Pat

I've had it happen in an F100 Tony, it does get ones attention, doesn't it

In my case I'm pretty sure a bearing cage collapsed, seizing up the works and punching the worm shaft though the end of the 'box.
I ran off the road @90km/h on a gentle bend and luckily didn't hit anything.

I remember reading that the South Americans were breaking their boxes on Defenders, one bloke posted on here about six months or so ago about it asking if anyone had similar issues here.

He'd contacted Adwest and all they could suggest was adapt a DII box as it was stronger.

[edit] Found it, they are shearing the sector shaft http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130...tor-shaft.html

Tony, very happy you weren't injured, I agree the sector shaft would likely have snapped. EVERY vehicle (LR product, obviously) I see that has been in an accident or hit something HARD (Like, insurance job damage etc) through the wheels or steering etc gets a new steering box.

I have even seen a twisted spline at the base ofthe sector shaft on a Defender after meeting a gutter and damaging an alloy rim!

JC

Yep, shaft has broken, just above where the bush runs. Seems years of abuse has caught up.

I've decided to purchase a complete new steering box. (New, not reco)

Not sure how easy it would be adapting a D2 box as delving the unknown to me. After talking to peter from all four X 4, (I get most of my spares from here) I'm not convinced the D2 box will be that much stronger anyway.

Peter says he's only ever seen this once in his 31 years of association with Landrover and was a crack as a result from a prang.

My options were....
Fit a S/H 90 RRC box I have here.
Rebuild my box using a S/H selector for around $120 + bush and seals.
Buy in a S/H unit for around $220 then inspect + fit new seals
Try and fit the D2 box at around $850
Purchase brand new genuine 4 Bolt box for less than D2 Box. I'm surprised how cheap they are new.

The vehicle is in everyday use as helps run this working property so the bolt in option may be better for me ATM.

Just hope this never happens again.

Geez, that'd put the wind up ya.

Glad you're alright.

Originally Posted by Rangier Rover

Had a quick search on this one with no joy as yet. Mods feel free to merge if I've missed it.


Today I had the entire selector shaft and pitman arm drop down out of the steering box in my 120" (4bolt) Lost all steering and left the road as a result. lucky to be alive let alone not take any other innocent people out. (Still a bit shaken)

Just back from recovering the Land Rover, wasn't easy with no steering etc. Now sitting awkwardly on my car trailer feeling sorry. I've never had a paw on the steering box on this vehicle since I've owned it and was dot on to drive. No warning, no rattles, no leaks etc, it just let go.

This has taken my confidence away for a bit till I determine the cause or mode of failure? I have got -25mm offset 8" rims with 12.5x35 tyres. This could be considered as a factor towards the failure.
The vehicle has travelled just under 300000ks.

I'll have it out tomorrow and strip down to hopefully determine the mode of failure.

Anyone had this happen in the past?

Geez Anthony , It's very awkward when you loose your steering like that Glad you're ok.

I'm OK, the fence and a few small trees etc are not!
Few scratches and gouges on the bull bar etc Bit of soil wedged under the vehicle here and there from when we hit a large bank before launching into a fence then taking out 20mtrs of saplings. Must ride well, as nothing fell out of the tray.


The steering selector shaft's resting position.

A new box from the UK seems pretty cost effective, Pat's done this with his old Tdi.
I was checking out prices an hour ago as I was going to drop my box soon to replace a few seals, now I'm wondering.....

JC agrees with you re the DII box (over on the other thread I linked to).