All over the road.

[sflash868]

After doing research on the site I have replaced: panhard bushings, tie rod ends, dampener. I have also had three alignments done and changed the radius arm bushings..

Here is what's going on. Truck's steering is extremely loose. I have to move the wheel from about 11 to 1 to keep it straight. When I hit the brakes it usually pulls to the left. When cruising 90% of the time the wheel has to be turned at 1 o'clock to go straight however every now and then the wheel will need to be centered to go straight. I've read threads about swivel preload but I have no idea how to check this or set it. Can someone describe this process? What about the hub nut? What's the proper "torque" process for the hub?

My only other thought is a terrible alignment job. Eye balling it seems that there is considerable toe out but I doubt my eye is the way to go on this. All the alignments were done by the same shop. Any other thoughts?
Thank you.

[jimmy salmon]

loosen the nut on top of the steering box and screw down the center bolt with an allen key till all play is gone

[Ragland]

My wheel bearings were tightened, along with having a front end alignment. This helped considerably with road wandering. Lots of parts get loose, though.

[RyanS]

+1 on possibly a loose steering box.

When the truck is parked, can you see the tires moving when you turn the steering wheel from 11 to 1 o'clock? Or is it mostly free play? If it's free play, you should try adjusting the steering box as Jimmy mentioned. Or it might be time for a new box.

[JSBriggs]

As far as having it aligned, the only adjustmet on a Land Rover is toe, and that can be done with a tape measure. Im guesing its a combination of your steering box being loose, and your suspension bushing being worn (front and rear).

Are you getting any death wobble?

-Jeff

[sflash868]

No death wobble. There is play in the wheel when the truck parked and off. What would cause play in the box? Regarding the toe adjustment, how much should the front be vs. the rear (front.rear regarding to the front tires)


A while back I blew a wheel bearing and replaced it myself. About 10K miles later I was diagnosing a squeal and noticed the hub not got loose and there was a half inch of play top to bottom. What is the proper procedure for tightening the hub nut so that I don't loose a wheel on the highway?

[rover4x4]

wheels bearings and swivels

[sflash868]

How do you get that nut on top of the steering box loose? I can't get it to budge. To you pull the alternator to get to it?

[mikeslandrover]

Have you checked the UJs on the steering linkage between the steering box and the steering wheel?
Very occasionally the drop arm can get loose on the steering box.
Rear radius arm bushes can have a big effect on the steering too.
The toe in should be 2mm at the tyre edge.

[Grover]

How do you get that nut on top of the steering box loose? I can't get it to budge. To you pull the alternator to get to it?

Use an extention with a swivel. You want to adjust the sterring box with the front wheels off the ground.
-Put it up on jacks
-Loosen the steering box jam nut
-Using an allen wrench, adjust the sector shaft (I believe clockwise will reduce play). Adjust a little at a time until play is gone. Adjust it with the wheels straight/forward. Between each adjustment, rotate the steering wheel to be sure that it is not too tight. If you overtighten the sector shaft, you will damage the steering box.
-Once you got all the play out, tighten the jam nut.

It sounds complicated, but it isn't, just time consuming....


Good luck...

[sflash868]

Are you pulling the alternator?

[jimmy salmon]

Stephan, Check your drop arm for play, the nut came loose on mine and my steering was like 10 to 10 past to keep it straight. Dosen't need to be that loose to make a difference
You should to be able to do the steering box adjustment without pulling the alternator.

[MonLand]

When I hit the brakes it usually pulls to the left.

Is that just me or steering does not have much to do when braking? I'd guess bushings but not on the steering. I'd look on the control arms (they might "feel" tight to the hand, but not when you put the truck's weight on it).

[jimmy salmon]

Originally Posted by sflash868
When I hit the brakes it usually pulls to the left.

90's have brakes! I just use the gears

[Grover]

Are you pulling the alternator?
No. It's tight in there, I know. The jam nut may be a little rusty...spray some liquid wrench on it. Use a 6 point socket (instead of a 12) for added strength. Also, I marked the adjustment/sector shaft bolt (with a paint marker) on mine just to know how far I adjusted it for reference...

Good luck...

[D90user]

x2 on adjusting the steering box and checking rear links

Also adding on to what mike said. go through the whole linkage from the steering wheel to the box and make sure it is tight. Have a friend turn the wheel back and forth and look everywhere in the steering system for play.

good luck

[jimngo]

I had the same issues but for me it was the pitman arm joint.