300Tdi Defender Steering Linkage Inspection
57
STEERING
12
FAULT DIAGNOSIS
VISUAL CHECK AND BASIC ADJUSTMENTS
NOTE: It is important that the following
instructions are carried out in the
sequence shown and the results recorded.
1. Road springs - check that road springs are
correctly seated and are to correct specification
for vehicle. For spring specification
See
GENERAL SPECIFICATION DATA,
Information, Road Spring Data .
2. Ride height - measure trim height from wheel
centre to wheelarch eyebrow. Record results on
data sheet.
3. Check/top up power steering fluid
See Repair,
Power Steering Fluid Reservoir .
4. Check tension and condition of drive belt
See
ELECTRICAL, Repair, Auxiliary drive belt .
5. Track rod/drag link - check condition of track rod,
drag link and ball joints
See Repair, Drag Link
and Drag Link Ends .
If either component is damaged, check operation
of steering damper and steering box for
smoothness. Replace all damaged or worn
components that impair the operation of the
steering system.
6. Suspension bushes - examine all steering and
suspension bushes for signs of wear and
deterioration. Also check all fixings for torque
relaxation. Tighten to correct torque value
See
FRONT SUSPENSION, Specifications, torque,
Torque Values .
7. Oil leaks - check front and rear axle hubs for
leak and repair as necessary.
8. Brake system - check brake system for leaks,
pipe condition, pad wear/contamination, disc
wear/condition.
9. Hub end float - check movement in the hubs by
rocking the wheels.
10. Check front wheel alignment. Vehicles displaying
a tendency to veer more than considered
allowable, it is permissible to set the front track
to parallel.
11. Having completed all the above checks and
adjustments, road test vehicle
See Road Test
Procedure .
Attempt to reproduce the symptoms established
earlier. If symptoms still exist refer to relevant
Diagnostic Chart.
STEERING LINKAGE INSPECT
NOTE: When inspecting steering linkages
and ball joints for wear the following items
must be checked.
Steering ball joints
1. Check ball joint rubber boots for security, signs
of cracking or deterioration.
2. Check ball joint assemblies for seizure i.e. no
movement on ball joint and associated
assemblies.
3. Check for excessive wear. This will be evident
as extreme movement on track rod and steering
linkages. Renew parts as necessary
See
Repair, Track Rod and Linkage , See Repair,
Drag Link and Drag Link Ends .
Steering linkages
1. Check all linkages for wear, deterioration and
damage. Renew parts as necessary
See
Repair, Track Rod and Linkage , See Repair,
Drag Link and Drag Link Ends .