300Tdi Discovery
STEERING
3
FAULT DIAGNOSIS
STEERING DAMPER
The power steering system, as well as reducing the
effort required to manoeuvre the vehicle when
parking, also helps to dampen any deflections of the
road wheels, being transmitted back to the steering
wheel.
When operating the vehicle off road, the road wheels
are often deflected by ruts and boulders causing the
steering wheel to turn left and right. This phenomenon
is known as ’steering kickback’. To subdue the effects
of ’steering kickback’, a hydraulic damper is fitted in
the steering linkage between the track rod and the
differential casing. The damper, which offers the same
resistance in extension and compression, is sealed for
life.
Steering damper check
Check the condition operation of the hydraulic
steering damper as follows:
Check procedure
1. Inspect damper for casing damage or leaks.
2. Clamp one end of the damper horizontally in a
vice using soft jaws. Compress and extend the
unit by hand. Resistance should be equal in both
directions.
3. If it is felt that the unit is outside acceptable
limits, fit a new steering damper
STEERING FAULTS
Symptom:-
Excessive kickback through steering wheel - when
driven on rough terrain.
1. Is the steering damper in good working order?
See Steering Damper
NO -
Renew unit.
See Repair, Steering
Damper
YES -
Continue.
2. Is there any looseness or free play in the
steering ball joints and linkage?
YES -
See Steering Linkage Inspect
NO -
Continue.
3. Is there any looseness or worn bushes in front
suspension?
YES -
See FRONT SUSPENSION, Repair,
Radius Arm
NOTE: When replacing suspension bushes
ALL bushes and fixings must be replaced.
NO -
Continue.
4. Is the steering exceptionally light/sensitive when
driven on good road surface?
YES -
See fault symptom - Steering
excessively light/sensitive and
freeplay at steering wheel.
NO -
Suspect axle swivel resistance.
5. Check the resistance of the axle swivels.
See
FRONT AXLE AND FINAL DRIVE, Overhaul,
Front Stub Axle, Constant Velocity Joint and
Swivel Pin Housing Non ABS See FRONT
AXLE AND FINAL DRIVE, Overhaul, Front
Stub Axle, Constant Velocity Joint and
Swivel Pin Housing ABS
