Suspension and Steering Problems

Faulty Steering Damper
A steering damper is faulty if it is free to move (without resistance) at any part of its stroke.  A faulty damper will cause a violent steering shimmy at around 60-80 klm/h or just after hitting a pothole or change in road surface.  Rangie Spares recommend it be replaced by a Bilstein steering damper. 

Incorrect adjustment of Swivel Pins
Swivel pins should be kept adjusted as per the service book.  Incorrect adjustment can cause vibrations and will reduce steering damper life. 

Faulty Shock Absorbers
Faulty shock absorbers or shocker components can cause shimmy after hitting a bump.  Worn out shocker rubbers and locating washers must be replaced and the shocker nuts tightened right up to their shoulder.  If the shocker mount holes have elongated they must be repaired.  Rangie Spares recommend Bilstein Shock absorbers be used when replacing the old front and rear shocks.  Bilstein shocks are excellent in all applications and help reduce body roll.  Unlike sway bars, they do not reduce wheel travel. 

Worn Pitman Arm and Tie Rod Ends
If these items are worn, they will cause slack in the steering system.  To check them lay under the vehicle and have somebody move the steering wheel from left to right in short strokes. If an item has excess movement, it must be replaced.  Rangie Spares offer new and reconditioned pitman arms and new tie rod ends. 

Out of balance Wheels
Do not balance any genuine wheel from the centre hole, the wheel must be balanced from the five stud holes. 

Wheel alignment
The toe out should be done according to the service manual.  Incorrect adjustment can cause uneven tyre wear. 

Steering Universals and Steering Shaft
Each uni has two bolts clamping them onto the splined shaft; keep an eye on them as they can work loose.  If the uni is worn. replace it (refer to item 4 to check how to test them).  The unis can also start to seize up causing tight spot in the steering and will stop the steering wheel returning to centre.  Try spraying them with penetrating oil, they should then loosen up.  Any Range Rover built before 1982 has a design fault.  The shaft between the bottom of the column and the steering box doesn't allow for any flexibility.  This is a problem because the body is mounted to the chassis on rubber blocks allowing the body to move.  For these models the shaft and the two universals can be replaced using one from a later model which incorporates a rubber block.  These shafts are available from Rangie Spares. 

Rattles in the Steering Column
Steering columns from all model Rangies are developing rattles due to failing bearings.  To check the condition of the steering column bearings, grab the steering wheel and check the movement up, down, left and right.  For the lower bearing hold the closest bearing to the firewall and check for left and right movement.  If there is more than 0.5mm movement at either end the bearings are failing.  Each column is collapsible using a telescopic shaft through the centre of the column.  If this is worn you will notice slack between the top and bottom of the column.  A reconditioned column is available.  When replacing a column on a pre 1982 Range Rovers we also recommend you replace the shaft between the column and steering box with a flexible shaft. 

Steering Box Adjustments
The power steering box adjustment is located at the top of the box.  By screwing the centre screw into the box it will reduce the slack.  NOTE : Only adjust the steering box when the wheels are pointing straight ahead.  If the box has run out of adjustment, reconditioned or new ones are available. 

Springs
Choosing the right spring for your vehicle is a difficult job.  Rangie Spares carry over ten sizes of springs in stock (refer the spring information guide). 

Out of balance Tailshafts
A vibration from a tailshaft or prop shaft can be caused by four things, 
1) Either tailshaft or uni is worn. 
2) The tailshaft has a slight bend or twist in it. 
3) The telescopic spline is worn allowing the tailshaft to throw off centre. 
4) If recently greased,  a globule of grease maybe sitting inside the boot on one side causing it to be out of balance.  Just remove the boot and clean it. 

Steering and Suspension Bushes
Worn bushes under a Range Rover can have unpleasant effects.  They will allow the steering to feel loose and the front and rear axles to move around freely causing wandering.  A suspention bush can wear prematurely if it is getting covered with power steering fluid or oil.  The oil gets absorbed into the bush, breaking down the rubber, causing failure. 

Ball Joint rear
The ball joint on top of the rear diff, when worn, will clunk every time power or brakes are applied.  There are a couple of different types available. 
 
 

4 Easy Steps to Check Steering and Suspension Problems

1/  Put the vehicle in first gear or in Park leaving the hand brake off.  Person 1 lays under the vehicle while Person 2 grabs the front bull bar and rocks the forward and back taking up the slack of the drive line.  As the car stops to change direction it will load all the bushes, but when it reaches the other end thus changing direction again, it will force the bushes in the opposite direction.  By laying under the car, Person 1 can see all the rubber bushes, ball joints etc.  From this position Person 1 will notice all the worn items which will require replacement.

2/   By this time, Person 2 would like a rest.  Sit them in the drivers seat and get them to move the steering wheel approx 3" in either direction (total of 6" movement).  By doing this vigorously, Person 1 can look at all the steering componants, ball joints, pitman arms, panhard bushes etc.  By slowing Person 2's movement, or taking over by holding one of the steering unis you should be able to see how much slack is each steering uni and in the power steering box.  If Person 2 holds the steering wheel tight and Person 1 can still move the uni closest to the firewall there is a problem in the steering column.

3/ Get Person 2 to rock the front of the Rangie left and right.  This will help pickup worn panhard rod bushes and loose wheel and swivel pin bearings.

4/  By rocking the rear of the vehicle in the same manner, Person 1 can check the condition of the ball joint directly above the rear diff.  Another way to check the ball joint is to put a tyre lever between the ball joint and the housing.  By levering you can see if there is any movement.  The ball joint should have NO movement at all, up, down, left or right.  The only movement allowed is twisting over the ball.