rabid spaniel Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Hi, I replaced the drop arm ball joint yesterday (what fun...) on my 1989 2.5 td 90, now the steering seems to have become less accurate. I can move the steering wheel 1/8 - 1/4 a turn without the wheels moving. On examination underneath, the ball joint/ steering arm is moving (ie the ball flexing in its seat), but not enough to get the rods mobile. Have I screwed up the fitting? Not tightened enough? Has it just uncovered a dodgy damper? Is this what LR steering is supposed to feel like ? (Because it was more accurate with the knackered ball joint!!) Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retroanaconda Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 There shouldn't be any play between the drop arm, the ball joint and the drag link. Nor any of the track rod ends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rabid spaniel Posted May 5, 2013 Author Share Posted May 5, 2013 OK, but I don't understand why replacing the ball joint suddenly introduces play. The drop arm moves in direct correlation to the steering wheel and you can see the ball joint move, but it doesn't move the rods immediately.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbs Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Did your new ball joint come in a blue and white box lol? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rabid spaniel Posted May 5, 2013 Author Share Posted May 5, 2013 Did your new ball joint come in a blue and white box lol? No, but provenance unknown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbs Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 RS, Did you by any chance leave the spring out of the unit when you put it all back together again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rabid spaniel Posted May 5, 2013 Author Share Posted May 5, 2013 No spring went back in - although I have since read two versions of which way it is supposed to go in (of course there are only 2 ways, but you know what I mean). All bits in, drag link reattached. Steering loose..... I don't think tightening the adjustment screw on the steering box will make any difference as the drop arm isn't wobbly. the play seems to be between the ball joint and the drag link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbs Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 As you can see in this pic of a kit I've found there is a spring within the kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rabid spaniel Posted May 5, 2013 Author Share Posted May 5, 2013 Sorry I meant: No I didn't forget it, it went back in. That said I have just been out to check the drag link and discovered that I didn't refit the circlip properly and the guts have dropped out of the ball joint - kind of explaining why it is all feeling carp. Thats her off the road until I get another......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbs Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Ah bugger-sorry to hear that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffR Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 where abouts are you as I have a spare kit in the garage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rabid spaniel Posted May 6, 2013 Author Share Posted May 6, 2013 South Lakes, but I've just ordered another one before seeing your kind offer! I may yet need a third one if my efforts continue in the current vein........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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