J.A.G_100 Posted August 30, 2015 Share Posted August 30, 2015 Hi Guys, So on the way to collect my new wheels and tyres from Bowie69 (great guy by the way, love the tyres) I noticed a slight wobble on the motorway when I lifted off the throttle but it soon disappeared. I noticed it on the journey home but again only slight and it soon went. I thought nothing of this as I put it down to the driving characteristics of the defender on the motorway. After I had changed the wheels for the new tyres+alloys I took it for a test drive, when the speed reached 50mph I lifted off the throttle and immediately felt the wobble, only this time more severe. It now happens every time I drive. After a bit of research online I had a little check at the steering arms etc. and checked bushes as advised, however I am far from a mechanic and didn't know what was right or wrong if I'm honest. I noticed the one bush at the end of the steering damper was quite loose, the bit where it connects to the track rod end (or so I think)? So I decided to video the steering mechanics whilst I drove. If the knowledgable members of this forum would follow the link to the video Ive had to post on youtube to see if anyone can suggest anything that would be the cause. Cheers for any help you guys can give. https://youtu.be/vi8R0oswM6E Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted August 30, 2015 Share Posted August 30, 2015 Drop arm looks suspiciously loose Edit: check the large nut on the sector shaft which holds the drop arm on. It should be very tight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.A.G_100 Posted August 31, 2015 Author Share Posted August 31, 2015 Thanks Lewis, Do you mean this nut numbered 4 on this attachment? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.A.G_100 Posted August 31, 2015 Author Share Posted August 31, 2015 Drop arm looks suspiciously loose Edit: check the large nut on the sector shaft which holds the drop arm on. It should be very tight Thanks Lewis, Do you mean this nut numbered 4 on this picture? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotts90 Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 There's a lot of movement in the bush where the steering damper meets the drop arm ball joint, as well as the drop arm balljoint looking as though it could have play. Hold the pitman arm (drop arm) and the damper and give a good old yank in all directions. If it's sloppy and there's play then replace the balljoint, go for a genuine Land Rover one as these last far longer. The steering damper bush is cheap to replace too so may as well do that anyway (or good excuse for an upgrade). If you have access to an assistant get them to gently rock the steering wheel (engine off) and you should be able to feel/see where the play is. Same goes for the track rod, give that a pull to see if there is any play on the track rod ends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puffernutter Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 Mine was always the panhard bushes causing it! ("Death-wobble" as it used to get progressively worse and would only go when you stopped) Cheers Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rich broom Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 Swivel preload too loose. Top swivel king pin needs shimming tighter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 Thanks Lewis, Do you mean this nut numbered 4 on this picture? Yes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.A.G_100 Posted August 31, 2015 Author Share Posted August 31, 2015 Swivel preload too loose. Top swivel king pin needs shimming tighter Thanks, is this a big job for a novice like myself? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.A.G_100 Posted August 31, 2015 Author Share Posted August 31, 2015 Yes Thanks Again Lewis, I'll have a look to see if this nut is tight as you said, fingers crossed it's just that! Wth my luck though it sounds to easy for it to be just that ha! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happyoldgit Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 What camera did you use for that video? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rich broom Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 Not really. Steering arms off to see how slack it is. Remove shims from top pin until some resistance. Some oil will come out, so top up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.A.G_100 Posted August 31, 2015 Author Share Posted August 31, 2015 Not really. Steering arms off to see how slack it is. Remove shims from top pin until some resistance. Some oil will come out, so top up Thanks Again Lewis, I'll have a look to see if this nut is tight as you said, fingers crossed it's just that! Wth my luck though it sounds to easy for it to be just that ha! Thanks, is this a big job for a novice like myself? Swivel preload too loose. Top swivel king pin needs shimming tighter Mine was always the panhard bushes causing it! ("Death-wobble" as it used to get progressively worse and would only go when you stopped) Cheers Peter Hi all, Thanks for your help. I've had another look after all above comments and made a little video as I think it's a good way to show you guys. I've also jacked up both front wheels and and checked for movement on the swivel and there is none whatsoever. The only thing that looks bad apart from the damper end bush is the Panhard rod bush at the track rod end? I think that is moving too much when the steering wheel is rocked side to side? Everything else seems tight and solid. Also the track rod ends feel solid and minimal movement when the steering is rocked? Here is the second video, again I appreciate the help.... I think I will take it into my local garage if we get nowhere.... Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reb78 Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 I'd say that panhard rod bush at the chassis end has too much movement. The steering damper seems to move an awful lot as well I think. Change both panhard rod bushes would be my first call and probably do the damper too although I don't think that's as likely to cause the wobble, but it won't help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 I happened to have the action cam in the car with me this morning so I made a quick video for use as a comparison Visibility is not as good as my steering guard gets in the way Looking at your second clip I'd say that the panhard rod chassis end bush absolutely needs to be replaced Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 driver side end of panhard rod & the same end of steering damper need new bushes, change the bushes at both ends on both items, then see how it drives. watching these suspension/steering video's surprises me on how much suspension movement there is when using our so called 'smooth' roads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happyoldgit Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 What camera did you use for that video? Ahem! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happyoldgit Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 PS. I'd start with Panhard rod bushes and while you are at it check the holes in the mount brackets and bolts for wear too. Next I'd systematically check everything else that has been mentioned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.A.G_100 Posted August 31, 2015 Author Share Posted August 31, 2015 Ahem! Sorry Happyyounggit! Its a go pro hero 3 black Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happyoldgit Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 Sorry Happyyounggit! Its a go pro hero 3 black I thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deep Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 Lots of good points made here. I'll just add, from experience, that having larger tyres on bigger off-set rims exacerbates any problems by quite some margin and a decent steering damper hides the problem by the same amount! That said, I'd rather not have the problem at all. My last bout was brought on by a slightly loose wheel bearing. Quite amazing really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puffernutter Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 My problem was insufficient pre-load on one of the swivels and that was hidden by a good steering damper and replacing the bushes on the panhard rod and polybushes on the anti-roll bar. (I never had time to get the swivel off and do the job properly) but that wobble was very frightening at times! In retrospect, it would have been much easier to do the swivel..... 20/20 Hindsight! Cheers Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.A.G_100 Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 Thanks all for your advice and comments.... I knew this was a common issue experienced by many but I didn't realise how many potential causes and/or solutions there was. To be honest it has soon venture beyond my current skill set and although eventually I plan to be able to carry out repairs like this I have had to book it in with my local Land Rover specialist... Update to follow on what the official word is on the cause and what I had to pay to fix it, if anyone is interested. Again thanks for your help guys! Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Tell them what you want done -- panhard rod & steering damper bushes only, then drive it to see if the wobble has gone, if you give then free reign then you could end up with a HUGE bill. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 I agree completely with Western Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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