LR
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SteeringMedium severity

Series steering relay leaking or stiff steering

Will get worse if left.

Symptoms

Heavy steering, steering that does not self-centre, oil leaking from the relay in the front crossmember.

Likely cause

The relay oil leaks out past worn seals and the bushes run dry.

Suggested fixes

Listed roughly in the order most owners try them.

  1. 1

    Refill the relay

    Top up with the correct oil through the filler plug on top of the relay.

    Difficulty:
    Easy DIY
    Cost:
    £ (Under about £50 in parts)
  2. 2

    Rebuild or replace the relay

    Remove the relay from the crossmember (often difficult) and fit new bushes and seals, or an exchange unit. Set the preload correctly so the steering is not too stiff.

    Difficulty:
    Moderate DIY
    Cost:
    ££ (About £50 to £300)

This is general guidance gathered from owner experience and workshop practice, not a substitute for a workshop manual or a qualified mechanic. Costs are rough parts-only guides. Brakes, steering and suspension work affects safety, so if in doubt have it checked professionally.

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