LR
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SteeringHigh severity

Steering box mounting cracks or excessive steering play

Safety or reliability risk. Fix promptly.

Symptoms

Vague steering with free play at the wheel, a clunk when turning, or visible movement of the steering box on the chassis when the wheel is rocked.

Likely cause

The chassis around the steering box mounting can crack, particularly on vehicles with big tyres or regular off-road use. Loose mounting bolts or a worn box also cause play.

Suggested fixes

Listed roughly in the order most owners try them.

  1. 1

    Tighten the mounting bolts and inspect the chassis

    Have someone rock the wheel while you watch the box. Torque the bolts and look closely at the chassis rail and mounting plate for hairline cracks.

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

    Weld in a chassis reinforcement plate

    If cracks are found, have them welded and fit a steering box reinforcement kit. Many owners fit one as a precaution.

    Difficulty:
    Specialist job
    Cost:
    ££ (About £50 to £300)
  3. 3

    Adjust or recondition the steering box

    Adjust the sector shaft to remove play in the straight ahead position only. A worn box should be swapped for a reconditioned unit.

    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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