Loose and bouncy steering

[ChrismonDA]

sloppy, loose steering

I have a 1998 D1 with around 127k and lately when driven the front end feels very loose and un-responsive. IE when traveling over a bump steering feels light and bouncy. I have had new shocks installed but could the steering box be bad or maybe the tie rods or the steering dampner.

 

[bri]

Could be quite a few things. Maybe worth looking at th steering box, tie-rod ends and bushings.

 

[Apexdisco]

Tie-rod ends are easy to check for wear and to diagnose if need replacing. I replaced all four on my front end and it did improve the steering jerkiness some what. I have recently upgraded my shock/springs to OME.

Also, read up on worn swivel bearings. That may be something else to look at. Do you have the Rave CD for your year truck?

 

[marc olivares]

swivel ball preload, start here and work out.

 

[Discodon]

most common cause is mentioned above - the swivel pin preload.
You most likely need to remove some of the shims in there to reduce the gap.

Other causes - bad steering dampner - very common, worn bushes - I would say these should be obvious but new bushes make a helluva difference, bad wheel alignment and balancing?

Cheers,
DD

 

[Leigh]

I would check the steering dampener first if it is original I am sure it is shot.

 

[PHARAOHDISCO]

I agree with Leigh, most propably it is the steering damper. If it is still the original, change is for a heavy duty OME steering damper.

 

[JMyerz]

A new steering dampner will only mask a problem, not cause or fix one.

 

[montanablur]

I had a similar feeling with my 96 at 105k... Lost steering completly shortly afterwards...

Probably not the case with yours, but just as a safety check, look at the point where your aluminum steering column connects to the steering box. make sure the bolt is in and tight.

Mine was not. The mechanics at British Car Service in Los Angeles diagnosed the loose steering as a bad steering box. 4 days later hit a bump in the road and could spin my wheel 360 with no response. Worth checking out.

 

[Snwbord24]

Your steering damper may be bad, but as Justin said it's not the cause of the problem. You can replace the damper but this will only mask the real problem. Definately take a look at the other things stated in the posts here.

 

[honez99]

i had same prob on my 96 new tires fixed it

 

[sven]

Also check the steering box for play. If it looks internally loose, you can adjust the box using the locknut and allen bolt. Best of all its free!!
Otherwise I agree with Marc, - sviwel preload.

 

[ChrismonDA]

Thanks for all of your input, Don the vehicle tracks straight as an arrow the tires are only a year old. I havent driven it since the steering wheel bounced out of my hand the other day. Kind of scary in rush hour traffic on I 440. Anyway I am taking it into Rover Club house next week so I will let you all know what the problem was.


Thanks again Dweb.