1996 LAND ROVER DEFENDER wheel alignment

57STEERING
4
FAULT DIAGNOSIS Symptom:-
Fluid leaks from steering box seals.
CAUTION: The steering wheel must not be
held on full lock for more than 30 seconds
in one minute, as this may overheat the
fluid and cause damage to the oil seals.
1.Check fluid level
See Repair, Power Steering
Fluid Reservoir
.
Check fluid pressure
See Power Steering
System - Test
.
2.Is pressure high?
YES - Renew pump
See Repair, Power
steering Pump
.
If oil seal leaks persist after renewing the pump
See Overhaul, Power Steering Box.
NO -
See Overhaul, Power Steering Box.
Symptom:-
Insufficient power assistance - castor return
action normal.
1.Are tyres correct type and pressure?
NO -
See GENERAL SPECIFICATION DATA,
Information, Wheels and Tyres
.
YES - Continue.
2.Is fluid level correct?
NO - Check fluid level
See Repair, Power
Steering Fluid Reservoir
.
YES - Check system for air locks
See Repair,
Power Steering System - Bleed
.
3.Is pressure correct?
NO - Check fluid pressure
See Power Steering
System - Test
.
If pressure is not correct after bleeding the
system, renew pump
See Repair, Power
Steering Pump
.
YES -
See Overhaul, Power Steering Box.Symptom:-
Steering heavy - stiff, poor castor return action.
1.Are tyres correct type and pressure?
NO -
See INTRODUCTION, Information,
Wheels and Tyres
.
YES - Check universal joints for seizure and
correct alignment
See Repair, Lower Steering
Shaft and Universal Joints
.
Check power steering box adjustments
See
Overhaul, Power Steering Box
.
2.Is the power assistance satisfactory?
NO - See fault symptomInsufficient
assistance, (castor return action normal).
YES - Disconnect drag link from drop arm and
check steering column and box for stiffness
See
Repair, Drag Link and Drag Link Ends
.
3.Is the steering stiff with the drag link
disconnected?
NO - Check steering ball joints for seizure and
axle swivels lubrication and resistance
See
Repair, Drag Link and Drag Link Ends
,See
FRONT AXLE AND FINAL DRIVE, Overhaul,
Front Stub Axle, Constant Velocity Joint and
Swivel Pin Housing
.
YES - Disconnect the lower steering shaft and
check the column and box for stiffness
See
Repair, Lower Steering Shaft and Universal
Joints
.
4.Is the steering column stiff to turn when
disconnected from the box?
NO - Remove and overhaul box
See Overhaul,
Power Steering Box
.
YES - Adjust steering column
See Stiff
Steering Checklist
.

STEERING
5
FAULT DIAGNOSIS REV: 05/99 Symptom :-
Steering excessively light/sensitive. Excessive
freeplay at steering wheel.
1.Are steering box adjustments correct?
NO -
See Adjustment, Power Steering Box.
WARNING: Adjustments of steering box
should not be required while in warranty
period. If box is within warranty, it must be
returned to manufacturer. No attempt must be
made to introduce backlash.
YES - Suspect worn panhard rod or radius arm
bushes. Check condition of ball joints and the
lower steering column shaft universal joints for
wear
See Repair, Lower Steering Shaft and
Universal Joints
.
Symptom :-
Steering vibration, road wheel shimmy - wobble.
Vibration through the steering linkage powerful
enough to induce high frequency oscillation of the
steering wheel, is generally caused by out of balance
road wheels. However there are a number of other
possible causes of this symptom which if severe, may
be described as shimmy or wobble. Regardless of the
terminology used by the owner/driver to describe the
symptoms, the following diagnostic checks should be
carried out in the order presented.
1.Check the tyres and balance of the road wheels
See GENERAL SPECIFICATION DATA,
Information, Wheels and Tyres
,See
WHEELS AND TYRES, Fault diagnosis, Fault
- Symptoms See WHEELS AND TYRES,
Repair, Wheel Balancing .
2.Check the steering hydraulic damper function
See Steering Damper.
3.Check steering column universal joints for wear
and correct alignment
See Repair, Lower
Steering Shaft and Universal Joints
.4.Check steering linkage ball joints for wear,
correct alignment and security, including steering
box and tie rod
See Steering Linkage Inspect
.
5.Check all front suspension rubbers for wear.
Check all fixing torques, including radius arm
bushes, panhard rod and anti-roll bar
See
FRONT SUSPENSION, Repair, Panhard Rod
,
See FRONT SUSPENSION, Repair, Radius
Arm
,See FRONT SUSPENSION, Repair,
Anti-Roll Bar
,See FRONT SUSPENSION,
Repair, Front Shock Absorber
.
6.Fit new radius arm bushes using NTC 6781. Fit
new nuts, bolts and washers.
7.If problem persists fit damper kit STC 288 - 90,
STC 290 - 110/130 (2 off front) and STC 289 -
90, STC 291 - 110 levelled, STC 292 - 110
unlevelled, STC 293 - 130 (2 off rear). Road test
vehicle.
8.Check the power steering box adjustments and
operation
See Overhaul, Power Steering Box.
9.Check the hub bearing end floats and determine
the condition of the hub bearings as applicable
See FRONT AXLE AND FINAL DRIVE, Repair,
Front Hub Assembly
.
10.Check the resistance and condition of the
swivels
See FRONT AXLE AND FINAL DRIVE,
Description and operation, Description
.
If problem is not diagnosed: Repeat checks
starting at 1.
11.Carry out a full steering geometry check
See
GENERAL SPECIFICATION DATA,
Information, Steering
.

57STEERING
12
FAULT DIAGNOSISREV: 05/99 VISUAL CHECK AND BASIC ADJUSTMENTS
NOTE: It is important that the following
instructions are carried out in the
sequence shown and the results recorded.
1.Road springs - check that road springs are
correctly seated and are to correct specification
for vehicle. For spring specification
See
GENERAL SPECIFICATION DATA,
Information, Road Spring Data
.
2.Ride height - measure trim height from wheel
centre to wheelarch eyebrow. Record results on
data sheet.
3.Check/top up power steering fluid
See Repair,
Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
.
4.Check tension and condition of drive belt
See
ELECTRICAL, Repair, Auxiliary drive belt
.
5.Track rod/drag link - check condition of track rod,
drag link and ball joints
See Repair, Drag Link
and Drag Link Ends
.
If either component is damaged, check operation
of steering damper and steering box for
smoothness. Replace all damaged or worn
components that impair the operation of the
steering system.
6.Suspension bushes - examine all steering and
suspension bushes for signs of wear and
deterioration. Also check all fixings for torque
relaxation. Tighten to correct torque value
See
FRONT SUSPENSION, Specifications, torque,
Torque Values
.
7.Oil leaks - check front and rear axle hubs for
leak and repair as necessary.
8.Brake system - check brake system for leaks,
pipe condition, pad wear/contamination, disc
wear/condition.
9.Hub end float - check movement in the hubs by
rocking the wheels.
10.Check front wheel alignment. Vehicles displaying
a tendency to veer more than considered
allowable, it is permissible to set the front track
to parallel.11.Having completed all the above checks and
adjustments, road test vehicle
See Road Test
Procedure
.
Attempt to reproduce the symptoms established
earlier. If symptoms still exist refer to relevant
Diagnostic Chart.
STEERING LINKAGE INSPECT
NOTE: When inspecting steering linkages
and ball joints for wear the following items
must be checked.
Steering ball joints
1.Check ball joint rubber boots for security, signs
of cracking or deterioration.
2.Check ball joint assemblies for seizure i.e. no
movement on ball joint and associated
assemblies.
3.Check for excessive wear. This will be evident
as extreme movement on track rod and steering
linkages. Renew parts as necessary
See
Repair, Track Rod and Linkage
,See Repair,
Drag Link and Drag Link Ends
.
Steering linkages
1.Check all linkages for wear, deterioration and
damage. Renew parts as necessary
See
Repair, Track Rod and Linkage
,See Repair,
Drag Link and Drag Link Ends
.

STEERING
3
ADJUSTMENT FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Service repair no - 57.65.01
Checking Toe-out dimensions
NOTE: Recognised front wheel alignment
and tracking equipment should be used
for this operation. Only the use of basic
equipment is described below. No Adjustment is
provided for castor, camber or swivel pin
inclinations.
1.Set vehicle on level ground with road wheels
positioned straight ahead.
2.Push vehicle back and forwards to settle linkage.
3.Set up the equipment to manufacturers
instructions and check alignment as advised by
equipment supplier.
4.Position trammel probes on inner face of wheel,
not the rims, if the latter are damaged.
5.Measure toe-out at horizontal centre-line of
wheels.
6.Check tightness of clamp bolt fixings. Tighten to
14 Nm (10lbf/ft).
Adjust
7.Slacken clamps at both ends of track rod.
8.Rotate track rod to increase or decrease its
effective length until correct toe-out is obtained
See GENERAL SPECIFICATION DATA,
Information, Steering
.
9.Push vehicle rearwards turning steering wheel
from side to side to settle ball joints. With road
wheels set in straight ahead position, push
vehicle forward a short distance.
10.Recheck track and adjust if necessary.
11.When alignment is correct, tap ball joints in
direction of arrows to maximum of travel, to
ensure full unrestricted movement of track rod.
12.Tighten clamp bolts to
14 Nm (10 lbf/ft).
POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE BELT
Service repair no - 57.20.01
Adjust
NOTE: For details of drive belt adjust
procedure.
See ELECTRICAL, Repair,
Auxiliary Drive Belt

57STEERING
8
REPAIRREV: 05/99 LOWER STEERING SHAFT AND UNIVERSAL
JOINTS
Service repair no - 57.40.16
Remove
1.Remove vehicle bonnet.
2.Set road wheels and steering wheel in straight
ahead position.
3.Mark relationship of steering column inner shaft
to top universal joint.
4.Remove 2 bolts from top universal joint.
5.Remove lower bolt from bottom universal joint.
6.Slacken upper bolt of lower universal joint and
withdraw shaft.
7.Inspect upper and lower universal joints for wear
and excessive play, renew if necessary.
8.Inspect universal joints for stiffness, lubricate if
necessary.Refit
9.Fit universal joints so pinch bolt holes line up
with flat on shaft. Note that the long joint is fitted
to short length of shaft and short joint to long
end.
10.With steering lock engaged and road wheels in
straight ahead position, line up assembly marks.
11.Position shaft assembly onto steering column.
Move assembly up spline to enable lower
universal joint to fit onto steering box splines.
12.Align bolt holes with grooves in splines. Fit pinch
bolts and tighten to
25 Nm (18 lbf/ft).
STEERING WHEEL
Service repair no - 57.60.01
Remove
1.Set road wheels and steering wheel in straight
ahead position.
2.Prise decal from steering wheel pad.
3.Remove retaining nut and shakeproof washer.
Make alignment marks on column and wheel
pad.
4.Withdraw steering wheel from column spline.
Refit
5.Turn indicator cancelling ring so that slots are
vertical and lug with arrow points to the left, in
direction of indicator switch.
6.Ensure front road wheels are in straight ahead
position.
7.Fit steering wheel with finisher attachment lug at
the bottom, ensuring indicator cancelling forks
locate in cancelling ring slots. Align assembly
marks.
8.Secure wheel with retaining nut and new
shakeproof washer. Tighten to
43 Nm (32 lbf/ft).

57STEERING
14
REPAIRREV: 05/99 Refit
10.Fit new ball joints to track rod and loosely tighten
clamp bolts.
11.Screw in ball joints to full extent of threads and
fully tighten clamp bolts.
CAUTION: A track rod that is damaged or
bent must be renewed. DO NOT attempt to
repair or straighten it.
12.Fit track rod to swivel housing arms and tighten
ball joint nuts to
40 Nm (30 lbf/ft).Fit new split
pin.
13.Fit track rod protection bracket to axle differential
housing.
14.Check wheel alignment
See Adjustment,
Front wheel alignment
.
15.Remove axle stands or vehicle from ramp.

74WHEELS AND TYRES
2
FAULT DIAGNOSIS FAULT - SYMPTOMS
Vibration through steering wheel
1.Check tyre pressures
See Repair, Tyre
Pressures
.
2.Check condition of tyres
See Tyre Wear Chart.
3.Check front wheel alignment
See STEERING,
Adjustment, Front Wheel Alignment
.
4.Check wheel balance
See Repair, Wheel
Balancing
.
NOTE: In the event that any apparent
vibration is not eliminated at this stage
See PROPELLER SHAFTS, Fault
diagnosis, Vibration Harshness
.
NOTE: In the event that any apparent
vibration is not eliminated at this stage, go
to steering Fault Diagnosis, Fault -
Symptom (Steering vibration, road wheel
shimmy/wobble)
See STEERING, Fault diagnosis,
Steering Faults
.
NOTE: Radial ply tyres have a flexible
sidewall, which produces a sidewall bulge
making the tyre appear under-inflated.
This is a normal condition for radial ply tyres. Do
not attempt to reduce this bulge by over-inflating
the tyre.
Key to illustration
1.Correct inflation.
2.Under-inflation.
3.Over-inflation.
4.Tread contact with road.

WHEELS AND TYRES
1
REPAIR REV: 05/99 GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING: This is a multi-purpose vehicle
with wheels and tyres designed for both
on and off road usage. Only use wheels
and tyres specified for use on the vehicle.
The vehicle is equipped with tubeless 'S','T' or 'H'
rated radial ply tyres as standard equipment. The
tyres are of European metric size and must not be
confused with the "P" size metric tyres available in
North America.
Vehicle wheel sets, including spare wheel, must be
fitted with the same make and type of tyre to the
correct specification and tread pattern. Under no
circumstances must cross-ply or bias-belted tyres be
used.
For tyre specification and pressures
See GENERAL
SPECIFICATION DATA, Information, Wheels and
Tyres
.
Steel wheels
Tubeless tyres are mounted on 7.0 inch wide by 16
inch diameter steel wheels.
Alloy Wheels
Tubeless tyres are mounted on 7.0 inch wide by 16
inch diameter cast aluminium alloy wheels. The
surface has a paint finish covered with a clear
polyurethane lacquer. Care must be taken when
handling the wheel to avoid scratching or chipping the
finish.
The alloy wheel rim is of the asymmetric hump
type incorporating a safety hump to improve
location of the tyre bead in its seat. If difficulty is
experienced in fitting tyres to this type of rim
See
Tyre Fitting
.
WARNING: DO NOT fit an inner tube to an
alloy wheel.TYRE INSPECTION
Inspect tyres at weekly intervals to obtain maximum
tyre life and performance and to ensure compliance
with legal requirements. Check for signs of incorrect
inflation and uneven wear, which may indicate a need
for balancing or front wheel alignment,
See Fault
diagnosis, Tyre Wear Chart
, if the tyres have
abnormal or uneven wear patterns.
Check tyres at least weekly for cuts, abrasions, bulges
and for objects embedded in the tread. More frequent
inspections are recommended when the vehicle is
regularly used in off road conditions.
To assist tyre inspection, tread wear indicators are
moulded into the bottom of the tread grooves, as
shown in the illustration above.
When the tread has worn to a depth of 1.6 mm the
indicators appear at the surface as bars which
connect the tread pattern across the width of the tread
as shown in the illustration above.