STEERING
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 57-5
Description
General
The major steering components comprise an impact absorbing telescopic steering column, a Power Assisted Steering
(PAS) box, a PAS pump, and fluid reservoir. Hydraulic fluid from the fluid reservoir is filtered and then supplied
through the suction line to the inlet on the PAS pump. The PAS pump supplies fluid to the steering box through a
pressure line routed above the front cross member. Fluid returns to the reservoir along the same route through a
return line. On LH drive vehicles the pipe route above the front cross member is still used, the length of pipe acting
as an oil cooler.
To minimise driver's injury in the event of an accident the steering system has a number of safety features including
a collapsible steering column. An additional safety feature is an air bag located in the steering wheel.
+ RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION, Description - SRS.
Steering column assembly and intermediate shaft
The steering column central shaft comprises of two shafts, the upper shaft is splined to accept the steering wheel and
located in bearings in the column tube. A universal joint is located on the bottom of the upper shaft, the joint allows
for angular movement between the upper and lower shafts. The lower shaft is made in two parts, the top section of
the lower shaft is located outside of the lower section. The two sections of the lower shaft are connected by two nylon
injection moulded shear pins. The lower shaft goes through a lower bearing attached to the bulkhead, the lower shaft
is connected by a universal joint to the intermediate shaft in the engine compartment.
Steering column
An upper column tube provides for the location of the steering lock and ignition switch and also the steering switch
gear and a rotary coupler. The rotary coupler provides the electrical connection for the steering wheel mounted airbag,
switches and horn. The upper mounting bracket has two slots, a slotted metal bracket is held in each slot by four resin
shear pins.
The column is mounted on four captive studs which are located on a column mounting bracket. The captive studs
pass through the metal brackets, locknuts secure the steering column to the bulkhead. The two lower mountings are
fixed and cannot move when loads are applied to them. The upper mounting is designed to disengage or deform when
a load is applied, allowing the column to collapse in the event of an accident. The steering column must be replaced
as a complete assembly if necessary.
When an axial load is applied to the upper column tube, energy absorption is achieved by the following mechanism:
lthe mounting bracket deforms,
lthe resin shear pins holding the slotted metal brackets shear,
lthe top mounting bracket slides out of the slotted metal brackets.
The slotted metal brackets remain on the captive studs on the bulkhead. If the column mounting moves, injection
moulded shear pins retaining the two sections of the lower column shaft will shear. This allows the two sections of the
lower shaft to 'telescope' together.
In the event of a collision where the steering box itself moves, two universal joints in the column allow the intermediate
shaft to articulate, minimising movement of the column towards the driver. If movement continues energy absorption
is achieved by the following mechanism:
lthe decouple joint in the intermediate shaft will disengage,
lthe lower section of the steering column shaft will move through the lower bearing,
lthe injection moulded shear pins retaining the two sections of the lower column shaft will shear.
This allows the two sections of the lower shaft to 'telescope' together reducing further column intrusion. Protection to
the drivers face and upper torso is provided by an SRS airbag module located in the centre of the steering wheel.
+ RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION, Description - SRS.
STEERING
ADJUSTMENTS 57-19
5.Adjust drag link so that taper joint is centralised
in drop arm, then tighten drag link clamp bolts:
Tighten M8 bolts to 22 Nm (16 lbf.ft) and M10
bolts to 33 Nm (24 lbf.ft).
6.Connect drag link to drop arm and tighten nut to
80 Nm (59 lbf.ft).
7.Remove steering box centralising bolt.
8.Remove stand(s) and lower vehicle.
9.Road test the vehicle and check that the
steering wheel is centralised. If steering wheel
is not centralised, proceed as follows.
10.Slacken drag link adjuster clamp bolts.
11.Without disconnecting drag link from drop arm,
adjust the length of the drag link to bring the
steering wheel to the central position.
CAUTION: Repositioning the steering wheel
on its splines cannot correct small (less
than 5°) errors in steering wheel alignment.
Always rectify small errors in alignment by
adjusting the drag link as detailed above,
ensuring that steering box centralisation is
maintained.
12.Tighten drag link clamp bolts: Tighten M8 bolts
to 22 Nm (16 lbf.ft) and M10 bolts to 33 Nm (24
lbf.ft)
Wheel alignment - front
$% 57.65.01
The following is the only wheel alignment equipment
which has been approved.
lBeissbarth ML 4600 wheel alignment computer
(6 sensor).
lBeissbarth ML 4600-8 wheel alignment
computer (8 sensor).
lBeissbarth ML 4000 wheel alignment computer
(8 sensor wireless).
lHunter S411-14.
Check
1.Ensure tyre pressures are correct and vehicle
is at kerbside weight.
2.Roll vehicle backwards and forwards to relieve
stresses in steering and suspension.
3.Ensure road wheels are positioned straight
ahead.
4.Ensure that wheel alignment equipment is
properly calibrated.
5.Following the equipment manufacturer's
instructions, measure the front wheel
alignment. Compare with the figures given in
General Data.
+ GENERAL DATA, Steering.
Adjust
1.Loosen track rod and adjuster clamp bolts.
2.Rotate adjuster to obtain correct alignment.
+ GENERAL DATA, Steering.
3.Tighten track rod and adjuster clamp bolts:
Tighten M8 bolts to 22 Nm (16 lbf.ft) and M10
bolts to 33 Nm (24 lbf.ft).
4.Recheck front wheel alignment.
STEERING
57-48 REPAIRS
Ball joint - track rod
$% 57.55.07
Remove
1.Raise front of vehicle.
WARNING: Do not work on or under a
vehicle supported only by a jack. Always
support the vehicle on safety stands.
2.Remove LH front road wheel.
3.Loosen adjuster clamp bolts.
4.Remove nut securing track rod ball joint to
steering knuckle.
5.Using tool LRT-57-036 break taper joint and
release track rod.
CAUTION: Before disconnecting any part of
the steering linkage, ensure the road wheels
are positioned straight ahead and the
steering wheel is prevented from turning.
Unrestricted turning of the steering wheel
will damage the SRS rotary coupler.
6.Unscrew ball joint and adjuster.
7.Remove clamps from adjuster and track rod. Refit
1.Clean adjuster, clamps and track rod.
2.Fit clamps to track rod and adjuster. Screw in
adjuster and ball joint.
3.Clean ball joint taper and taper seat.
4.Adjust length of track rod so that ball joint taper
is centralised in steering knuckle.
5.Fit track rod to steering knuckle and tighten nut
to 80 Nm (59 lbf.in).
6.Fit road wheel and tighten nuts to 140 Nm (103
lbf.ft).
7.Remove stand(s) and lower vehicle.
8.Check and, if necessary, adjust wheel
alignment.
+ STEERING, ADJUSTMENTS, Wheel
alignment - front.
9.After check/adjustment of wheel alignment,
ensure track rod adjuster clamp bolts are
tightened. Tighten M8 bolts to 22 Nm (16 lbf.ft)
and M10 bolts to 33 Nm (24 lbf.ft).
STEERING
REPAIRS 57-49
Ball joint - drag link
$% 57.55.15
Remove
1.Raise front of vehicle.
WARNING: Do not work on or under a
vehicle supported only by a jack. Always
support the vehicle on safety stands.
2. RHD models: Remove LH front road wheel.
3. LHD models: Remove RH front road wheel.
4.Remove nut securing drag link to steering
knuckle.
5.Using LRT-57-036, break taper joint and
release drag link.
CAUTION: Before disconnecting any part of
the steering linkage, ensure the road wheels
are positioned straight ahead and the
steering wheel is prevented from turning.
Unrestricted turning of the steering wheel
will damage the SRS rotary coupler.
6.Loosen adjuster clamp bolts and unscrew ball
joint and adjuster.
7.Remove clamps from adjuster and drag link. Refit
1.Clean adjuster, clamps and drag link.
2.Fit clamps to drag link and adjuster. Screw in
adjuster and ball joint.
3.Clean ball joint taper and taper seat.
4.Adjust length of drag link so that ball joint taper
is centralised in steering knuckle.
5.Fit drag link to steering knuckle and tighten nut
to 80 Nm (59 lbf.ft).
6.Tighten drag link adjuster clamp bolts. Tighten
M8 bolts to 22 Nm (16 lbf.ft) and M10 bolts to
33 Nm (24 lbf.ft).
7.Check steering linkage is centralised.
+ STEERING, ADJUSTMENTS,
Steering linkage - centralise.
8.Fit road wheel and tighten nuts to 140 Nm (103
lbf.ft).
9.Remove stand(s) and lower vehicle.
STEERING
57-50 REPAIRS
Drag link
$% 57.55.17
Remove
1.Raise front of vehicle.
WARNING: Do not work on or under a
vehicle supported only by a jack. Always
support the vehicle on safety stands.
2. RHD vehicles: Remove the LH front road
wheel.
3. LHD vehicles: Remove the RH front road
wheel.
4.Remove nut and bolt securing damper to drag
link and release damper.
5.Remove 2 nuts securing drag link to drop arm
and steering knuckle.
6.Using LRT-57-036 break taper joints and
remove drag link.
CAUTION: Before disconnecting any part of
the steering linkage, ensure the road wheels
are positioned straight ahead and the
steering wheel is prevented from turning.
Unrestricted turning of the steering wheel
will damage the SRS rotary coupler.7.Loosen adjuster clamp bolts and remove ball
joint and adjuster.
8.Remove clamps from adjuster and drag link.
Refit
1.Clean adjuster, clamps and ball joint.
2.Fit clamps to drag link and adjuster. Screw in
adjuster and ball joint.
3.Clean ball joint tapers and taper seats.
4.Fit drag link to drop arm and tighten nut to 80
Nm (59 lbf.ft).
5.Adjust length of drag link so that ball joint taper
is centralised in steering knuckle.
6.Fit drag link to steering knuckle and tighten nut
to 80 Nm (59 lbf.ft).
7.Tighten drag link adjuster clamp bolts. Tighten
M8 bolts to 22 Nm (16 lbf.ft) and M10 bolts to
33 Nm (24 lbf.ft)
8.Align damper to drag link, fit nut and bolt and
tighten to 125 Nm (92 lbf.ft).
9.Check steering linkage is centralised.
+ STEERING, ADJUSTMENTS,
Steering linkage - centralise.
10.Fit road wheel and tighten nuts to 140 Nm (103
lbf.ft).
11.Remove stand(s) and lower vehicle.
FRONT SUSPENSION
60-4 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Description
General
The front suspension comprises two dampers and coil springs, two radius arms, a Panhard rod and an anti-roll bar.
The front axle provides the location points for the dampers, springs, radius arms and the Panhard rod.
The anti-roll bar assembly is an essential part of the front suspension. On vehicles without Active Cornering
Enhancement (ACE) a conventional 'passive' anti-roll bar is fitted. On vehicles fitted with the ACE system, a thicker
diameter anti-roll bar, known as a torsion bar, is used with an actuator at one end.
+ FRONT SUSPENSION, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION, Description - ACE.
The hydraulic dampers and coil springs provide springing for each front wheel. The long travel dampers, springs and
radius arms provide maximum axle articulation and wheel travel for off-road driving. The front axle is controlled
longitudinally by two forged steel radius arms and transversely by a Panhard rod.
Radius arms
Each radius arm is manufactured from forged steel. Two bushes are pressed into the forward end of the radius arm.
The forward end of the radius arm is located in a fabricated bracket on the axle and secured through the bushes with
two bolts and nuts. A bush is pressed into the rear of the radius arm which is also located in a fabricated bracket on
each chassis longitudinal and secured through the bush with a bolt and nut.
The radius arms prevent longitudinal movement of the front axle and because of their length allow maximum axle
articulation. The stiffness of the bushes in each radius arm also contributes to the vehicle roll stiffness.
Each radius arm has a notch on its lower edge which provides location for the vehicle jack.
Dampers
Two conventional telescopic dampers are used to control body/axle movement. A turret is located on a bracket welded
to the chassis. The upper spring seat has four studs which pass through holes in the bracket and align with
corresponding holes in the turret. Four nuts are screwed onto the studs and secure the turret and upper spring seat
to the chassis.
A fabricated platform is welded to the axle. The platform has two captive nuts which provide for the attachment of the
damper. A lower spring seat is located on the platform. Each spring seat is handed and has a bracket which secures
the ABS sensor harness and the front brake hose.
Each damper is fitted with a bush at its upper end. The bush locates in the top of the turret and is secured with a cross
bolt. The lower attachment point for the damper is also fitted with a bush. This bush has a spindle through its centre
with a hole at each end. The spindle is seated on the lower spring seat and the axle platform and secured with two
bolts. The coil spring is fitted in a compressed state between the upper and lower spring seats and assists the damper
in controlling the body/axle movement. The upper and lower bushes are replaceable items.
Rubber bump stops are fitted to the chassis above each end of the axle. The bump stops are progressive in their
compression and prevent the axle from contacting the chassis in the event of maximum suspension travel being
reached. The bump stops revert to their original shape once the compression load has been removed from them.
The damper functions by restricting the flow of a hydraulic fluid through internal galleries within the damper body. A
chromium plated rod moves axially within the damper. As the rod moves, its movement is limited by the flow of fluid
through the galleries thus providing damping of undulations in the terrain. The damper rod is sealed at its exit point
from the body to maintain fluid within the unit and prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture. The seal also acts as a
wiper to keep the rod outer diameter clean. A plastic shroud protects the rod and slides over the body as the damper
moves. The coil spring aids the damper to extend after being compressed and also aids the damping process.
FRONT SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 60-5
Coil springs
Coil springs are fitted to the front axle of the vehicle. The front springs differ between petrol and Diesel variants. Each
spring is retained at its base by the lower spring seat. The top of each spring is located in the upper spring seat
isolator. The upper spring seat is manufactured from natural rubber , with a bonded metal plate and four bonded studs
which provide for the attachment of the damper turret. The rubber isolator reduces noise transmitted to the chassis
and body from the suspension.
The coil springs must be installed correctly. The bottom coil of the spring locates in a recess in the lower spring seat.
The top coil of the spring is ground flat to locate the upper spring seat isolator.
Coil Spring Specifications – Models up to 03 Model Year
The front springs on petrol variants are manufactured from carbon chrome 13.9 mm (0.55 in) diameter bar. The spring
has 7.6 coils and a free length of 377 mm (14.8 in). The petrol front spring is identified by a pink and orange stripe
painted on a number of coils.
The front springs on Diesel variants are manufactured from carbon chrome 13.9 mm (0.55 in) diameter bar. The spring
has 7.6 coils and a free length of 383 mm (15.0 in). The Diesel front spring is identified by a white and purple stripe
painted on a number of coils.
Coil Spring Specifications – Models from 03 Model Year
The introduction of the 03MY vehicle introduced a range of additional spring fitments. These were introduced to cover
the introduction of the 4.6l V8 engine, the fitment of a front mounted winch and to optimise the vehicle trim heights.
The coil springs are manufactured from silicon manganese 13.8 mm or 13.9 mm (0.54 in or 0.55 in) diameter bar. The
following spring data table shows the colour codes, number of coils and spring free length.
Spring Data
The following table shows spring fitment applicablity.
Spring Fitment Applicability
The following table shows standard springs and uprated springs required when a front winch is fitted.
Winch Fitment Spring Applicability
Colour Code Total No. of Coils Free Length
Red/Purple 7.4 371 mm (14.6 in)
Yellow/Purple 7.4 378.4 mm (14.9 in)
Blue/Purple 7.4 365 mm (14.4 in)
Grey/Purple 7.4 387 mm (15.2 in)
Purple/Purple 7.4 373.8 mm (14.7 in)
Yellow/Orange 7.4 394.6 mm (15.5 in)
Green/Orange 7.4 382.6 mm (15 in)
Pink/Brown 7.6 405.6 mm (15.9 in)
Left Hand Drive Right Hand Drive
RH side LH side RH side LH side
Red/Purple Red/Purple Yellow/Purple Blue/Purple
Yellow/Purple Yellow/Purple Grey/Purple Purple/Purple
Grey/Purple Grey/Purple Yellow/Orange Green/Orange
Standard Spring Winch Fitted Spring
RH Side LH Side Both Sides
Red/Purple Red/Purple Grey/Purple
Yellow/Purple Blue/Purple Yellow/Orange
Yellow/Purple Yellow/Purple Yellow/Orange
Grey/Purple Purple/Purple Green/Orange
Grey/Purple Grey/Purple Green/Orange
Yellow/Orange Green/Orange Pink/Brown
FRONT SUSPENSION
REPAIRS 60-35
6.Apply a 3 mm (0.125 in) wide bead of sealant,
Part No. STC 50554 around drive shaft
circumference, as illustrated.
7.Ensure ABS harness is located in cut out in
steering knuckle.
8.Fit wheel hub to drive shaft and align steering
knuckle. The sealant will smear along the
length of the splines as the wheel hub is fitted
to the drive shaft.
9.Fit wheel hub bolts and tighten to 100 Nm (74
lbf.ft).
10.Fit new drive shaft nut and lightly tighten.
11.Fit front brake disc.
+ BRAKES, REPAIRS, Brake disc -
front.
12.With assistance, final tighten drive shaft nut to
490 Nm (360 lbf.ft). Stake drive shaft nut. The
drive shaft nut must be tightened before
sealant has cured.
13.Secure ABS sensor harness to brackets and
secure grommet to inner wing.
14.Fit road wheel and tighten nuts to 140 Nm (103
lbf.ft).
15.Remove stand(s) and lower vehicle.
16.Connect ABS sensor multiplug.
Damper - front
$% 60.30.02
Remove
1.Raise front of vehicle.
WARNING: Do not work on or under a
vehicle supported only by a jack. Always
support the vehicle on safety stands.
2.Remove road wheel.
3. RH damper: Release coolant reservoir and
position aside.
4.Loosen through bolt securing damper to turret.
WARNING: Make sure the axle cannot move
when the damper is disconnected. The
damper limits the downward movement of
the axle. If the axle is not restrained,
disconnecting the damper will allow
unrestricted movement which may cause
personal injury or damage to equipment.
M51 0058