Member Since: 29 Nov 2021
Location: SW London
Posts: 261
Replacing lower steering shaft
Steering was tagged as an advisory in last June’s (previous owner) MoT.
Set about replacing the lower UJ shaft today. I’m sure it’s been done a thousand times, but in case it has any value, here’s my process, challenges and photos.
Removed the engine under-shield (10 bolts), which gives line of sight to the lower UJ connection. Rusty UJ, but under tray was clean.
Removed the plastic box side to the brake reservoir compartment and adjacent heat shield which gives access to the upper column bolted connection which was easy to remove.
Lower connection is a torx bolt. Again no problem to remove with an assembly of ratchet extensions through OS wishbone.
Removed old shaft upwards after an encouraging tap on the bottom end. Absolutely shot, stiff, gritty and unstable.
Installed new shaft from above and bolted up bottom end ok.
When bolting up the upper joint the circular captive nut in the shaft end was loose and span in the collar. You can see its come free and the unpainted metal ring in the photo.
Only option was to replace with a Nyloc.
The brand new part was clearly faulty, so here’s the question - IS THE NYLOC SAFE?
Thanks Pete
Last edited by Register on 4th Dec 2021 9:16 pm. Edited 1 time in total
4th Dec 2021 8:52 pm
aja4x4
Member Since: 14 Apr 2019
Location: Westbury
Posts: 2463
Is that a genuine shaft?Andrew
D3 2.7tdv6 2005
D4 3.0 SDV6 Commercial died and gone to LR heaven
D5 3.0 SDV6 HSE
4th Dec 2021 9:04 pm
Register
Member Since: 29 Nov 2021
Location: SW London
Posts: 261
I hope so.
Part No. LR071146 purchased from AF along with the two related bolts.
4th Dec 2021 9:20 pm
aja4x4
Member Since: 14 Apr 2019
Location: Westbury
Posts: 2463
The Nyloc nut will be ok as long as there are threads protruding throughAndrew
D3 2.7tdv6 2005
D4 3.0 SDV6 Commercial died and gone to LR heaven
D5 3.0 SDV6 HSE
4th Dec 2021 9:23 pm
Register
Member Since: 29 Nov 2021
Location: SW London
Posts: 261
Sounds good.
I left the lock washer off when I fitted it as it seemed like overkill.
I’ll check the threads tomorrow.
Rather fed up that the part was faulty.
Pete
4th Dec 2021 9:31 pm
aja4x4
Member Since: 14 Apr 2019
Location: Westbury
Posts: 2463
It seems a bit cheap to be genuine, but as long as there is not a lot of free play at the steering wheel it will be ok .Andrew
D3 2.7tdv6 2005
D4 3.0 SDV6 Commercial died and gone to LR heaven
D5 3.0 SDV6 HSE
4th Dec 2021 9:37 pm
Register
Member Since: 29 Nov 2021
Location: SW London
Posts: 261
Cheap at £98.83 plus postage?
It’s transformed the steering so happy with that. One less for the MoT
4th Dec 2021 9:43 pm
aja4x4
Member Since: 14 Apr 2019
Location: Westbury
Posts: 2463
The last genuine one i bought was around £230 +varAndrew
D3 2.7tdv6 2005
D4 3.0 SDV6 Commercial died and gone to LR heaven
D5 3.0 SDV6 HSE
4th Dec 2021 10:03 pm
Register
Member Since: 29 Nov 2021
Location: SW London
Posts: 261
Just took a look back at the AF site and you're right I purchased a pattern part (from a reputable supplier?)
Notwithstanding this, I do feel it ought to perform as designed!
Pete
5th Dec 2021 9:06 am
aja4x4
Member Since: 14 Apr 2019
Location: Westbury
Posts: 2463
The aftermarket ones have had too much play in the sliding joint and has lead to a lot of free play at the steering wheel.
I have never had a problem with parts purchased from AF so as long as there is no freeplay at the steering wheel it will be ok.Andrew
D3 2.7tdv6 2005
D4 3.0 SDV6 Commercial died and gone to LR heaven
D5 3.0 SDV6 HSE
5th Dec 2021 9:11 am
Register
Member Since: 29 Nov 2021
Location: SW London
Posts: 261
Thanks, hadn't considered the sliding element.
I'll keep an eye on it, but for now its a transformation over the earlier decaying UJ.
5th Dec 2021 9:48 am
aja4x4
Member Since: 14 Apr 2019
Location: Westbury
Posts: 2463
I dont think theres a problem with wear on them, the faulty ones are faulty from the start.Andrew
D3 2.7tdv6 2005
D4 3.0 SDV6 Commercial died and gone to LR heaven
D5 3.0 SDV6 HSE
5th Dec 2021 10:25 am
Register
Member Since: 29 Nov 2021
Location: SW London
Posts: 261
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