Loose steering

[Shan]

Hi guys. I've got a 2011 D22 and my steering is very loose when at top dead centre. Just had my 20000 service done at the dealership and they said that there is no prob with the steering. But it is not a nice feeling to be driving on country roads with that amount of play in the steering. Is there any thing I can do to fix the prob?

Thanks guys

 

[mitch92]

Mine also seems to have a bit of loose steering before getting resistance as i turn the wheel. It's something i just accept, my old Rodeo had it even worse.

 

[scooba_285]

mine use too also, but a steering dampener fixed it right up

 

[Bvandermaat]

Yeah Steering Dampener would be the way to go.
Everywhere seems to be out of stock at the moment though.
The kits are made by Rancho and include the fitting plates.
I purchased a kit from Superior engineering (as they were the only ones that "were not" out of stock) at Christmas and have not received it yet. Order status is "waiting on stock"

 

[scooba_285]

i got mine off ebay, its a rancho $199 i think it was

 

[Dion]

Recirculating ball steering is a bit that way. Without feeling it myself I don't know if it's excessive or not. The box can be tightened but you'll never remove all the slop.

 

[RustyNav09]

superior engineering were out of stock last time i checked. thats out of stock of brackets not the dampener itself. they must come in serperate batches or something.

as for the play in the steering i also have it and will be throwing a dampener on to smooth things out. it will be getting done when i decide which way im going with the suspension

 

[tweak'e]

just remember that a steering dampener just hides the faults.

 

[Bvandermaat]

True. I would advise getting the steering components looked at and replaced if needed.
I did that after 2 months of owning my nav and it handled a lot better. Until I put larger tyres on.

 

[Blacknav]

Mine has had a bit of slop since ever since i have owned it aswell. I will get it checked out one day, a steering dampener will go on when i get around to lifting it.

 

[Bvandermaat]

I received and email from Superior Engineering saying that they have these on back order and the supplier has confirmed they are waiting on customs.
Should not be to long until they are back in stock.

 

[scooba_285]

do superior engineering supply the rancho dampener?

 

[Bvandermaat]

Yeah mate. Same as the one that you have put on by the looks of it.

 

[scooba_285]

its a good unit but wouldnt mind a rtc one

 

[Bvandermaat]

I just received a call from Superior Engineering saying that the supplier has just informed them that the steering dampeners were not in the latest shipment.

They have also informed me that they are having one sent over express shipping which should be 2 weeks. Bloody good customer service I think.

 

[joshman]

From what I understand a steering damper will NOT help with slop in your steering rack. I know it hasn't in my case, what the damper will reduce is the tendency for the steering to 'snap' back towards centre when cornering.

From what I understand of the minimal research I've done is that steering slop come from having a shagged drag-link and from the steering box being loose. I understand that there is a bolt head on the top of the box that can tighten up the steering system. I think. I'd love some confirmation on this!

 

[Bvandermaat]

Yeah I know I have a slightly worn drag link. But not enough to warrant changing or to bother me. The steering dampener will be helpful offroad with larger tyres. Well that is why i purchased it anyway.

 

[scooba_285]

the dampener also helps a lot with the car wondering all over the road

 

[Bvandermaat]

Yeah mine doesn't seem to be to bad at that. I had everything that needed to be replaced done and it came good. well still a bit loose but hey nature of the beast I guess

 

[scottybobcat]

From what I understand a steering damper will NOT help with slop in your steering rack. I know it hasn't in my case, what the damper will reduce is the tendency for the steering to 'snap' back towards centre when cornering.

From what I understand of the minimal research I've done is that steering slop come from having a shagged drag-link and from the steering box being loose. I understand that there is a bolt head on the top of the box that can tighten up the steering system. I think. I'd love some confirmation on this![/Q

I understand that there is a bolt head on the top of the box that can tighten up the steering system. I think.

You would be right. You need to have your steering straight and undo the bolt. Under the bolt there will be a hex bolt or screw head to tighten for the adjustment(do not over tighten it).Once adjusted put the bolt back in and tighten it up