Well I've had issues with the rover going over bumps and the steering wheel would wiggle. So I thought the steering damper was worn out. So I replaced it yesterday and took it for a test drive. I was going about 50 and purposely went over a bump. The steering wheel shuddered out of my hand violently and the whole from tof the truck was vibrating violently. I could not control the vehicle and hit the brakes. Classic land rover response time the vehicle did not want to stop, I crossed the center line trying to control the truck with out flipping it and almost had a head on with a truck. So my question is:

What the hell????

Any thoughts? I have new tie rod ends, the tires are secure, the connection from steering wheel to power steering gear box under hood is secure and everything feels tight. There is good resistance in the steering wheel too. Now I'm scared to drive the thing until I can figure it out.

Thanks, John

 

Death Wobble.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmtoOmq3ppw

My guess would've been the steering damper. That's scary, I wouldn't drive it either

 

Wheel hub bearings most likely. Also check the panhard rod bushings but the first is prob the issue.

 

Steering dampener is really only there for off road, so that if you hit a big rock or something it reduces the chance the steering wheel will spin and hurt you.

Also add swivel pins (or their preload) to that list. I'd say tie rod ends too, but he's already checked those.

 

Amen on the pucker factor when you have a close encounter with the Death Wobble. Mine seemed to be also linked to a warped rotor, also did the bearings, four tie rod ends, and a sticking caliper.

 

what about radius arm bushings

 

is there a way to check the hub bearings?

 

It's a cheap but tedious fix. To check, lift the front end and check the wheel play in the 3-9 and 12-6 position. Grab the tire and feel for movement from e-w then n-s, that'll tell you how much play there is.

 

My bet is with bushings and/or swivel issue.

 

I would start with swivel pins and wheel bearings. Then move to bushings, then to steering components. Unless you crawl under there and find something broken.