I have purchased my first land rover (today). 2002 Discovery II SE7 (silver). It seems very strong mechanically, and I am surprised about how many little things that I have already repaired quickly that have made this an excellent ride!

The steering is one thing that I would like to work on next. It seems solid, and power steering is not making any loud noises and is smooth. However, I feel that the play in wheel and how the car drifts is a safety concern.

The best way I can explain this is that when you are at 40-70mph the vehicle likes to take off in one direction suddenly. To give you a similar example, it feels as though a gust of wind is pushing the vehicle. It could drift to either side without notice and it is rapid as well (no warning or reason).

I assume that the play in the steering wheel could be related, but I would like to soon fix these issues (Especially the drifting).

WHERE would you start in this diagnosis/repair? I am a shade-tree mechanic and willing to get my hands dirty.

 

personally, i'd start checking out bushings @ steering knuckle and the steering damper.

 

You want to die - keep driving it.
That is a bad safety issue.

 

just went through this with my D2, the tie rod ends were beat.....especially the pass side tracking rod end......replaced the tracking rod & ends as well as the draglink and ends....big difference, now it drives normal and predictable.......worth a look

 

Same here. I'm getting tie rod end installed next week along with the steering stabilizer - might want to check that as well.

 

I have similar problems but I checked the track rod and drag link ends and they look good. It seems to have the play in the wheel between the rods and the steering wheel. I though I saw that there is some screw that can be tightened.

 

there is an adjustment on the steering box, but that isn't your problem. check your tierod ends and bushings again.

 

When I move the steering wheel back and forth a little bit the steering wheel moves but nothing else does in the steering components at the front axle. It seems like it is coming from the steering box.

 

I just started experiencing the same symptoms as you. Not to long ago I replaced everything steering/suspension related. I upgraded to all heavy duty parts (w/ greaseable rod ends). Including Panhard rod w/ Poly's and Terrafirma 3degree "castor correcting" Radius arms w/ Poly's. Steering felt fine for awhile. Went wheeling a few times now have slop in the wheel. I can turn the wheel 3-4 degrees or so before input is feed to the drop arm.

After 182k miles, 32" tires, and some punishing off-road abuse I believe my steering box is worn ready for rebuild or replacement. I'm itching for some free time to fiddle with the steering box adjustment screw.

Per Rave, disconnect rod end at steering knuckle, and center arm w/ appropriate bolt before attempting to fiddle with the adjustment screw. Clockwise turns increases force on the gear and should tighten up steering feel. Only turn 1/8 to 1/4 at a time. It's suggested to have a buddy Turn the steering wheel lock to lock while you're adjusting the screw. When wheel looses the "slop" you're all set.

That's my understanding. Someone correct me if I misleading...