First i would like to thank the people of the forum. Usually all my questions get answered but not today. That's why i registered and why i am posting. So i recently had my D2 service (replace drive shaft), but as soon as i left the shop i have experienced what seems like a tight steering wheel, or difficulty to turn. Not too hard but noticeably harder. Also when i make both left and right turns the steering wheel doesn't return to center without me forcing it to. I've searched to forum but haven't seen this specific topic for Land Rovers. As for a little more background to this problem i took it to shop 1 for a quote, i told them that something was squeaking in the front passenger wheel. He quoted my a new hub assembly at $1000. I told him not to do the work and went to shop 2 for a second opinion. Shop 2 said it was the drive shaft and we replaced it, noise is now gone but the steering problem was noticed. PS. my gf drove the car to shop 2 from shop 1. It been a couple weeks and she cant remember if the steering was like that on the way to shop 2. My question is what could be the possible explanation and could shop 1 have sabotaged my ride since i didn't have them do the work?

 

Have you checked your power steering fluid level?

When is the last time the fluid was flushed?

Your steering symptoms can be an indication that the Power Steering Pump is failing.

$1000 to replace a wheel HUB? WOW!
You can buy the HUB for $350 or so and spend 30 min to replace yourself.

 

The fluid level is good, however I have never change out the fluid. I bought the car two years ago and put about 10K miles on it or less because it tends to sit a lot.

 

are there anyways to tell if the pump is going (w/o pulling it out) , it is def. pumping fluid, that is visible in the fluid reservoir.

 

The car is in the shop now, they tried a few things. There about to replace the power steering pump... we'll see what happens next.

 

I just left the shop. they had it up on the lift, inspected all linkages, made sure the ball joints were not frozen. replaced the pump, about 2 quarts of fluid, and replaced the belt tensioner. Drives slightly better but still doesn't return to center and still kinda stiff when turning. They said to drive it for a week or so, and their next guess was the steering box. Luckily they didn't charge for anything today. I'll call and ask about the stabilizer today and see if they looked at that too. anymore suggestions?

 

FWIW, mine does the same thing. The steering wheel doesn't just swing back to center when the truck is exiting a turn. I noticed this as soon as I bought the truck, but the PS generally seems to be working quite nicely. I have always just assumed this is more a function of the size/weight of the vehicle...

 

Caster is probably off. Have your alignment checked. The power steering system has nothing to do with this.

 

It is a dry ball joint issue. Not all ball joints are greasable on the DII. Makes sure that the rubber boots on the joints are not busted.