Hello all in the Land Rover world! So I have unfortunately created a new issue on my 1998 Disco 1. As I was reinstalling my headlight/turn signal switch on the left hand side of the steering wheel, I had to turn the steering wheel so that I could access the two screw holes to secure the switch back into place (any of you who have had to do this in the past know what I mean - the others of you may be confused by now but stick with me). I put the key in the ignition and turned it to the ignition "ON" position without starting the vehicle just so that I could turn the steering wheel without the wheel lock setting in. As I was tugging on the wheel to get the screw holes accessible, I heard what sounded like something breaking free and now my steering wheel spins freely and does not turn the wheels at all. Things I have done so far in diagnosing it (which isn't much yet) is I took the key out of the ignition and turned the wheel and it still has wheel lock, but when I put the key back in and in the ON position it just spins freely again. I started the car to see if anything would change then and no dice (I know I know, probably wouldn't make logical sense for it to have made a difference, but little about these things are logical at times haha). So, any thoughts on where to look or (hopefully simple)solutions? Thanks in advance! - Jordan in San Diego

 

Pop the hood, on the driver side next to the exhaust manifold is the steering shaft, chances are the joint near the steering box broke. Mine has a silver heat shield wrapped around it

 

check and see if one of the flex joints on the steering shaft broke, have someone spin the wheel while you watch the shaft.

 

Also, depending on how many times you spun your steering wheel, you may have damaged your clockspring, or at the least may need to reset it.

 

Thank you guys!!! I finally got some time to go out and look and it looks like I lucked out. The flex joint that connects the steering column to the steering box stripped out. Very happy that the steering box has crisp threads still! Question for you all, do you know if the D1 and D2 share the same steering setup or at least the same flex joint? I'm about to head to a junkyard to pull the part (hoping I find one in good condition!). Also, I did spin the steering wheel a bunch (idiot, I know) but the horn and blinkers still work. Does this mean the clock spring is still good?

 

It might be, but that clock spring is also responsible for firing your Airbag.

Personally, I'd replace it. It's a $40 part, and sort of a PITA to replace, but given the alternatives, I'd play it safe than sorry.