Hi, I need to change the steering coupling (u-joint) assembly this weekend on my '07 LR3. The part is on it's way. I am looking at the location of the coupling and shaft, and it looks pretty tight. Can I get at the bottom end through wheel well heat shield? and maybe remove heat shield on inside of the fender up top to get at that end? If you have any know-how on this one, it would be appreciated.

 

Bottom / side access is the best way. It's tricky but can be done, I just did mine..

Be sure to not turn your wheel 180 degrees off, or you will get faults.

Removing the heat shields is the way I did mine, as you described. A lift is your friend if possible.

 

Thanks, I will try that.

 

I did it this weekend. About a two hour job for me. Maybe one hour next time. Basically, Remove the wheel, heat shield by the upper part of the shaft. This has one screw at the top then two "feet" are pryed out of their position. And a plastic cover behind the wheel on the left side as your looking at the wheel hub. Take the bottom star bolt out, (leave the shaft on) rotate wheel as to access the top star bolt and remove. Lift the bottom section of the shaft up and off the shaft from the steering box. Then slide the whole thing out and down through where the plastic cover was. Slide new shaft up onto the upper shaft from the firewall, bolt loosely, (you'll need to use thread lock on the two bolts upon installation. )Then slide the bottom shaft section onto the steering box shaft, and install bolt with thread lock. There is a specific detent where the bolt slides through. Turn the steering wheel to access the top bolt. Remove bolt apply thread lock, then install bolt. Install lower plastic cover with the four pins. Install upper heat shield and your done. Remember never turn the steering wheel without the shaft connected at both ends. Upon inspection of the steering shaft that was removed. It was definately the cause of the steering stiffness. The little U-joint didn't want to move in one direction.
Q.

 

That's awesome it went well. This seems to be a common issue as these vehicles get older. The part was updated at some point, I'm not sure the particulars, they looked pretty much the same.