Steering column bush worn out

[Nick666]

Been having a groaning noise coming from the steering when it's turned quickly... was worrying it was the pump or something but it looks like it's this bushing that's basically totally knackered, just on the engine-bay side of the bulkhead.

Does anyone know how easy it is to replace? Not sure if it'd mean disassembling the dashboard and everything or whether I might just be able to take the column apart within the engine-bay and do it that way - don't want to get part-way through and have to have the thing towed to someone who can do the job if I can't!

It's the one in the middle of the pics below:

Big closeup link

Any advice would be very much appreciated!

[defenderdan]

That isn't a bush, it's just a clamp. Your groaning niose is more than likely the same one that a lot of landrovers suffer from. It's (so i'm told) caused by the fluid vibrating within the pipes under high pressure. Try bleeding your power steering. My dads 90 does it and my disco does it, it's not detremental just annoying.

[Nick666]

OK fingers crossed that's it :) I'll have a go - thanks for the help dan :D

[drmike]

I thought that there was a bush tucked in there behind the clamp. In fact I thought that there were two. Looking at the Defender manual there seem to be two bearings and it looks like a ton of work to get at them.

However, I bet they're not groaning. I'd suggest the knuckles in the steering column myself.

Mike

[Xtremeteam]

there is 2 bearings in the coloumn,problem is its a complete strip down job to do anything about them

[davidlandy]

wrap them with insulation tape and pop em back in - worked for MOT !

[Nick666]

Hmm. Is it anything to be worried about? (Didnt need bleeding by the way - no air at all in there... was worth a try though cheers dave ;))

Is it something I really ought to have done? Or can I just accept it as one of those character things? :)