Steering Box Install

[McSwerve]

Hi All

I have a new steering box to install on the 90, and I’m doing the great ‘should I do it or take to a garage’ debate.

There are a couple of installation guides on the web, and in the Haynes, but does anyone have any direct experience?

Also an independent said it’ll take 3 hours labour. Does that sound about right?

Cheers chaps

[zulublue]

Do it yourself, takes about 60 to 90 minutes

Here you go all the information you need

http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php?showtopic=16765&hl=steering+box

[diggerdog36]

I have literally just finished it, the hardest thing to do was to remove my steering guard.  I got a ball joint splitter (screw on one, not hammer on) to make it quicker.  Then, the second hardest was lifting it up into place on my own and getting the bolts in.  I replaced my 6 bolt with a disco 4 bolt job, now I go where I want and not where it wants!!!

[McSwerve]

I had spotted that link, that seems really helpfull.

But, I've been trying to track down a 34mm socket. Any idea where they're 'on the shelf'.

Cheers

[colinreed]

Halfords sell individual sockets (from their Professional range). I would have thought they would do a 34mm.

Colin
www.REEDX.net/landrover

[Range Rover Blues]

Just a couple of points, I'm sure mine needed a 33mm socket, not a 34 so check first.

To re-centralise the steering, newer modles there is a cut-out in the back of the drop arm and a hole in the back of the steering box to centralise the steering, either 7 or 8mm drill bit should fit. 
If either part is too old to have it then turn the steering box fully to the left, then turn right 2 complete turns, the steering box is then centralised.  Fit the steering wheel so that it is straight ahead and adjust the front drag link to bring the steering wheel back to centre (this is the method covered in the LR manual).

[BigA]

i replaced mine on my old 90, and about to do the one on the Disco, and i am no great mechanic. as diggerdog36 mentioned, its a pain lifting the new one on and getting the bolts in when doing it on your own, but if you take your time its not a bad job. as also mentioned, get the screw up type splitter for the ball joint.

if the new box you get hasn't got the drop arm connected, i would also suggest getting another drop arm, as getting the one of your existing box is next to impossible for us novices.

that said, i have never been so nervous driving a vehicle for the first time, after a job i have done as i was after this, but after a few slow corners i was back to listening out for new squeaks and knocks  :lol:

[Litch]

Like all the others have said, an easy enough job but I do recomend you get a new drop-arm as they can be a real swine to separate.

A dealer is quoting 3-hours?
When I converted my old 90 to PAS it took me just over 4-hours to fit & set up the whole system. Maybe they are quoting you a 'maximum' time in-case they have problems separating the drop-arm. I recomend buying a new drop-arm before you start, doesn't cost that much and it will make life a lot easier.

[diggerdog36]

When I got my steering box, the breaker got a huge hammer and a block of wood, he slackened the nut a few turns, sat the box on the block of wood on the nut (so the box was orientated as it would be in the vehicle)  and smacked the top of the drop arm....pop, off it came!! :lol: :lol: :shock:

[Range Rover Blues]

I couldn't get the drop arm off my old box for love nor money and when it needed a balljoint kit the old one was so worn (owned by a bodge it merchant before me) that I had to resort to grinding the old one out with a Dremel, so when I needed a new box I made sure I had a spare drop arm to hand.

When you don't need to take it off you'll find it ever so easy to separate.  Having had to take the box out with the drop arm still attached I was short of some knuckle skin and suffering a sense of humour failure, so I picked up LR special tool #1 (BFH) and took a run-up.  It came off with one swing :lol: