Power Steering Issue

[robbie]

I have a 1984 Land Rover 90 with power steering. An issue over the last few years has been a worsening of a leak at the steering column end of the steering box along with sloppy steering. I changed the steering box yesterday with a refurbished unit from Paddocls expecting both issues to be cured, only to find the sloppy steering is still there although the leak has now been cured. there is about 4 inches of play in the movement of the steering wheel which is excessive in my mind.

From this i have a few questions:

1. Could it be the steering pump?? I cant see it but it is the only other component in there really. I do see the same movement when the engine is not running too

2. What is the adjuster for on the top of the box?

The steering box is a 3 bolt unit if this makes any difference

[trecfive]

Warn track rod ends or the two joints on the steering shaft have play in them.At a guess i would expect to have about 2" of play in the steering when the wheels are straight ahead and more play on full lock.

[robbie]

The ball joints seem fine and the drop arm is new, the drag link is new and only done 2000 miles max. The symptom occurs when I am under the bonnet and rotate the steering shaft. nothing happens to the drop arm at the front of the steering box and the steering wheel moves about 4 inches...

Would a faulty damper have any effect on the symptom??

[Axetamer]

Undo the 19mm locknut on the top of the box and wind the allen bolt in a little at a time until the play comes out of the steering box, don't overdo it as the self centering under driving conditions if affected if too tight

[trecfive]

I changed the steering box yesterday with a refurbished unit from Paddocls expecting both issues to be cured,

Undo the 19mm locknut on the top of the box and wind the allen bolt in a little at a time until the play comes out of the steering box, don't overdo it as the self centering under driving conditions if affected if too tight

If it is a refurbished unit, should you be adjusting it already?.That bolt only stops the vertical pin from moving up and down .

[robbie]

the guys from the refurbishing unit instructed me to adjust it but it didnt make it any difference.

The unit is now being changed and hopefully it will resolve the issue

Thanks for your help guys :)