Land Rovers are designed to handle rough roads and long highway drives, but if you’re experiencing steering issues, every ride becomes a challenge. If the steering wheel of your car is stiff, loose, or makes strange sounds when you turn it to change the direction of the car, then your Land Rover may have a steering shaft problem.
The steering shaft is an important component of the steering system of your Land Rover, as it links the steering wheel to the steering rack. When it fails, it becomes hard and sometimes even unsafe to drive your vehicle on the road. The good news is that a failing steering shaft is not the end of your Land Rover’s performance. Here are some common causes behind steering shaft failures, and how you can respond to them.
What Causes Steering Shaft Failure?
- Wear and Tear Over Time: Like any other moving component of the vehicle, the steering shaft is bound to experience wear and tear over time. The U-joints and bushings inside the shaft wear out, and this makes the steering system loose or stiff. Steering shafts are worn out more on Land Rovers that have been used for off-roading or have been involved in more rigorous operations.
- Rust and Corrosion: Rust is a major factor that affects the steering shaft. Since the shaft is made of metal and is exposed to moisture and road salt, corrosion may set in after a certain period of time. Rust causes the shaft to become brittle and rigid, and when this happens, it will either be very stiff or break down completely.
- Dirt and Debris Accumulation: Land Rovers are built for roads with irregularities such as mud and sand tracks, rocky terrains, and gravel. Any dirt, mud, or other debris can accumulate around the shaft, especially at the joints, and this makes the movement of the shaft very slow. This buildup can over time cause the joint to wear out and this makes it difficult to turn the wheel.
- Absence of Lubricant: Lubricants are important in ensuring the smooth operation of the steering shaft and its U-joint. If the lubrication is depleted or is not frequently replaced, the joints may seize up or start to grind and cause failure at an early age.
- Collision or Cases of Impact: If the vehicle was involved in a front-end collision, accident, or hit a pothole very hard, then the steering shaft may be misaligned or bent. Small cracks can cause massive problems in the steering, which makes it difficult to control the car.
How To Fix a Steering Shaft Failure
- Check Steering Shaft: The first thing that should be done when you think your steering shaft is faulty is to conduct a physical check. A mechanic can look for signs of rust, loose joints, abnormally free play in the steering wheel, or an overly rigid steering wheel. If your vehicle makes any clunking sounds, especially when turning, that can be another sign of a problem.
- Lubricate and Clean the Shaft: If the shaft is not severely worn, cleaning and applying lubricant may help to solve the problem. A high-quality grease applied to the U-joints will help reduce further wear and enhance the movement. This is only a temporary solution, though, if the shaft is already badly corroded or damaged.
- Replace Steering Shaft: Sometimes the shaft may become so worn out, rusty, or damaged that the best thing to do is to replace it. Steering shafts are not easily repairable if they are severely rusted or have some major structural problems. A new steering shaft will bring back normal function and your Land Rover will drive smoothly and safely once again.
- Steering Alignment: Once the steering shaft has been changed, the steering system will need to be aligned. An improperly aligned steering shaft may cause poor handling, abnormal wear of the tires, and even the damage of other components of the steering system. A professional alignment will ensure that your Land Rover’s steering is as accurate as it should be.
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