Discovery 300tdi steering pull

[discomax]

I've have a '95 300TDi (Jap re-import) for nearly 2 years and it has a permanent pull to the left.
The alignment has been checked and all is in order. The tyre pressures (Pirelli Scorpion STR's) are correct.
It's been to a couple of L-R specialists in Teesside who have given it a clear bill of health.
I'm wondering if the steering rack is not centered.
Although the steering wheel is correctly positioned for straight ahead, full left lock requires 2 full turns, yet full right lock requires only 1 .75.
The steering drag link ball joint was replaced not long after I purchased the vehicle (the previousl fell apart in the middle of a round-about!!).
I've spent quite a bit of money getting the Disco mechanically right and would like to get to the bottom of this annoyance.

[Satancom]

First thing I would do is swap the wheels front to back and see if it makes any difference (or side to side if they are not directional tread).

Then go from there :)

[DiscoTdi]

I've have a '95 300TDi (Jap re-import) for nearly 2 years and it has a permanent pull to the left.
The alignment has been checked and all is in order. The tyre pressures (Pirelli Scorpion STR's) are correct.
It's been to a couple of L-R specialists in Teesside who have given it a clear bill of health.
I'm wondering if the steering rack is not centered.
Although the steering wheel is correctly positioned for straight ahead, full left lock requires 2 full turns, yet full right lock requires only 1 .75.
The steering drag link ball joint was replaced not long after I purchased the vehicle (the previousl fell apart in the middle of a round-about!!).
I've spent quite a bit of money getting the Disco mechanically right and would like to get to the bottom of this annoyance.

sounds just like my TDi300 :confused: bloody annoying and actually quite fatiguing on a long journey. I have checked pretty much everything on mine and all seems to be in order. I measured the distance between the wheels on each side, expecting an axle alignement problem, and they where both spot on, which is amazing in itself considering all the rubber bushes etc.

Might be worth you checking yours though ?

The difference in lock is normal, you should have greater lock for left hand pull outs at junctions versus right lock.

Also there is no rack, it uses a worm and nut type gearbox which relies on the steering caster to self center. If you jack up the front end with engine running the wheels will stay put where ever you point them, the servo assistance does not automatically self center. It only gives assistance whenever you move steering wheel.

This is another job on my list to sort out, so keep us informed of progress.

Cheers

[discomax]

Most of the bushes etc around the front axle have been replaced with new poly Britpart items over the last 18 months or so.
I had a Range Rover Classic in the mid 90's which had exactly the same problem but pulled to the right. This was further compounded by sticking brakes which meant it cooked the disks.
I got rid of that after 9 months and vowed never to have another L-R product again.
Thanks for the tech description of the worn and nut, I'm not familiar with these so wasn't sure how they work. That saves me looking an idiot when talking to the garage again.
Unfortunatley, I don't get much time to get my hands dirty with the Disco due to business commitments but I'll have a fiddle about this weekend.

[andymach23]

This is a pretty decent thread on 300 Tdi's pulling to the left...

http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php?showtopic=34315 (http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php?showtopic=34315)

Cheers

Andy

[armalites]

This is fairly common, my 300 has always been fine. A friend of mine cured his by fitting a Bilstein Gas steering damper. As the damper exerts a little pressure it counteracts the pull.

regards

Carl