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How to replace a Discovery 3 lower steering shaft - pictures

by: Auto Express team

27 Sep 2017

Go to: How to replace a Discovery 3 lower steering shaft

On the right-hand side of the engine compartment, the two clips that hold the plastic cover over the brake servo are released and the cover removed.
The retaining screws are undone and then the auxiliary tray is removed from the right-hand side inner wing.
Next, the heat shield, which protects the suspension arm, is released and removed, taking care to avoid damaging the adjacent harness and brake hose.
When all of the panels and trays have been removed you can now see the top of the lower collapsible shaft (as illustrated by arrow).
The steering wheel is set straight ahead, then locked in position using the steering lock. It should not be turned while the shaft is disconnected.
Using a socket and extension bar, the retaining bolt holding the intermediate and lower shaft together is undone.
The retaining bolt is then removed and discarded, this is because a new bolt should be used when a new shaft is fitted.
With the vehicle securely supported, working under the vehicle, the ten securing bolts are undone and the engine undershield removed.
When the engine undertray has been removed, we could then see and reach to where the lower shaft connects to the steering rack.
Using a socket and extension bar, the bolt securing the lower shaft yoke/UJ to the steering rack is undone and discarded.
When both the securing bolts were removed, the lower steering shaft could be manoeuvred up and out from the Discovery.
Once removed and inspected, the yoke/UJ was found to be badly seized and almost impossible to move by hand.
It’s now time for the new lower collapsible steering shaft to be lowered down into position with the yoke/UJ downwards.
Once it has been aligned with the upper intermediate shaft, the coupling yoke is pushed onto the steering rack input shaft.
With the new lower shaft correctly positioned, a new upper flange-bolt is fitted, then a new lower bolt to the yoke (using Land Rover bolts only).
Using a socket and extension the shaft securing bolts are tightened to 30 Nm, checking the steering wheel is still in the straight ahead position
The auxiliary tray, heat shield, engine bay panels and the engine undertray, are all refitted before checking the work and carefully road testing.