Guys,

I have tried to search past posts for this issue, but can't seem to find what I am looking for.

My 2003 TD6 steering wheel has about 20 - 25mm of freeplay, i.e: Movement of the steering wheel which does not translate in to movement of the road wheels.

I am about to head into the garage to get to the bottom of it, but I was wondering whether:

1) This is a common fault?
2) Has anyone experienced this freeplay and if so how was it resolved?

Thanks,

Stephen

Yes I have experience of this

The previous SC I had suffered exactly the same problem which was most noticable on the motorway when cruising

I asked dealer to look at it when in for a service but they could find nothing wrong and could not detect it during a test drive

I insisted there was a problem and went for a drive with head tech who did eventually detect the movement

I was sure that the movement was in the steering column before reaching the rack as the amount of force required on the wheel to feel the freeplay was very little, just the weight of your finger was enough

I got them to put it on the ramps and have a look

the problem turned out to be a loose pinch bolt on the bottom steering column UJ and luckily it wasn't that loose that the splines were knackered so all that was needed was to tighten the bolt - fixed FOC

hope your fix is as simple this but defo worth a look before you start replacing any parts

Track rod ends are a common fault on these vehicles

Sharpm thanks for your help you hit the nail on the head - the pinch bolt was indeed loose.

READERS- PLEASE NOTE, IF YOU FIND YOU ARE EXPERIENCING FREEPLAY AT YOUR STEERING WHEEL PLEASE CHECK ASAP THAT YOUR PINCH BOLT AT THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN UJ IS TIGHT!!!!

As an experienced technician I am astounded at how loose this important pinch bolt was, the column is of course still held by splines but if over time they became worn....

Stephen

could we have a pic to determine exactly were we are looking  onto no6 Range Rover

Everyone needs a hobby

It would be worth applying some Loctite before tightening

pretty sure mine does this. I'll get it check tomorrow. FFRR TD6 HSE
Adriatic Blue with Parchment leather.

glad I could be of assistance.