Have you ever asked yourself what could be wrong with your Land Rover’s steering wheel, why it vibrates, or why it produces a certain sound? The answer could be the steering shaft. This key component connects your car’s steering wheel to its steering mechanism so that you can control the vehicle's direction. The steering shaft can wear down with time and provide an undesirable drive to the car. Keep reading to find out how to identify the steering shaft problem, what you can do about it, and where you should take your Land Rover for a reliable repair.
Diagnosing Steering Shaft Issues
- Listen for Noises: The first thing you can do is to observe whether there are any unusual noises when turning the steering wheel. Every time you hear a clunking or knocking sound, know that your steering shaft or the components related to it are faulty. This noise usually indicates that the components have worn out, are loose, or are damaged in some way.
- Inspect The Steering Wheel: Look at the steering wheel to see if there are any obvious signs of a problem. If the steering wheel is loose or wobbly, then it is an indication that the steering shaft is not working properly. Ideally, the steering wheel should not vibrate or move excessively when your Land Rover is in motion. Too much vibration of the steering wheel could suggest that the steering shaft or other related components are not functioning as they should.
- Test How the Steering Feels: Another way to spot a problem in the steering shaft is to look at how your Land Rover steers when you are driving. Twist the steering wheel and check whether it is hard to rotate. Good handling is one of the best features one wants to see in a car to have a smooth drive. If you notice that the steering wheel is difficult to turn or does not turn smoothly, then it might be a result of a damaged steering shaft.
Repairing Steering Shaft Issues
- Replace Worn-Out Parts: When the steering shaft is discovered to be bad or worn out, it will require replacement. Steering shaft replacement requires the removal of the old shaft and the installation of a new one. This can be a challenging process that needs to be accomplished with certain tools and skills. It is highly recommended to let a professional mechanic work on this repair to avoid a poor job being done.
- Lubricate the Shaft: The problem can be caused by a lack of lubrication. If one is experiencing some sort of problem with the steering shaft, such as it is not moving as it should or making some sort of sound, then applying the right type of grease or oil should do the trick. Lubrication helps to reduce friction and noise. Make sure to use the type of lubricant that is recommended by Land Rover to have proper operation.
- Align Steering Shaft: One of the most important factors is the alignment, since it determines the ease of steering. When the steering shaft is not aligned; this leads to steering issues. It is recommended to allow a professional mechanic to align the steering shaft and other related parts. Misalignment leads to poor road handling and response to the steering wheel.
- Check for Other Issues: Sometimes, the issues that affect the steering shaft can be attributed to other subassemblies of the steering system. Take the car to a mechanic to check the steering rack, joints, and linkages. Checking all the parts and ensuring that they are in good condition helps in avoiding any problems with the steering.
Come To The Best Land Rover Repair Garage in Nashville
Welcome to Import Specialty Service – 
your one-stop shop for the best Land Rover and other luxurious European car maintenance and repairs. We have skilled and well-equipped technicians who are capable of handling any steering problem that may come up with your Land Rover. Our garage is based in Nashville, TN and we happily service cars for drivers from Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro, TN, and other nearby areas. You can rely on us to get your car back to its optimum running condition. If you own a Land Rover and you need to service your car, then why not book your next service with us now?