Much game in the direction of a Santana III

Hello,

I've recently purchased a 1980 Land Rover Santana 109 SIII.
I've noticed the steering has a lot of play. Is this normal? Is there any mechanical adjustment I can make to minimize it?
Regards,

Cesc

Excessive play in the steering is not normal. You can correct it by checking the steering column. There's a steering box with a bolt and nut on the outside; that's the steering adjustment. Loosen the nut and move the bolt until the play is minimal. Don't remove all the play, as it needs to have some tolerance.

Hi Kikemec,

thanks for your quick reply.
When I say it has excessive play, I mean I'm constantly adjusting the steering wheel to keep going straight.
I downloaded the service manual from the website, I'll take a look at it, and if I have any questions, I'll let you know.

Cheers,

Cesc

Okay, no problem. But if what you're correcting is the steering wheel position, what you really need to check is the vehicle's alignment. For this to work, the best thing to do is replace the tie rod ends, and if possible, the ball joints. Let me know how it goes. But what you're describing seems to be related to the tie rod ends. When you let go of the steering wheel, does the vehicle noticeably pull to one side?

Hi,
when I let go of the steering wheel, it doesn't pull to one side like it's misaligned. What I notice and see in the steering wheel is that it has too much play. That is, if I'm going straight, I can move the steering wheel to the right or left very slightly, as if at that moment it doesn't affect the steering mechanism, since there's no friction.