Open the app

Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Defender Puma 2.4 TDCi › Workshop guide › Steering & power steering check

Land Rover Defender Puma 2.4 TDCi: steering & power steering check

Steering · Defender (1990–2016) · 2007–2011

How often: every 12,000 mi or year, whichever comes first. Worn ball joints, a tired steering damper or worn bushes cause the Defender 'death wobble'.

SteeringPower steering: Dexron III ATF

Work safely: support the vehicle on axle stands, never a jack alone; let it cool first. Check figures against your workshop manual. You do this work at your own risk.

Parts
  • PAS fluid top-up (Power steering: Dexron III ATF)
  • Steering damper (if weak)
  • Track rod / drag link ends (if worn)
Tools
  • Helper
  • Torch

Step by step

  1. Check the PAS reservoir level and the hoses for leaks.
  2. With a helper rocking the wheel, watch each ball joint, the steering box mounting and the steering column UJs for play.
  3. Check the steering damper for leaks and that it resists movement smoothly.
  4. Check the steering box mounting bolts and the chassis around them for cracks.

More Land Rover Defender Puma 2.4 TDCi servicing

Track your own Land Rover

Add your vehicle to Bulkhead Workshop to see what is due now, tick off jobs as you go, keep a service history and order the parts in one basket. It is free and saved in your own browser.

Open Bulkhead Workshop