Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Series III 2.6 six-cylinder petrol › Workshop guide › Steering box, relay & joints check

Land Rover Series III 2.6 six-cylinder petrol: steering box, relay & joints check

Steering · Series III (1971–85) · 1971–1980

How often: every 6,000 mi or year, whichever comes first. Play in a Series steering system adds up fast: box, relay, drag link and track rod ends together make it wander.

Steering	90W or 85W-90 GL-4 in steering box and relay, as needed

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

Steering box / relay oil (90W or 85W-90 GL-4 in steering box and relay, as needed)
Track rod / drag link ends (if worn)

Tools

Spanners
Helper

Step by step

Check the steering box oil level (filler plug on top of the box) and top up.
Check the relay: on oil-filled relays top up through the plug under the bonnet in the front panel.
With a helper rocking the steering wheel, watch each joint in turn: box output, relay, drag link ends, track rod ends. Any visible lost motion is wear.
Check swivel pin preload: disconnect the track rod and check the effort to turn the swivel. Adjust with shims under the top swivel pin.

More Land Rover Series III 2.6 six-cylinder petrol servicing

Engine oil & filter change every 3,000 mi or 6 months
Clean oil-bath air cleaner every 6,000 mi or year
Points, plugs & ignition timing every 6,000 mi or year
Check & adjust valve clearances every 12,000 mi or year
Carburettor service & damper oil every 6,000 mi or year
Fan / auxiliary belt check every 6,000 mi or year
Coolant drain, flush & refill every 2 yrs
Grease propshafts & nipples every 3,000 mi or 6 months
Check swivel housing oil & seals every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Change swivel housing oil every 12,000 mi or year
Check gearbox, transfer & axle oil levels every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Change gearbox & transfer box oil every 12,000 mi or year
Change front & rear axle oil every 12,000 mi or year
Adjust drum brakes & handbrake every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Inspect brake shoes, cylinders & hoses every 12,000 mi or year
Brake & clutch fluid change every 2 yrs
Leaf springs, U-bolts & shackles every 12,000 mi or year
Wheel bearing play check every 12,000 mi or year
Chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing every year
Annual safety inspection every year
Monthly walk-round checks every month

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