[ianjpage]

OK here's the next problem i have!!

The safari has got a couple of steering related problems - firstly, the steering seems to be very vauge - i can turn it about 1/4 turn before it has any effect on the wheels at all, so when you drive it - it tends to wander around a bit - is this going to the steering box itself or idler/steering arms ??

Also there is a REALLY loud clunking noise when yiou turn the wheel properly, if you do it slowly and dont go the full lock its a quiter clunk but still there, if you go full lock it REALLY clunks - what could be the issue here (bearing in mind i haven't even looked at this yet!) could it be ball joints or ???

Thanks for all the help!

 

[RichinMD]

Sounds to me like you have quite a few worn joints in your steering system, or you may just need to regrease them. Check the boots at all the joins for cracking or tears and replace them if necessary. Note of caution though, this is one of those projects that can become lenghty and time consuming the deeper you look into it. So pace yourslef if you can't afford the downtime on your vehicle and your wallet!

 

[gtkane]

I can't remember if the 97's had a rag joint at the steering box or not....could be torn apart.

Otherwise, if your idler arms are more than 2 weeks old(ha,ha!) they could be worn out.

 

[ianjpage]

Sounds to me like you have quite a few worn joints in your steering system, or you may just need to regrease them. Check the boots at all the joins for cracking or tears and replace them if necessary. Note of caution though, this is one of those projects that can become lenghty and time consuming the deeper you look into it. So pace yourslef if you can't afford the downtime on your vehicle and your wallet!

Cheers - will check wehn im under there this w/end doing the oil & fluid's change....wouldn't surprise me as i haven't replaced them and i don tthink the previous owner did either.....

lol yeah isn't that the truth.....started off with trying to fix the misifre...now onto a whole different issue(s)!!!

 

[ianjpage]

I can't remember if the 97's had a rag joint at the steering box or not....could be torn apart.

Otherwise, if your idler arms are more than 2 weeks old(ha,ha!) they could be worn out.

Will check that as well thanks!

lol yeah they are approx 4 years / 5 years old i think.....

 

[astro355]

Really, the idler arms are an issue with these vans. Start with those. Like GT said, if their more than 2 weeks old, you will need to replace them.

 

[ianjpage]

Really, the idler arms are an issue with these vans. Start with those. Like GT said, if their more than 2 weeks old, you will need to replace them.

Ah ok i shall make them first thing to check....stupid question how do i check them ? ??

 

[astro355]

When you are under the van and the steering wheel locked, just grab each one and try shaking it. If they move around, they are bad.

 

[ianjpage]

When you are under the van and the steering wheel locked, just grab each one and try shaking it. If they move around, they are bad.

Cool sounds nice and simple - thanking you :ty:

 

[ianjpage]

Finally got round to looking at this tonight and found a few interesting things out....

1 - The Inner & Outer track rods are shot totally and need replacing
2 - The idler arms are shot (no surprise!!)
3 - the main nut in the centre of the wheel on teh spindle (wheel bearing nut - not sure of proper name) was VERY loose - you could move the disc quite freely..not surprisingly after tighting this a bit , it now makes less noise but still some

Thankfully ball joints look "OK" and there is a lot of mucj / grease from the track rods / idlers thrown everywhere so when replacing the bits, gunna give it a clean up andshould be able to see what else is going on a lot better!

I intend to order a complete set of Idler arms, Track rod ends and a new set of bearings tomorrow to get this sorted....

 

[astro355]

Yep, no surprise there. Once the idlers go, other parts do tend to follow.

 

[ianjpage]

Yep, no surprise there. Once the idlers go, other parts do tend to follow.

lol yeah so it would seem, just hoping thats all thats gone.....

Thanks to all for the help and advice !!

 

[guyonearth]

I suggest you remove the discs and replace the wheel bearings. They are not expensive and probably long overdue for a repack anyway. Front wheel bearings should NEVER make any noise, if they do you have a serious problem.

 

[ianjpage]

I suggest you remove the discs and replace the wheel bearings. They are not expensive and probably long overdue for a repack anyway. Front wheel bearings should NEVER make any noise, if they do you have a serious problem.

Yeah they are on the shopping list now