Do you experience hard or noisy steering while driving your Land Rover? When the steering of your Land Rover becomes stiff, unresponsive or noisy, it is an indication that there is something wrong with your vehicle. One of the most common issues reported by the owners of Land Rover cars is the failure of the steering shaft.

The steering shaft is an important component of the steering system of your Land Rover as it links the steering wheel to the steering rack to enable the vehicle to change direction. When the driver rotates the steering wheel, the shaft transmits the rotary movement to the steering mechanism and turns the wheels. A good and efficient steering shaft enables your Land Rover to respond well to the commands given through the steering wheel. However, when the shaft begins to wear out, it may lead to issues with the steering mechanism, tight turning or squeaky sounds when turning. A faulty steering shaft may lead to an inability to control the car, which increases the chances of an accident.

What Causes Steering Shaft Failure?

• Wear and Tear Over Time: Like every other mechanical component, the steering shaft is bound to degrade after some time of usage. The bearings that enable the shaft to rotate can either become loose or stiff and this will affect the steering.
• Lack of Lubrication: Lubrication is an important aspect in ensuring that the joints of the steering shaft run smoothly. If they get dry, they become rigid and it becomes difficult to rotate the steering wheel.
• Rust and Corrosion: Another common problem that can be a result of the aging of Land Rovers is rust, particularly if the car has been exposed to moisture and road salt. Corrosion affects the steering shaft and all the connecting joints and this results in failure of the steering system.
• Accidents or Impact Damage: It is important to note that if your Land Rover has been involved in an accident, even a small one, the force of impact may have an effect on the steering shaft. Always have your vehicle checked after an accident.

Why Steering Shaft Failures Should Not Be Ignored

• Loss of Steering Control: The steering shaft is the component that relays the movement from the steering wheel to the steering mechanism. If it fails, there may be a problem in turning, delayed reaction, or too much play in the wheel. This can make it difficult to steer the car properly.
• Higher Chances of Accidents: The steering shaft can be a cause for concern particularly when the car is moving at a fast speed or the driver needs to make an evasive turn. If the shaft is bad, you could end up with a complete loss of steering, which poses a great danger not only to you but also to other road users. These dangerous conditions can be averted by early repair work.
• Strain on Other Components: A faulty steering shaft can lead to increased stress on other components of the steering system including the steering column, universal joints and power steering system. This can lead to more extensive damage to these components if not corrected on time.
• Expensive Repairs Later: Failure to address steering shaft problems on time will only worsen the issue and result in costly fixes later on. It is always cheaper to fix the problem early before it worsens so you will not have to pay a huge cost for replacing parts.

Let Our Professionals At Rowlett Motorwerks Help You With Land Rover Steering Issues

At Rowlett Motorwerks, we have the capability of diagnosing and repairing Land Rover steering problems, including those resulting from a faulty steering shaft. Our competent technicians know how important the steering system is to any car and they will ensure that the right quality spare parts are used in the repair process.

We are based in Rowlett Texas and we are pleased to serve our neighboring towns such as Sachse, Wylie, Garland, and Rockwall. If you feel that there is a problem with the steering, then you should not let it get out of hand to the extent that it becomes a danger to the lives of everyone on the road. Bring your Land Rover car to Rowlett Motorwerks for assessment and repair services. Our team will ensure that your vehicle is safe to operate as well as in good condition for use on the road. Contact us now to make an appointment.