How to replace a Discovery 3 lower steering shaft - pictures

<span>On the right-hand side of the engine compartment, the two clips that hold the plastic cover over the brake servo are released and the cover removed.</span>

<span>The retaining screws are undone and then the auxiliary tray is removed from the right-hand side inner wing.</span>

<span>Next, the heat shield, which protects the suspension arm, is released and removed, taking care to avoid damaging the adjacent harness and brake hose.</span>

<span>When all of the panels and trays have been removed you can now see the top of the lower collapsible shaft (as illustrated by arrow).</span>

<span>The steering wheel is set straight ahead, then locked in position using the steering lock. It should not be turned while the shaft is disconnected.</span>

<span>Using a socket and extension bar, the retaining bolt holding the intermediate and lower shaft together is undone.</span>

<span>The retaining bolt is then removed and discarded, this is because a new bolt should be used when a new shaft is fitted.</span>

<span>With the vehicle securely supported, working under the vehicle, the ten securing bolts are undone and the engine undershield removed.</span>

<span>When the engine undertray has been removed, we could then see and reach to where the lower shaft connects to the steering rack.</span>

<span>Using a socket and extension bar, the bolt securing the lower shaft yoke/UJ to the steering rack is undone and discarded.</span>

<span>When both the securing bolts were removed, the lower steering shaft could be manoeuvred up and out from the Discovery.</span>

<span>Once removed and inspected, the yoke/UJ was found to be badly seized and almost impossible to move by hand.</span>

<span>It’s now time for the new lower collapsible steering shaft to be lowered down into position with the yoke/UJ downwards.</span>

<span>Once it has been aligned with the upper intermediate shaft, the coupling yoke is pushed onto the steering rack input shaft.</span>

<span>With the new lower shaft correctly positioned, a new upper flange-bolt is fitted, then a new lower bolt to the yoke (using Land Rover bolts only).</span>

<span>Using a socket and extension the shaft securing bolts are tightened to 30 Nm, checking the steering wheel is still in the straight ahead position</span>

<span>The auxiliary tray, heat shield, engine bay panels and the engine undertray, are all refitted before checking the work and carefully road testing.</span>