Unfortunately two weeks ago my steering column decided to stop retracting. Its fully retracted at the moment but actually can be manually pulled out. I hear the motor run at start up and shut down but something has snapped/given way. The tilt function still works fine.

A quick search on here indicates it might be a replacement column (although I have seen talk of this white plastic clip). A new column seems to be £500 ish on eaby and then there is a few hours labour so guessing no change from £750, probably more like £1k to repair.


A long shot perhaps but can anyone recommend a reliable mechanic in the surrey area to fix? Someone that doesn`t charge dealer prices.

Add to the above, It was due an MOT today so dropped it off and thought I`d try my luck.
failed on the column and also worn ball joints (which I`m not surprised about either).


Its got 96k miles on the clock and has had a lot of money spent on it over recent years but its no garage queen and the cam covers that I had replaced 2 years ago are now leaking again so there`s probably a good £1.5k work at a minimum.

I was planning on upgrading mid next year to a much newer model so not sure I want to throw any more money at it. Might have to sell for parts/repairs and buy a cheap run around for the station commute for 6 months.

Any thoughts/advice appreciated

Sorry mods if this is in the wrong section

Have a look at this thread which may provide a much cheeper option.

http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic34124.html

The very last comment/post is the guy who makes and sells the part, I believe.

You sir, may well have just extended the life of my FF.

Those symptoms are exactly the same.

Have messages Uli hoping he has one left in stock (or can make me one).

Thanks

There are several available used examples cheap on Ebay. Maybe worth looking at considering your plans:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R4...p;_sacat=0

It might be beneficial to buy new gaskets as well if you go down that route but worth speaking to the garage I recommended (if you intend using them) beforehand.

Last edited by Giantlandyman on 19th Dec 2017 8:01am. Edited 1 time in total

I don't know anyone in Surrey but if you're willing to travel, I would throughly recommend the guys on the link. They're very helpful, have a loan car and their rates are very reasonable.

Mention, Kevin ( 6'4", big build) with the 4.4 TDV8 if you call.

http://redliongarage.com

Although this deals with the tilt function it will give you an insight into how both work.
http://www.rangerovers.net/repairdetails/s...troduction

I had the tilt problem on my TD6 and removed the cowl under the steering column disconnected the motor and manually put it to the position which suited me and left it there. It may be possible to do the same with the reach function. John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

The in/out function can fail because of 2 main reasons. The black plastic nut can strip its thread or the white plastic motor housing can fail allowing the motor to move freely. The up/down function normally fails because 1 or more of the 4 metal tabs holding the brass nut in place break off.

There is a mod to replace the black plastic nut with brass, however, anyone buying a used column should check the state of the 4 tabs and the white plastic motor housing as these are not as easy to fix. Current:
- 2017 L405 3.0 V6 Autobiography
Sold:
- 2013 L405 4.4 TDV8 Vogue
- 2004 L322 4.4 Vogue (BRC LPG)
- 2002 L322 4.4 HSE (having fixed timing chain guides)
- 2000 P38 4.6 Vogue (BRC LPG)
- 1981 2-door In-Vogue
- 1980 Ex-Army SIII LWB
- 1976 SIII LWB
- 1968 SIIA
Stripped for parts:
- 2003 L322 4.4 Vogue

Thanks for all the replies

I have a replacement black plastic nut fro Uli on its way so will have a go at fitting that and will report back.

good news , my column has never worked in my ownership , I just stuck 12v to the motors and moved it to where I like it

I guess not moving is better than manually sliding in and out.

ha , indeed it is pal

Little plastic block arrived yesterday and with the sun shining today I tackled the repair.

After lots of swearing, numb fingers and over an hour of faffing around I had finally replaced the block and the telescopic steering column was fully functional again.

Knowing exactly what to do would make the job quicker 2nd time around should it ever go again.

I needed a longer T20 to remove the centre screw from the lower steering wheel cowl. It was more like 11mm than 75mm as suggested. Fortunately the gap is not that narrow so I could built one around 12mm from my trusty Halfords set and torx bit set.

The hardest part was undoing the 2 allen screws from the bottom of the threaded spindle. I found using a hex bit with a ratchet wrench worked the best to get the bolts loose and then I finished it off with an allen key. Quit tricky to light on the area as well as unscrew. My small inspection torch was often held in my mouth or somehow balanced in my fingers.

It would be a very quick job if you removed the lower dash trim but I figured that in itself would take a while so didn’t consider that a feasible option.

While the console trim was off I also replaced the headgehog resistor and now my fans strength works according to the setting. Have been meaning to do that since summer time when the air con would blow full bore and was too cold...first world problems (I know).

Unfortunately my phone died halfway through but here are a couple of pics of the spindle and the block.

Off to a good start with all 3 trim pieces removed

Click image to enlarge

Nicely done. Glad it worked out.

Cheers again Giantlandyman for pointing me in the right direction.

Its nice when a fix doesn't break the bank.

@Bagus, Gratulation...... and I am happy to help you in the right moment! Best wishes for 2018 L405 SDV8 2017 + Lancia Flavia Coupe 1964 + RRS L494 3.0 SDV6 + C220CDI Convertible 2021