Defender front axle

[100SRV]

Often heard people complain about the poor turning circle which Defenders have. I can't understand why the factory was so conservative in setting the lock stops on the swivel housing, I've wound them in on both a bit the 110 and Bowler with a resulting significant improvement in turning circle and no apparent impact on anything.

Perhaps they are concerned that the CV's are weak and using too much steering lock would see them fail when cornering?

[anonymous-user]

100SRV said:

Perhaps they are concerned that the CV's are weak and using too much steering lock would see them fail when cornering?

Maybe you can let us know, when yours fail?

Pretty sure LR set them that way for a good reason. Just because it's not obvious doesn't mean it doesn't matter.

[camel_landy]

If you wind the lock stops in, all that'll happen is the tyres will rub on the radius arms.

As for failing CVs, I've found these fall into 2x categories:

1 - Lack of mechanical sympathy when driving, both off & on road... Dumping clutch... Spinning wheels... Etc...
2 - Front lockers!

M

[100SRV]

Crossflow Kid said:

Maybe you can let us know, when yours fail?

Pretty sure LR set them that way for a good reason. Just because it's not obvious doesn't mean it doesn't matter.

After 100,000 miles in the 100" Bowler with the lock-stops set to give an improved turning circle I've had no problems and that was with the early Range-Rover 6-bolt swivel housings. Also the 100" we raced had the same setting (possibly more lock IIRC as it had 205R16 tyres) and no CV joint failures in six years of racing.

I think the conservative setting is more to do with the offset of standard steel and alloy wheels.

Both the 100" and 110" are driven with mechanical sympathy.

[SantaBarbara]

Maybe it is the difference between road use and off road conditions?