Steering and Poor Stability

[trobex]

The only steering observation I have is that it seems pretty heavy (insufficiently power-assisted) at low/zero speed... like when 3-point turning into a parking space. Anyone else find this?

Yes this would be somewhat expected - small steering wheel and fat tyres, twisting on the tarmac - but my old 110 defender was better/lighter in this regard.

Low speed turning is what my wife hated the most... it takes a lot of effort for a 52kg lady... it is heavy though even for tough kids.

 

[Sam]

So I guess this is a normal characteristic... the heavy steering in the centre?

I'm surprised more haven't commented on it... especially given the past hysteria over foot rests/ bings and bongs/ cup holder sizes etc

 

[holdmybeer]

Meh. It’s a heavy 4x4 so I wasn’t expecting steering to feel like a New Defender big car.

Steering will further slow upon tire upsizing. But I wonder if moving up to a 33” tire like a 255/80 (taller but narrower) might improve the steering situation because of contact patch shape. ?

 

[OGrid]

Since I had a wheel alignment on my vehicle I’ve found the steering to be much better overall.

I regularly use only one hand for steering, even in tight car parks. Oh that turning circle though, but I’ve adapted there and can now see a problem when it’s presented.

I’ve not encountered the problems of low speed and heavy steering that’s being discussed here.

 

[Shoogs]

Had a wheel alignment done yesterday, massive improvement, they mentioned both front a rear can be aligned, and how well built vehicle is. Very impressed.

 

[DenisM]

Had a wheel alignment done yesterday, massive improvement, they mentioned both front a rear can be aligned, and how well built vehicle is. Very impressed.

Any chance to understand whether the issues were castor or were the camber and toe in/out also in need of adjustment.
did you use the specs published elsewhere on this forum?
I'm (pleasantly) surprised at the ability to adjust the rear axle alignment ... does this relate to the effective length of the control arms?

 

[Catpaw4x4]

Had a wheel alignment done yesterday, massive improvement, they mentioned both front a rear can be aligned, and how well built vehicle is. Very impressed.

Was alignment "out" of spec? Is there a better "alignment" ? I had my 96 Discovery toe set to zero over 20 yrs ago for better tire wear and has proven it self- never looked back! I'm use to some "loosy goosy" steering but have to admit the G is looser than my Discovery. There has to be something to tighten up this steering.

 

[Shoogs]

No idea to all questions, they didn’t supply any data, and as it was a vehicle they had never seen they may have downloaded specs, and just a quick chat when collected, I booked it into Pedders a chain of suspension stores in Australia. Mainly due to the steering wheel not straight and the vehicle pulling to the right, which it should slightly here but it was too much for my liking, that was all I asked to be corrected.
I am no mechanic but driving Defenders for years ( well I probably am ) it was worse than them, and is now a lot better.
I suspect any decent wheel alignment/suspension mechanic could adjust.

 

[MRO]

Yesterday I drove a Grenadier on the highway up and down a 10,000 foot pass on brand new BFG KO2 tires. Literally - one finger steering. There was maybe a one centimeter "dead zone" or one centimeter of play in the steering wheel at dead center when going straight. That is pretty damn good for a vehicle on solid front axles, with recirculating ball steering, and with kingpin knuckles.

I have never felt there was much in the way of on-road compromise with BFG KO2 tires. We've owned four sets on three vehicles and the on-road performance is excellent. I've never known them to need a break-in period. Maybe it was your air pressure?

Sure, the Bridgestones will be a little smoother on the road, but the KO2 is one of the best on-road driving AT tires you can buy. Your truck should be running great on the KO2s. It sounds like you've run ATs before. What vehicle are you coming from?

Yesterday I drove a Grenadier on the highway up and down a 10,000 foot pass on brand new BFG KO2 tires. Literally - one finger steering. There was maybe a one centimeter "dead zone" or one centimeter of play in the steering wheel at dead center when going straight. That is pretty damn good for a vehicle on solid front axles, with recirculating ball steering, and with kingpin knuckles.

I have never felt there was much in the way of on-road compromise with BFG KO2 tires. We've owned four sets on three vehicles and the on-road performance is excellent. I've never known them to need a break-in period. Maybe it was your air pressure?

Sure, the Bridgestones will be a little smoother on the road, but the KO2 is one of the best on-road driving AT tires you can buy. Your truck should be running great on the KO2s. It sounds like you've run ATs before. What vehicle are you coming from?

Range Rover SDV8 with General grabber AT3 (very quiet but 10% fuel penalty and much worse handling and not completely brilliant off road). Defender 90 td5 with Kumho MTs, unstoppable off road. Defender 110 td5 with the later Continental OEM tyres, never got it stuck.

The Grenadier remains a different vehicle than during the first few thousand miles. Very secure on the road now. Have run it at 36psi all round. Maybe the steering or suspension needed bedding in. Maybe I just got used to it.

 

[Tom109]

Only 500 miles and I love the handling of my Gren! I chose the Bridgestone tires because I drove BFG AT’s off-road once (and never will again, doesn’t matter what they are like on pavement). Once the ‘stones show a little wear I get some 33” MT’s or aggressive RT’s. This truck is begging for them.

 

[Catpaw4x4]

No idea to all questions, they didn’t supply any data, and as it was a vehicle they had never seen they may have downloaded specs, and just a quick chat when collected, I booked it into Pedders a chain of suspension stores in Australia. Mainly due to the steering wheel not straight and the vehicle pulling to the right, which it should slightly here but it was too much for my liking, that was all I asked to be corrected.
I am no mechanic but driving Defenders for years ( well I probably am ) it was worse than them, and is now a lot better.
I suspect any decent wheel alignment/suspension mechanic could adjust.

Thank you for the reply. Took the Discovery to NTB (tire chain US) 25 yrs ago and they set the toe to zero. Discovery was common then so not an issue with specs. Headed for an oil change tomorrow (independent shop with some / tiny Grenadier knowledge but much regarding Denfenders/Discoveries etc ) so will ask them.
Yes, my steering is pulling (steering wheel is not straight either).

 

[Shoogs]

Thank you for the reply. Took the Discovery to NTB (tire chain US) 25 yrs ago and they set the toe to zero. Discovery was common then so not an issue with specs. Headed for an oil change tomorrow (independent shop with some / tiny Grenadier knowledge but much regarding Denfenders/Discoveries etc ) so will ask them.
Yes, my steering is pulling (steering wheel is not straight either).

yep like a lot here we are used to old Landrovers so Grenadier steering is no real issue, but a few tweaks makes a difference mainly at highway speeds, seems to track better now, I have the BF Goodrich they are fine. As an example I can now hold the wheel with one hand and its not wandering all over the road at 110km/h, on our bad roads.

 

[and1939]

Can you share what tweaks you made. I just picked mine up yesterday and that is the only issue I see is the wander and steering wheel not completely centered.

 

[Krabby]

Can you share what tweaks you made. I just picked mine up yesterday and that is the only issue I see is the wander and steering wheel not completely centered.

Check your tire pressures - I asked the dealer to set mine at 38F and 40R and it's riding great.

 

[terdrocket]

For reference - I was cruising at 85mph+ last night. I took my hands off the wheel during a straight section and the truck tracked straight as an arrow. No wandering, pull or issues of any kind. Extremely solid and safe feeling. On KO2's, with 1860+ miles on them.

 

[and1939]

Check your tire pressures - I asked the dealer to set mine at 38F and 40R and it's riding great.

Thanks. That's what I was thinking as well. They had them at 45 front and 50 rear which seemed too high.

 

[Krabby]

Thanks. That's what I was thinking as well. They had them at 45 front and 50 rear which seemed too high.

Drop them down you should feel a huge difference.

 

[Skydance]

I have them at 38 psi front and 36 psi rear. (17 inch Ko2) which is most suitable for me for a unladen car and no roof rack. Steering is light and not too stiff at the back so it doesn’t bunny hop over bumps.

 

[DaveB]

Low speed turning is what my wife hated the most... it takes a lot of effort for a 52kg lady... it is heavy though even for tough kids.

Easy to fix. Get some takeaway food into your wife and fatten her up.

 

[DaveB]

You thinking your having steering problems.
I am having steer problems of a different kind.
This steer didn't take too kindly of me driving through his cave.
I had to nudge him with my bull bar (despite the fact he is clearly no longer a bull) and then he head butted the side of my vehicle and luckily he hit the side bar not the panel.