Taxi Driver Online

My local garage just replaced the alternator on my Fairway Driver 95. I asked them to report on the loose steering at the same time. They said they couldn't narrow down the problem as there seemed to be movement in the steering box and all other tracking rods and steering arms. They said it would cost more than the vehicle was worth to repair and I got the feeling they didn't want the job as it was not in their comfort zone. Where is the best place to start to diagnose the problem please? The steering wheel has about 6 inches of movement when turning right, turning left seems to be quite tight in comparison.

And your daft enough to be still driving it like that, I hope your not carrying passengers with it

Only ever driven it alone and for short distances, have found a local Land Rover garage to give it a thorough check for free. Won't let my family or friends in it till I've had it checked. Just wondered if any one else had one as bad as that.

Compared to a modern system the old steering boxes had a lot of play.You could get a friend to rock the wheel backwards and forwards and look at all the joints to make sure there is nothing seriously wrong underneath like a joint coming loose etc.
You did the right thing taking it to a garage,a pity that they didn't want to know,there's nothing drastically different on a taxi even a pretty gormless garage should be able to tell you whats wrong.

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Selling Imperial tools for old cars.

Just found a guardian angel for my 95 Fairway Driver, took it to a small garage in the next village from me; specialising in Jags and Land rovers (strange mix), but the owner had done his apprenticeship working on London Taxis. He did a quick inspection, made a couple of adjustments, and had my steering sorted in 20 minutes and did it for free said it was his pleasure.

Told me he supported Cancer Research charity, so put a couple of notes in his collecting box. Restores one's faith in garages. If anyone needs a garage in East Yorkshire for their cab, PM me and I'll give you his number.

Did you ask him if he would look after it for you from now on

Pure Gold these Guys when you find them...and there sure aren't many left around now!

Yes, he is the garage owner and sort of hinted that he rarely gets his hands dirty these days - but always more than happy to advise and he took great pleasure in showing his young mechanics the steering and underneath the cab.

A garage owner like that is rare indeed,we should have him stuffed and put in a museum.
A lucky find for you.

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Selling Imperial tools for old cars.

Lucky indeed. I have just booked the cab in for a change of fluids in gearbox, engine, rear axle and cooling etc. On that day he has a ford model Y and a 12 plate XKR booked in.

Asked him about flushing the coolant, he said, "I will warn you that If you flush the coolant system you WILL create leaks in an old radiator, so you might want to think carefully about this."