Land Rover Repair: vibrations in steering column, kyb shocks, steering stabilizer

Question
QUESTION: 1999 Series I Discovery: Driving on freeway, hitting a small bump and suddenly steering column and/or wheels are shaking or shimming rather badly. Settled down, but happened again to lesser degree driving around 35 mph on street after hitting bump. Is this a steering stabilizer in need of replacement, or other possible reasons?

ANSWER: Hi Richard,

when this first happened to me and my wife, we were travelling on a highway at 100 km/h.  It was a terrifying moment.   When I went to the dealer, they claimed they never heard of such a problem and suggested I have the front end steering inspected.  No problems were found.

Since then, I have come to believe that this is a common problem and usually indicates trouble with either the steering linkages OR the suspension.  In my case, I had installed a new steering damper and, for awhile, it seemed to solved the problem.  Six months later, the shakes came back.  It was friend who had suggested I take a closer look at the front-end suspension.  I changed the OEM shocks to a a more rugged, heavy duty type and that solved the problem. I can tell you that I never had the shakes in that Disco again.  

SO...you should have your front shocks and road springs inspected and if you have to replace them, go for Old Man EMU or better.  

Best of luck,
JohnMc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Before this happened I bought 2 KYB GR-2/EXCEL-G shock absorbers and strut assemblies for the front of the Discovery and had them installed.

Would these meet what you think would be a proper set or should I look into another. If so, could you recommend what I should be looking for?

Answer
Hi Richard,

Q:  Did you have the shakes before the KYB shocks?  How long have you had the KYB's installed?

hmmmm... KYB...found on Honda, Nissan and other imports; A malaysian shock aftermarket company; economic - yes, use on your Disco - no.  I would consider replacing them for more serious shocks and springs, your Disco is, afterall, over 5000lbs.  Stick with shocks and springs made for heavy trucks and you'll feel the difference.

Go with Old Man EMU shocks and springs: http://www.rocky-road.com/omesprings.html

Best of luck,
JohnMc