Power Steering Stiff

Hi

I have had this issue since i got the freelander but now its time to see whats wrong!

The power steering sometimes is excellent mainly after start up, this changes often and it becomes extremely stiff especially at low revs, ive also noticed a groaning sound when turning round corners etc... Its intermittent, the fluid level is fine.

Anyone had any similar experiences with this or know what the issue could be?

Ben

What engine?

Nodge68 said:

What engine?

Click to expand...

2.0 td4

hogroastbbq said:

Hi

I have had this issue since i got the freelander but now its time to see whats wrong!

The power steering sometimes is excellent mainly after start up, this changes often and it becomes extremely stiff especially at low revs, ive also noticed a groaning sound when turning round corners etc... Its intermittent, the fluid level is fine.

Anyone had any similar experiences with this or know what the issue could be?

Ben

Click to expand...

slipping belt

check tension or renew the belt

Ok thanks for the speedy reply!

Ok

I hope this cures your problem

actually, and i should know this because i took mine off only 2 days ago, it is an auto tensioner

so check the condition of the belt

and check to see if the tensioner is working correctly

Hi,

yes, had the same on my td4 as well since I got him. After start and while driving was fine but parking was a pain. Had to go to gym . I went to a garage LR specialist and it turned out the power steering pump wasn't as good. I am not sure anymore but I think it showed also while checking for failure reading. I had it changed when LR in DE worked on the gearbox. Now it is fine again. Got a new pump from Island4x4. LR said the belt was still excellent.
Kind Regards
Matthias

we were just being optimistic before telling him his ps pump is fubar

ups sorry , well there is still the chance that it is the belt only

there is still a good chance but be prepared for bad news eh

more than likely to be the pump if it is not leaking any fluid

Freelaner said:

we were just being optimistic before telling him his ps pump is fubar

Click to expand...

I'll buy a new pump!

check the belt before throwing money at it

Hi folks!
My FL 2006 V6 has the same problem. I purchased it in 2008, still under LR warranty (in Brazil). I complained about the stiff steering to the dealer, but the technician told me it was normal, it was a “characteristic” of the car, not a fault. He said many customers complained about this, but nothing could be done to solve.
Now I know I was cheated.
When the engine is cold and it is revving high in idle, the steering is perfect, very smooth. Once the idle drops to 750rpm, it becomes very hard to turn the steering wheel when parking.
Is there any test to check if the steering pump is OK? Pressure test? I already know that at 1,200 rpm or higher it does a great job. The problem is @ 750 rpm.
If my steering pump was faulty, I suppose it should be completely busted by now, 5 years and 100,000 km later. I don’t want to risk wasting money on a new pump.
Thanks

It's possible that a vane in the pump is stuck or damaged even from new.

Thanks Nodge.

Nodge68 said:

It's possible that a vane in the pump is stuck or damaged even from new.

Click to expand...

Nodge,
You were 100% correct. I changed the steering pump. The steering is now light. I feel very stupid at the moment.
I purchased this car with 25000km and less than 2 years old, still under manufacturer warranty. I complained about the stiff steering to the dealer technician, but he told me it was "normal" for this car. I believed him :frusty:. It took me 100k km to read your post and decide to change the steering pump.
Glad that I've followed your advice.
Thank you again.
MRMD1424