Heavy steering, power steerring issue?

My Discovery has developed rather heavy steering, for the last week it has spurts of power and will turn the wheels but its definitely got heavy, and it also wont self centre when you let the steering wheel go, can't hear any major noise that I would assume i'd have if the pump had gone, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

seems a pump failure to me too(as long as u have enough fluid in the system.... disconnect the return pipe, put your finger on it and ask somebody to start the engine... u must feel the pressure...or connect an additional piece of pipe to the return, take off the reservoir's cap, direct the pipe into the tank and watch the flow... there must be a continuous good pressure flow there.

squirt a decent amount of lubrication on the steering column UJs in the engine compartment first though.

ideally jack the front wheels off, get a mate in the car and really work the lube into the UJs lock to lock. you should see lots of rusty mess coming out of them.

once you are sure these are nicely lubed and freed off, then test the steering wheels off the ground. how does it feel? engine on any different?

then back onto the floor and try again.

as sierrafery says make sure youve got fluid for starters. when doing your 'on floor' test look in the reservoir whilst mate turns lock to lock, should see fluid rushing in and out of reservoir. some air bubbles on surface but no foaming.

if foaming, try bleed the steering box. in fact **** it, bleed the box anyway. you'll be amazed how many systems i find air in even though its kinda self bleeding.

once youve got that sorted, yeah youre looking really for a relation between fluid pressure and ease of steering, if pressure drops when steering is heavy then youve got a pump problem, otherwise suspect box, although this is unlikely.

main culprit for irregular stiff steering is column UJs.

Thanks guys, I'll have a go and see what it brings.

Mr Noisy said:

squirt a decent amount of lubrication on the steering column UJs in the engine compartment first though.

main culprit for irregular stiff steering is colum UJs.

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I've not used the old loonyzone for a while but by eck laddy's and lasses it's great to know it's always here with great advice right at your fingertips whenever you need it,,,, i doth my cap in your general direction Mr Noisy,,,,, :clap2:

My pleasure

Welchy said:

Thanks guys, I'll have a go and see what it brings.

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I know it was a LONG time ago, but what was the problem? i have the same issue.

Was discussed again recently.

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/discovery-ii-steering-stiff-doesnt-return-to-center.309854/

Cheers