Freelander 2 (LR2) Noise when turning steering – Freelander 2 TD4

[sadfreelander]

Hi everyone,
I bought a Freelander 2 2.2 TD4 with a blown engine – swapped the engine and it’s running great now.

But there’s a horrible noise when turning the steering wheel, both when idle and while driving. I thought it was the power steering pump, so I replaced it – but the noise is still there. I also changed the reservoir because the old one had a lot of black sludge in the filter.

With the engine running and not touching the steering wheel, bubbles start to appear in the power steering reservoir after a while.

Also, the power steering fluid gets very hot after just a few minutes of idling.

I've attached a video of the noise when turning the wheel while idling.

Anyone had this issue or know what it could be?

Thanks!

 

[Freddie17]

When you did the work on the steering pump etc., did you follow the correct method for bleeding the system after, without starting the engine? And using the correct fluid?

 

[sadfreelander]

When you did the work on the steering pump etc., did you follow the correct method for bleeding the system after, without starting the engine? And using the correct fluid?

Hello, thanks for your answer! I used the correct CHF 202 fluid.
I’m worried because after reading more, I realized I started the engine to bleed it, which isn’t the proper method.
What surprises me most is the huge amount of black sludge in the reservoir filter—it was completely clogged.

 

[Freddie17]

There is a chance the pump has been damaged.
Others here may be able to reasonably confirm from the noise and the info above.
@Nodge68 ?

 

[sadfreelander]

There is a chance the pump has been damaged.
Others here may be able to reasonably confirm from the noise and the info above.
@Nodge68 ?

Thanks for your answer.

Quick update: lifted the car, replaced the power steering reservoir with a completely new one, fixed a small leak at the quick connector, and tightened the pump hose clamp just in case. I also bled the system properly with the wheels in the air. No strange noises when turning the wheel, both in the air and on the ground with engine on. Road test tomorrow — fingers crossed it works fine. Will update!

 

[Freddie17]

Thanks for your answer.

Quick update: lifted the car, replaced the power steering reservoir with a completely new one, fixed a small leak at the quick connector, and tightened the pump hose clamp just in case. I also bled the system properly with the wheels in the air. No strange noises when turning the wheel, both in the air and on the ground with engine on. Road test tomorrow — fingers crossed it works fine. Will update!

Possibly just an air lock and no damage done - fingers crossed for you

 

[Nodge68]

That was pump noise, likely due to air being trapped in the pump vane assembly.
The only safe way to bleed this system (and most modern hydraulic PS systems) is to use the rack to purge the air with the engine off. Only after most of the air has been removed, should the engine be started.
It also sounds like one of the PS line clips is loose, allowing the lines to buzz under load.

 

[Craiger]

Hi everyone,
I bought a Freelander 2 2.2 TD4 with a blown engine – swapped the engine and it’s running great now.

But there’s a horrible noise when turning the steering wheel, both when idle and while driving. I thought it was the power steering pump, so I replaced it – but the noise is still there. I also changed the reservoir because the old one had a lot of black sludge in the filter.

With the engine running and not touching the steering wheel, bubbles start to appear in the power steering reservoir after a while.

Also, the power steering fluid gets very hot after just a few minutes of idling.

I've attached a video of the noise when turning the wheel while idling.

Anyone had this issue or know what it could be?

Thanks!

Hi ,
This could.be related to tje power steering pump or air in the lines. First check powersteering resivour to see if it needs topping up. Secondly buy some fluid top up turn ignition on and gentley turn the wheel left to right 3 times very slowly. Now under resivour cap and place on top of resivour this will allow air to escape. Repeat process a number of times toping up resivour if needed every 3 turns. Remember turn left to right very gently. If this fails check power steering pipes you can buy a kit but may only need the aluminium pipes that fit into the rack. ( drivers side) easy job to do jack up and remove wheel ...