Freelander 2 (LR2) Couple of issues with my 07 FL2.

Hi there, got a couple of issues I'd like some advice on regarding my Automatic 2007 Freelander 2 TD4 SE.

I've had the car for over two years, and for around a year and a half I had intermittent issues with the power steering, or more the lack of it, particularly at slow speeds when pulling out of junctions of parking - this only happened probably once every 5 or 6 journeys until around 2 months ago where it became more of a regular and now it's literally permanent; whenever driving at <10mph the steering is ridiculously heavy.

I decided to put a new power steering reservoir in the other day, ensuring it was correctly bled & the correct fluid was put in, unfortunately this didn't do too much to help but did lighten the load when turning left, however turning right it's still just as bad, if not worse. I was advised by a local garage that replacing the steering rack will fix this, what's peoples thoughts? Would rather get some extra input before spending the £410 quoted to have the rack done.

Second issue is when driving. If I accelerate very heavily the car will do a huge jolt before getting going & when driving at approximately 50-60mph and climbing it seems like the car slips out of gear until I release the accelerator to which it seems to go back into gear and I can continue driving. I'd say it does this 50% of the time I'm driving at those speeds. Driving in manual/sport mode seems to make it happen less frequently, but doesn't stop it entirely. The same garage who advised of the steering rack advised I'll need to have the gearbox replaced; is this the likely culprit?

Around two years ago shortly after getting the car I took the car for a remap & the garage couldn't do it due to a fault, which iirc was "P0045 Turbo/Supercharger Boost Control A Circuit Open", unfortunately I never got this fixed as I actually just completely forgot about it until a couple of months ago when the acceleration/jolting issue came into play.

Wondering if anyone has had either, or both, of these issues & what the fix was.

Appreciate any advice, thanks in advance
Ty

had the same steering issue. try this

Couple of things you need to do, first get a diagnosis see if any codes are coming up after the historical ones have been cleared, second and the most important is stay clear of the garage whom have so far given you the advice about steering rack, and new gearbox.

Re-bleed the power steering, with the front wheels off the floor no need to have the engine running, it may have some air in it.

Get the Auto box fluid changed, do this in stages 3ltr first then do it again same amount a few weeks later, it can be done in one go but that is more complicated.

When was your fuel filter last changed if more than 2 years ago get it done, also only use a good filter such as below.

Regarding the ( when driving. If I accelerate very heavily the car will do a huge jolt before getting going & when driving at approximately 50-60mph and climbing it seems like the car slips out of gear until I release the accelerator to which it seems to go back into gear and I can continue driving. I'd say it does this 50% of the time I'm driving at those speeds)

It could be the crank sensor slowly breaking down, how does the car start? how many miles on the clock, is the battery in good order.

£410 for a replacement rack doesnt sound bad to me. Have you found the garage trustworthy in the past?

Gearbox I would consider new filters and fluid change first.