Steering noise - help needed please!

Hi all,

I have a 1999 2.0 litre diesel Freelander (L series engine). This week it has started to produce a noise when I turn the steering wheel through about 30 degrees or more in either direction. I have checked the power steering fluid level and it seems to be fine, there are no leaks evident. The noise is most pronounced when I start the car with a cold engine (first thing in the morning or when leaving work after 8 hours). When the engine is warmed up it seems to be much less noisy. The car has done almost 100K miles.

Could the power steering fluid have degraded over time and need changing. The pump seems to be okay. I think the noise is maybe coming from the sterring rack.

Any ideas.

If its not the belt it's probably the pump bearing,never heard of rack making noises.

What sort of noise?

If it is a squealing noise as you turn the steering it is usually the drive belt slipping.

With the engine running spray the best with WD-40, then try it again.

If the squeal is gone, it was the belt.

A little oil on these belts makes them slip LESS. There are good reasons.

CharlesY

Hi,

Yes it is a squealing noise, I'll try the WD40 on the belt. Otherwise I'll look at the pump bearing.

Thanks to you both for the responses, I'll post again if I cure it.

Regards,
Howard