2003 Disco II w/ ACE - Power Steering

[cswanger]

I recently put in a thread about noises in my power steering system... took a while to find the power steering fluid (Land Rover & auth. distr. only it seems!) and that took the noise away - it was very low on fluid, and keeps losing it at an alarming rate (1/2 qt per week!)

So I had the system checked out by a shop that does lots of rover work - they tell me I have leaks from both in and out hydraulic lines on the power steering gear assembly, and the assembly itself. Their solution: replace hydraulic lines and the power steering gear assembly... $1800-2000 possibly more.

So my vehicle recently came off warranty, and I have worked on my own cars in the past (distant past!)...
My questions:
1. any idea if there is anything less invasive that I can do: ie can the gear assembly be adjusted, are there seals that can be replaced, etc so I don't need to replace the entire unit (950$ from LRN)
2. If I do need to replace the lines & gear assembly - how hard is it, where can I find manuals to detail this work? and do I need "special tools?"


Thanks for your help!

[TSR53]

I recently put in a thread about noises in my power steering system... took a while to find the power steering fluid (Land Rover & auth. distr. only it seems!) and that took the noise away - it was very low on fluid, and keeps losing it at an alarming rate (1/2 qt per week!)

So I had the system checked out by a shop that does lots of rover work - they tell me I have leaks from both in and out hydraulic lines on the power steering gear assembly, and the assembly itself. Their solution: replace hydraulic lines and the power steering gear assembly... $1800-2000 possibly more.

So my vehicle recently came off warranty, and I have worked on my own cars in the past (distant past!)...
My questions:
1. any idea if there is anything less invasive that I can do: ie can the gear assembly be adjusted, are there seals that can be replaced, etc so I don't need to replace the entire unit (950$ from LRN)
2. If I do need to replace the lines & gear assembly - how hard is it, where can I find manuals to detail this work? and do I need "special tools?"


Thanks for your help!

You might want to replace the PS lines first, this might reduce your leaking fluid dramatically.
RNH076 HOSE - PAS PUMP-STRNG BOX DISCOVERY II


RND908 HOSE - PAS BOX-RESERVOIR - DISCOVERY II


RND910 HOSE - PAS RESERVOIR-PUMP DISCOVERY II


Here is the illustration that will help you and the page listings of parts.
(click on the illustration for the Discovery II steering category of parts)



1. Land Rover Genuine Seal(s) kits are available.

RND903 Kit - Seal


RND904 Kit - Seal



If you are doing this work yourself, you might want to also consider replacing the whole steering box.
PLH607 Steering Box Assemble LHD Discovery II 2003-2004



2. Land Rover Discovery II Shop Manual is available.

RWM992 Workshop Manual - Discovery II 1999-


Other than required refreshments, and some bloody knuckles you should be good to go.

[TSR53]

I'd also like to add the following information.

Another problem area is the actual steering box shaft (the steering lever drop arm is attached to) wears internally and slightly pivots on it's axis and the leak will just pour out the bottom of the of the steering box - even with brand new seals .

To test...
1. Start up the Discovery II and crank the steering all the way to one side and hold it on the stops, then go the other direction, same test.

2. If the shaft is worn, usually it will become evident quickly. Best to just replace the steering box.

[cswanger]

Thanks for your help guys!
So if I replaced the hoses and steering box (looks like about $1300 in parts) do I need any additional sealing kits, or do the hose kits and steering box specified contain all the necessary parts?

Also, I noticed there is a proline equivalent to the LandRover parts - any reason not to save the approx. $400 by using the proline steering box?

Thanks again!

-Chuck

[TSR53]

[One of the sales team will chime in on this for additional parts that might be needed.]

Also, when replacing the PS componets, it is vitally important to try and keep everything dirt free. Needs to be very, very clean. Powerwash and clean all parts well that use the PS fluid; junctions, hoses and fittings prior to taking it all apart. There is a big warning in the Land Rover Discovery II shop manual about the PS systems with ACE.

See warning on catalog page 53.

[rover_chump]

Thanks for your help guys!
So if I replaced the hoses and steering box (looks like about $1300 in parts) do I need any additional sealing kits, or do the hose kits and steering box specified contain all the necessary parts?

Also, I noticed there is a proline equivalent to the LandRover parts - any reason not to save the approx. $400 by using the proline steering box?

Thanks again!

-Chuck

Greetings Chuck,

Proline steering box is a great alternative to the "genuine" (same warranty also)
So...
Steering box $556.45
Feed hose $49.84
Pressure hose $79.75
Return hose $50.35

That should be all you'll need to renew your p/s system
(beside p/s ACE fluid)
All in stock here at RN

Hope this helps.
Peace,
Art