2004 range rover hse power steering Heavy

[Dwass143]

I recently purchased my RR Hse and I am not sure if the power steering is supposed to be as stiff as it is at slow speeds. My Infiniti I can turn with one finger. The RR takes a little more effort. I think it should be easier to turn at slower speeds. Any insight would be great. On another note, I recently had an issue with my tranny. It would shift all the way down to first gear and not come out until I shut the RR off for a while. I researched this sight and ended up changing the radiator, and tranny filter and fluid. So far no issues yet, but I just changed this weekend so time will tell. My point is I am faily handy under the hood so any information on my heavy steering would be great. Thanks for your time.

Denny

[walter4x4]

Steering at very low speeds with a single finger might be slightly unrealistic with these machines given their weight and the steering wheel diameter (not to mention the wheel needs a fair bit of twirling going from lock-to-lock), but the physical input shouldn't be anything that could be described as exertion. Have you checked the power steering fluid level? Insufficient fluid in the system won't allow it to provide enough pressure for the proper amount of assist. If it's any lower than the max line I would first top it off, then check the condition of the system hoses.

This generation of RR incorporated ZF's Servotronic variable power steering assist; a valve in the steering box controls how much power assistance is administered based on vehicle speed (the higher your speed, the heavier your steering becomes) and in my experience allows for ideal vehicle behavior in most any situation when functioning properly. It is fairly common, however, for the Servotronic valve to seize up (though when this manifests itself as heavy steering it is most often after a period of high speed driving where the valve refuses to move from the low-assist position one you've slowed down), so I say it's a good idea to have your dealer or local Land Rover/Range Rover specialist check the component for faults. Also, as electronics govern so much on these cars, a computer reflash is probably in order.

Also, does your vehicle have the standard 19-inch wheels or the optional 20-inch items?

[Mrmerlin]

if you had an allcoms tester code reader,
you could reset the fault and it may function correctly,
tester cost is 295.00 from RSW solutions