Noise from Disco II

[2000discoII]

I have heard a couple of times when turning the vehicle to the right what sounds like a power steering pump straining. It seems to happen when turning corners faster and causing the vehicle to lean a little, lifting the right front end. Could this be some noise associated with traction control. It sure sounds like a power streering pump, but the pump is full of fluid, it is circulating, and makes no noise when sitting still and turning the wheel from left to right. Idlers and serpentine belt are all new and no noise from there. The noise goes away as soon as I make the turn and of course dosen't do it everytime. No ACE on this vehicle. 2000 Disco II

[Disco Mike]

You didn't mention the mileage, but as a 2000 I will guess you are at 50 or 60 K, have you ever changed the power steering fluid. If you haven't I would suggest you do and at a bottle of Lucas power steering additive. If you are lucky that may quiet the pump or free up the steering gear box over a couple of days of driving.
Mike J.

[2000discoII]

Mileage is 84k. No noise when at idle speed, sitting still and dry steering. No whine from the hood at all. I did add some lucas about a thousand miles ago, but did not change all the fluid in the resevour.

[Muddy Oval]

have you had this truck for awhile and it's just now doing that or did you recently get it? Sometimes the traction control or ABS kicks in, especially on right turns, and if you aren't used to it and know what it sounds like it could be misinterpreted as PS noise.

[bigfatsi]

I seem to be having the exact same problem. It groans/grinds when turning right mainly during low speed manoeuvers in car parks etc. IIRC I read somewhere that the bracket that holds the steering box on wasn't fully welded by LR when built and they sometimes come loose and can make a noise. Don't know how accurate this is, just something I picked up on my travels through the forums. I haven't bothered to look yet as it's still winter here in the UK so I don't want to get wet and cold. May have a look come service time when it's up on the lift. I don't have any problems with the front end on cornering though, just an annoying brrrrrr sometimes when I turn right. Let us know how you get on with it!!

Simon

[Disco Mike]

Originally Posted by 2000discoII

Mileage is 84k. No noise when at idle speed, sitting still and dry steering. No whine from the hood at all. I did add some lucas about a thousand miles ago, but did not change all the fluid in the resevour.

Well if the suspension and traction control are not the problem, then it must be steering.
What happens, if while sitting at a stop with your foot on the brakes, you turn the steering wheel all the way left and right?
Do you hear the noise now?
As for the fluid, with your mileage, you need to do a full fluid change and add a whole bottle of Lucas. The reason I am suggesting this is because old fluid will lacquer up the pump valves and mess with the gear box. Try it.
Mike J.

[Beachrover]

I had the same symptoms on my '01 DII and it turned out to be a wheel bearing.

[2000discoII]

No noise when stopped and turning the wheel, no wheel bearing noise. I'm on my back to Fl. now and will change to fluid out when I get to a little warmer climate (In Tennessee tonight and it is snowing) I'll also check the steering box when I can get under it. I'll post any findings and let you know how the Lucas does.

Thanks for your help.

I've only had the Disco since last August, but when I get home my new nerf bars, brush guard, and cargo rack are in and I'll be installing them. I think this car is the beginning of a love affair, but thats okay, my wife loves her also.

[Disco Mike]

OK, since there was no noise when loading the steering at a stop, and you don't have the sometimes common ACE pump noise, the only other thing I can think of is the ADS pump activating when you are turning. One thing you might want to try is to raise your front tire pressure to 45#'s, then try turning. My thought is that if you have to much rolling resistance you can also activate the ABS pump.
If it is the ABS pump, this is not unusual and doesn't mean it is going to die. So, here again, if it is traction control related thru the ABS, try flushing the brake system. Burned brake fluid will mike the pump work harder, be noiser and of course give you a softer brake pedal.
Again, good luck.
Mike J.

[2000discoII]

Mike: Drained the PS fluid and it was dark. Replaced it with Lucas. I'll post any improvement. Nerf bars went on today also. Everything was pre drilled on the Disco and they just bolted on. Look great. Also, I had not had a cruise control since I got her in August. After reading the forum I replaced the vacuum hose and booooom, I now have cruise control. This is a great place for great advice.

JD