Loud squeal when turning? - Land Rovers Only

williampdx · 09-26-2006, 10:11 AM

Can anyone suggest what might be going on here? When I turn my vehicle there is a loud squeal. It is not a grinding noise, just a loud moan. The steering seems to be operating just fine. The steering fluid is filled, and there are no noticeable leaks coming from the steering fluid reservoir. The other thing is that on occasion, it will stop squealing every once in a while, only to start up again. I saw somewhere that there is an additive that you can get to get this sound to stop, but I want to make sure it is not anything more serious, and if it is, to diagnose and repair this. Can anyone offer some suggestions?

Thanks.

williampdx

pavel · 09-26-2006, 10:51 AM

The next time the 'squeal' happens, touch the brake pedal. It is entirely possible this is a brake problem. Sometimes the hub needs tightening on the spindle and as it moves in/out the disc rubs against the pad when the vehicle turns. Or, it could be an ABS problem. In any case test if lightly touching the brake causes the sound to stop. Cheers.

Disco Mike · 09-26-2006, 11:13 AM

How many miles on your truck, how long since you changed the steering fluid, have you inspected your belt for wear and tension?
Mike

k12 · 09-26-2006, 01:35 PM

could be hub bearings. just a thought.

williampdx · 09-26-2006, 03:21 PM

I am pretty sure it is not the brakes. It squeels when you turn the steering wheel when you are in park as well. As for maintainance, I have not had the power steering fluid changed for at least 3 years, though I only drive it about 20 miles a week. I just hit the 100,000 on the vehicle. I will check out the belt for wear and tension. Thanks so far on this...

RageRover · 09-26-2006, 03:52 PM

I have a similar squeel, but it is not as loud, as what I may think yours may be.

My Power Steering fluid has never been changed, as a result may cause the steering pump to "groan", especially with my oversized tires.

There may possibly be air in the system, that may need to be bled out.

Disco Mike · 09-26-2006, 04:06 PM

Go change your fluid adding a bottle of Lucas power steering additive and give it a couple of days. Assuming your belt and tensioner wre OK, this should take care of your problem.
Mike

k12 · 09-27-2006, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by williampdx

It squeels when you turn the steering wheel when you are in park as well.

I retract my previous post.

good luck,

Kieran

Disco Mike · 09-27-2006, 10:38 AM

Have you inspected the belt and tensioner to make sure they are not slipping?
Have you had someone else turn the steering while you listen from the engine compartment???
Mike

williampdx · 10-30-2006, 08:58 PM

Thanks for all of the advice. I changed the fluid this afternoon and I haven't seen any improvement though it may take a few days to remedy itself. I would like to physically check the tensioner and belt, but I have no idea where to locate them or how to go about this. Can someone direct me to a previous link, a web page, or describe as much as you have patience for, so that I can tackle this issue. I had very good luck changing my own o2 sensors, and front brakes, so I certainly have the aptitude if you have a few minutes to give me some details! Thanks so much in advance!!!

williampdx

williampdx · 11-01-2006, 06:36 PM

I changed my steering fluid.
I changed the Serpentine belt which was definitely worn out.
I inspected the tensioner and it looks great.
MY DISCO STILL SQUEELS WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL!!!!
While the engine is running, I had someone turn the wheel in the garage while I listened to the engine and it makes the worst noise - kind of like a whining cat. The sound seems to come from the center of the engine somewhere.
I am getting close to taking this to the dealer but before I give them my firstborn, I would love some suggestions as to what may be the problem. Can anyone suggest any solutions????

williampdx
96 disco

Disco Mike · 11-02-2006, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by williampdx

I changed my steering fluid.
I changed the Serpentine belt which was definitely worn out.
I inspected the tensioner and it looks great.
MY DISCO STILL SQUEELS WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL!!!!
While the engine is running, I had someone turn the wheel in the garage while I listened to the engine and it makes the worst noise - kind of like a whining cat. The sound seems to come from the center of the engine somewhere.
I am getting close to taking this to the dealer but before I give them my firstborn, I would love some suggestions as to what may be the problem. Can anyone suggest any solutions????

williampdx
96 disco

The only thing that can squeal when turning is the slippage of the belt. If you have replace the belt then I would think that the tensioner does not have enough tension left and the belt is slipping still.
Sounds like it is time for a tensioner.
Mike

williampdx · 11-03-2006, 02:05 PM

What do you think about the problem being the Power Steering pump?
I would hate to replace the tensioner only to find the same moaning sound. Plus, I think the squeal would have at least changed tone or something when I put on a brand new belt. It is exactly the same, and the new belt obviously was on tighter since it hadn'e stretched out. Anyone have any opinions?

williampdx

Disco Mike · 11-03-2006, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by williampdx

What do you think about the problem being the Power Steering pump?
I would hate to replace the tensioner only to find the same moaning sound. Plus, I think the squeal would have at least changed tone or something when I put on a brand new belt. It is exactly the same, and the new belt obviously was on tighter since it hadn'e stretched out. Anyone have any opinions?

williampdx

Steering pumps for the most time only groan when a valve sticks or air is going thru the lines.
If the tensioner is old and weak, it will still allow a new belt to squeal from slippage. How many miles on the truck?
Mike

Rivilou · 11-04-2006, 04:55 AM

It will be the power steering belt, I've had it on mine, it may seen tight but its slipping, and the longer it slips the less likely you'll get it to stop because the belt gets smoother. It won't be the pump, when your pump goes your steering will go solid, like if you try to turn the wheel with the engine off. Where the tensioner is, depends on the engine, what engine you got? 200/300 or v8? Just buy a new belt, changing over only takes about half an hour. I'd advise only to use the genuine ones, I've used others and they only last about 18 months tops.

pavel · 11-04-2006, 08:37 AM

He has already changed the serp belt (see post #11).

Williampdx: some years ago there was a screaching sound coming from our Disco and a new belt cured it. Did you get a LR (7 groove) belt or a cheaper aftermarket 6 groove belt?

There is a way to check that the tensioner is putting enough tension on the belt but IT IS VERY DANGEROUS!! What you do is get an old broom handle and push against the tensioner increasing the pressure on the belt WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING AND SOMEONE IS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL.....of course, if the belt grabs the broom handle it will cause a disaster so I don't recommend you do this as you could end up with a broom up your nose or through the radiator. Disregard this stupid suggestion!

r0cj0c · 11-06-2006, 11:56 PM

Nice little save there on giving deadly advice! LMAO.

300bhp/ton · 11-07-2006, 02:47 AM

Yeah I agree usually squeals from the steering are result of a slipping belt, if you go off roading thru water they often slip for a while after. The pumps can make a heck of a noise also, but usually not a high pitched squeal, more a groaning/grinding complaining sort of sound.

Are you sure it's the steering making the noise, and not the fan/alternator belt. The extra strain of the pwersteering pump running could cause something else to make a noise.

Without hearing it, its hard to give anymore info.

Does it make the sound only when turing the steering wheel, or will it do it if you just wind some lock on and leave it sitting there? If it squeals while the steering wheel is not moving then it can't be part of the steering mechanism (bushes, rods, etc.) and must there for be the pump, belt or some other component under the bonnet which rotates while the vehicle is stationary.

williampdx · 01-25-2007, 03:04 PM

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay - I finally determined (correctly) that is was the PS pump going out. It was moaning at all times. I bought a used pump online for my vehicle and just installed it according to the Land Rover Mechanics Guide that I got about a month ago in .pdf. That was a pretty easy task. The next step after installing this is to flush the system by unscrewing the valve screw while it is idleing and letting the ps fluid start to come out. The problem is that after waiting at least 5 minutes, no fluid came through at all. Obviously, my problem now is that the new power steering pump does not work at all. So, I screwed the bleed screw back in and drove the car for the day hoping the pump would start working. It didn't. Of course the moaning problem is solved!!!
My question to everyone out there is this: Is it possible that I didn't bleed it properly, and that if I do the pump will begin functioning properly? Or that it will take a while for it to get through the system because the Lucas fluid that is in there is very thick? Or is it more likely I received a bad pump? I have a feeling it is not the pump because a bad pump would at least make some noises and groan a bit. The seller tested this and said it worked! Also, would it be a bad idea to drive with the valve screw undone to help bleed this through?

Any help, ideas, or suggestions would be much appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!

fbomb7 · 01-26-2007, 03:44 PM

check to make sure the hoses aren't wore out. I had similar problem, I had someone turn the wheel while I watched under the hood, and the hose was sucking itself shut under load. I hope this helps!!