[theblackhand]

Greetings. This is my first post. Our 98 makes whining noises up front, especially when cold and the steering gets very stiff sometimes. Based on various online searches, I believe the drive belt is loose or worn and since the disco has 94,000 miles, I ordered the multiribbed belt online. I plan on getting my local mechanic to replace the belt, rather than the local dealer. Did I diagnose the problem correctly? If so, Any idea how much labor time to replace the belt? I'd rather not take a chance doing it myself as I have to transport a small child and I'm not willing to take the risk. Thanks. :wave:

 

[Disco Mike]

The noise is most likely caused because you haven't changed your P/S fluid.
I would suggest you have someone flush it and try and locate some Lucas Power Steering additive to help correct the problem which is valving inside the p/s pump.
Mike J.

 

[theblackhand]

thanks

Makes sense. I had all of the fluids changed by an independent garage when we got it a few months ago except the p/s fluid. As I recall, they said that the dealer needed to do this or it was several hundred dollars, or both. Any insight as to if the fluid change is dealer only?

 

[Disco Mike]

It takes less then 15 minutes to change the fluid, let me know when you are ready and I will walk you thru it. Also do your brake fluid if it has been over 25,000 miles.
Mike J.