2003 Disco II SE7 Power Steering Issues

[BarrettRC8]

About a month ago I noticed that my 2003 Land Rover Discovery II SE7 with 75,000 miles was having some power steering problems. It was leaking power steering fluid and would wine when turning the wheel at low speeds. I was out of town at the time and when I got back took the truck to a trusted mechanic and was informed that the power steering gearbox needed to be replaced as it was leaking from the output shaft. Unfortunately they stated they can't do those types of repairs so I took it to a family friend who is also a mechanic with about 35 years of experience and a speed shop. He confirmed the problem so I order the part and had it replaced. All was fine for the first few days. Unfortunately I noticed a leak and a day or two later the power steering once again is having issues. The leak is from the front driver side, as indicated in the attached picture. There is essentially no whine when turning the wheel like there was before, but the steering still gets "stiff" and difficult at lower speeds, especially parking. There is fluid in the reservoir but it is now below the minimum level dictated when I checked after I got to work.

Any ideas? If I top off the power steering fluid will I be fine to drive it the 8 miles home to further diagnose the issue?

Thanks for any help!

 

[jastutte]

check the power steering pump. my pump was leaking fluid and the underside of my truck looked just like your photo. it was a pretty easy if not tedious replacement.

 

[JUKE179r]

If it's only been a couple of days since the steering box was installed, take it back to the mechanic for him to sort out.

 

[roverover]

It is rare to see a bad D2 steering box it was the pump in the first place they are all bad.. Replace the pump.

 

[jastutte]

It is rare to see a bad D2 steering box it was the pump in the first place they are all bad.. Replace the pump.

this was my thought as well.

 

[pdogg]

Something tells me you got taken for a new steering box, when all that was wrong was your pump. They do leak from the bottom, and oil will flow down to the gearbox, making appear your box is also leaking. Also, your first "mechanic" can't replace a gear box?

 

[BarrettRC8]

So I purchase the gearbox online and sent back the core, he couldn’t have pocketed anything from that other than the labor. It was also leaking from further aft and a much greater rate before the gearbox was replaced as opposed to the more forward position where the leak is showing now.

Pdogg, I suppose that’s possible but I assumed two independent inspections with the same analysis would rule that out. Hopefully that’s not the case but that is what the initial mechanic said.

Anyone have any history of a failed gearbox then failed pump? Hopefully the lines were replaced improperly.

Regardless, I’ll keep s informed of what I find if for no other reason to keep others wary of potential issues.

 

[Lake_Bueller]

I had the same issues with my 04. Was told by my non-Rover mechanic that it was the pump. Replaced it and still leaked,

It's currently "parked" until I can find the time to replace the pump. It will literally leak an entire quart of fluid within a week (and that's if i DON'T drive it)