Land Rover Repair: 2001 Land Rover Discovery II SE, land rover discovery, power steering fluid

Question
Hi Nigel,
I just bought a 2001 disco II SE for $5K and it's the neatest vehicle I think I've ever owned. It is flawless inside and out except for 2 problems. The power steering pump was noted to be "stirring the tank" and I notice it has a leak as well. When I first start the engine, the power steering fluid begins emulsifying with air in the resevoir and the power steering makes a good deal of noise during this time. After about 5 minutes of waiting or driving it, the air goes away for the most part, but it still makes a low-level noise. I also note a leak from the PS but I can't tell exactly where. The pressure hose is wet, but I can't see where it is actually coming out. The leak is not that bad, but leaves a steady spot on the carport each day.

Since I paid such a good price for the vehicle, I thought about just investing in a remanufactured or new pump and hoses and just replacing them to be done with the problem.

Would that be advisable in your opinion? I can replace the pump myself with no problems I think, but my concern is properly bleeding the air from it once replaced.

My second problem is much less significant. I used a mild engine cleaner to just sort of knock loose the road grime and so forth that had built upon in the engine compartment. After spraying it clean and letting it dry out for a few minutes, I started the engine and although it seemed to run fine, the "Service Engine Soon" light is now on. Could I have shorted something out or blown some type of fuse by spraying out the engine compartment? I was careful not to spray the altenator and there are no other dash lights indicating a problem.

Thanks for any advice and recommendations.

Russell

Answer
It does sound like you need a power steering pump.  90% of the time this is the problem with this car.  Yous should, however, be aware that somtimes the power steering box is problematic as well.  I do not think this is the case with yours from what you describe, but it bears mentioning.

It sounds like you can replace the pump yourself.  Neither pump nor box requires a bleeding (the system bleeds itself).  Just add the steering fluid and run.

For your second problem, I doubt you shorted anything out.  It is possible you disturbed a sensor.  Check the codes with a code reader and cancel the light.  If the light comes back on, you will obviouslt have to diagnose further.