Land Rover Repair: Range rover classic 1995, alternator pulley, range rover classic

Question
My battery is not able to hold a charge.  I am able to jump the truck but if I turn it off, the truck has no juice.  This problem is happening simultaneously with the steering making a whining sound when I turn the steering wheel and a whining under the hood.  Any thoughts?  Alternator?  

Answer
Hi Chris,

this could be a pulley bearing failure.  As the bearings grind down they make a high pitched squeal.  Since your battery is not being charged, it could be that the serpentine belt is not applying enough pressure on the alternator pulley.  The alt pulley may be turning but the belt may also be slipping.  

Remove the belt and rotate each of the pulleys to see which one is making the noise.  Replace the defective pulley or pump.

Since you mention that the steering is making noises under the hood as you turn, it could very well be the steering pump that is defective.  I've had to replace the PS pump on my '95 Disco.  I purchased the part from a salvage yard for under $100 (delivery included) and had it installed within 2 hours.  

Try www.car-part.com as a salvage yard search engine...you'll see parts from 'yards' all over N.America and I'm confident you'll find one close to your door.

You can also purchase the OEM part or perhaps a rebuilt from your local LR dealer.  

Best of luck,

JohnMc