Land Rover Repair: 97 Discovery, white lithium grease, power steering fluids

Question
Hello John,

I have a 97 Discovery SE7 and lately it's been making these squeaky sounds when I turn the steering wheel (both ways).  I thought it was the power steering fluid running out, but I checked and it is still full.  Is this something I can fix myself or would I need to take this to the dealership?
Thanks!  

Answer
Hi Long,

it could be that your steering system needs some lubrication.  On my '95, where the steering shaft meets the power steering housing, I noticed that it was covered in dirt and grime.  I purchased some engine cleaner and cleaned the length of the shaft and the housing (where the power steering hoses attach from the reservoir.

After a thorough cleaning, I hosed the engine down and it looked much cleaner.  HOWEVER, I could hear squeaking as I turned the steering wheel.  I then sprayed the shaft with a lithium lubricant and it seemed to do the trick.

In your case, it may be that your tie rods, pitman arm, track rod, or even the steering arms need to be lubricated.  Someone even suggested that it could be your ball joints.  You can crawl under there a smear white lithium grease all around the joints.  It may help.  If you still hear squeaking, perhaps a general mechanic can take a look (usually its a free inspection) to see if they can find any problems.

Sometimes inside the power steering pump, the bearings eventually fail and the pump has to be replaced.  Last summer, I had this happen with my '95.  I broke down the pump when I found that the bearing were making strange noise.  I found a replacement pump from a salvage yard (wrecker) and it only cost me about $40 and shipping.

So, if you are mechanically inclined, start lubricating your steering system, drain and replace your power steering fluids ( bleeding nipple found on pump).  If you still have noise, take it to a steering and suspension specialist for an estimate.

Best of luck,

JohnMc