Land Rover Repair: Whinning Noise, land rover north, first discovery

Question
I just purchased a used 2001 Discovery SE Certified Auto from Land Rover Encino here in Los Angeles.  My first Discovery.  Driving home I noticed a whinning noise whenever I accelerate.  It doesn't seem to whine when I go down hill.  I returned the vehicle and service just tells me it is the ACE pump?  I read the Ace pump might make sounds going around a corner, but a constant whinning??  Any comments......I also hear a small clink once in awhile when I put the vehicle in reverse or even starting off from a red light??  I would like to think Land Rover is telling me the truth....since I do have the extended warranty and I returned the vehicle within 24 hours of purchase.  Please advise soonest.  Gordon

Answer
Hi Gordon,

for peace of mind here's what you should do:

drive another 2001 Discovery SE.

You can go to the same dealer and ask to drive a similar model and listen for the same noises.  IF they are unwilling to do this...well...that is most revealing isn't it!

The small click you hear should be addressed by the dealership.  If you doubt the dealership, take your Disco to another for a second opinion.

Let's talk about the ACE pump...its a known problem - at least for the owners!  Most dealers will say "...the drone is normal!  within tolerable levels!"  BS.  Most owners have complained and little gets done.

Apparently, there aer two types of noises 'drones', one when the ACE pipes vibrate against the chassis (a fix exists for that) and the other is within the ACE pump and is being avoided or ignored.

When your passenger begins to ask "what's that noise" ...you know its a problem.

My suggestion to you is to not let the dealership off the hook.  Send a letter to both the dealership and LRNA (Land Rover North America - head office) with your complaint.  Such an expensive vehicle should not have problems like this.

Best of luck,

JohnMc