Today my 1996 Defender 90 gave me problems with the PS, it worked for about a 1\4 turn of the wheel then it became very hard to turn the wheel, but some time later it was working fine again, then when I got home about half an hour later it was a problem again.

I've checked the fluid an I've not lost any, its never been topped up and hold its level. I had heard it may require bleading but I never done that before, and why should it want blead now ?.

Any other suggestions guys

Bob

might need a fluid change, if the existing is orignal it'll be past it's best performance. check the belt tighteness too

Thanks Western, it is original, I've never seen it listed as a service item, the Landy has don 130,000 so its will be past its best.

Bob

Have self same thing
Pump was on its way out

I can't find any mention of replacing the fluid either but it would be a good move & worth the effort/expense, if the steering is held at full lock for over 30 secs it can overheat the fluid & that wouldn't do the fluid or pump any favours.

If you haven't changed anything I would have thought pump too. Mine was worse when it failed as for some reason the main seal on the pump failed, looked like the Fluid was a milkshake after a short journey . New Pump and Fluid sorted it.

I adjusted my Steering Box and got similar symptoms as I'd adjusted it too tight. Re-Adjusted taking into account the full range of motion and all was well.

Hope that Helps,

Cheers
Matt

Hi Mat, it looks clear and clean, so decided to bleed the system and change a lot of it out, I started the engin and opened the bleed screw and let it pump it out as I filled the reservior. I put in 2 Ltrs and the old red stuff was still coming out, any one know how much the system changes.

It may be working better but as the problem is a bit intermittent I will have to wait and see.


Bob

If your belt is loose it could be occasionally slipping which will give this symptom. Also check the steering column universal joints (between bulkhead and steering box) these can start to seize and give 'tight spots' in the steering. Give them a real soaking with WD40 or similar and work the steering back and forth.

Regards,

Diff

2.9 litres (5 pints)

A quick update, its been a week since I completley changed out the old ATF from the Power Stearing system and its worked fine since, so I hope thats it sorted. I will try the other suggested solutions if it comes back, so thanks to everyone for their suggestions they very much appreciated.:-)

Bob