Steering in my 03 Disco (130K) starting to make groaning noise and sometimes hard to turn. Fluid in reservoir gets very agitated - even when at idle without turning steering. No leaks at all on pump or steering box. Any idea if flushing will fix or should I replace the pump? Was going to flush with regular cheap PS fluid - doesn't have ACE system - rather than the expensive synthetic. The pump rebuild kit only includes gaskets and seals - not sure if that will fix as it is not a leak issue.
Mike

 

Try putting some Lucas Power steering conditioner in it and see if that helps.

 

+1 I added it when I first got my DII. Never a whine or complaint.

 

Has gotten really bad now. When first started is quiet and steers fine. Fluid is not agitated. After a few miles it is very noisy whenever you turn the wheel, steering gets stiff and fluid is agitated even at idle. Seems as if fluid is not going to the steering box - just returning back to the reservoir. Is there a one way check valve that might be stuck? Not sure at this point if the pump or box is bad. No leaks at either right now.

 

Are you seeing any air bubbles in the fluid in your reservoir after it warms up? If yes, than your system is sucking air, bad pump gasket, return hose loose or a rubbed hole? I just went through this on mine...

Also, every Rover I've looked at under the hood when engine is warm and running, you can see the PAS fluid moving in the reservoir...When my pump gave up the ghost because of it's seals...my fluid didnt move at all anymore= no pump worky