Hello all,

One of the many problems on my new/used Discovery II is that the power steering pump cavitates making the steering jerky and noisy. Im Wondering if I should order a pump and or lines. I see my pump to gearbox hose is leaking where it enters the gearbox. I pulled it out to take a look and see an orange o ring on the end of the line that would go into the gearbox. I assume that this o-ring is toast. Should I try replacing the oring or the whole line? Could this be responsible for the cavitation and loss of power steering (jerky steering)? Thanks again people.

 

If that's the only leak, yes, replace the o-ring.
Top off fluid, work steering to get air out.
New pump seal kit is $35.
New box seal kit is $135.
Low pressure line is $20.
High pressure lines are $75-150
Pump is $170-$400...depending on where you buy it.
PS fixes get expensive quick.

 

PS fluid is $25-$35 a quart too.

Lines are ok if they don't leak. The rubber will break down over time, and you'll see fine black trash in the screen in the bottom of the resivoir
Pump is easily removed and inspected. 4 bolts and you can split the pump and check out the bearings. If the resivoir filter isn't clogged, and the pump bearings aren't shot, or filled with fine rubber, it should be ok.
The bad o-ring is letting air into that high pressure line too, causing your ps problem.

 

ok, I put some rubber o rings in and the leak has stopped. But it is foaming power stearing fluid out of the cap of the reservoir. pulled some fluid out of the reservoir and it is no longer overflowing but it is frothy in there. Any concerns?

 

Many alternatives good including inexpensive ATF. Don't have to drink the cool-aid.
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agreed

 

ok then, the fluid leading off the bottom of the p/s gear box is red, I've been putting in power steering fluid. After your post I thought do myself, s--- thats probebly why it was red, it clicked. Is there danger in mixing the two?

 

I'm fine with that.
I keep reading conflicting info on what needs to be used.
I don't understand the need for expensive flluid anyway.
I've had the pump apart, it's nothing special, tapered bearings.

 

You can use nearly any PS fluid you want.

The easiest / most cost effective way to get expensive fluid is Amazon. Every large container (5L+) of fluid that I've ever ordered from Amazon has leaked in some way.

I call Amazon after I get the package, notify them of the leak, they either do one of 3 things.
1. Send you a brand new one free of charge and do not request you to send the old one back (buy one get one free)
2. They refund your purchase while you keep the fluid (you can't send it back with it leaking)
3. They will refund a mutually agreed % of the purchase that is equal to the estimate fluid lost.

The choice on which one you take is totally up to you. None of which require you to send anything back lol

I typically opt for #1 or #2

 

There is a filter at the outlet of the reservoir that can become partially clogged. I'd think that low flow to the pump could produce a frothy output/return from the pump and box. It's a non serviceable filter.

From D2 Mx Schedule:
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