I have a 2012 LR2 that I'm working on, I changed the power steering pump because it was whining. Now that I have the new pump the steering is really stiff. I have the front lifted on a floor jack and I turn the steering from lock to lock to bleed the system but air bubbles just keep coming. I have done this well over 40 times, and I've checked the hoses for leaks but there are none. I have tried leaving the steering wheel turned left and right and let the vehicle idle for a few minutes. It steers perfectly smooth while in the air but once on the ground it's stiff. Is there a bleeder valve anywhere on the system or an easier way of bleeding the system.

 

Did you do the complete flush procedure?

 

The power steering system has three different sections with different pressures for each section

1. Suction line (pressure is negative with pump running)

2. High pressure assist

3. Low pressure return

Leaks in section 2 or 3 typically make a mess

A pin hole in section 1 may allow air in.

The pipe you are looking for is on the edge of the reservoir not the center.

That pipe goes all the way to the pump and it is likely allowing air into the system.

Let us know if you find the pin hole leak.

If I had your problem I would confirm it by bypassing the factory line with a suitable piece of fuel line and see if the bubbles stop.

Suction line part number is

LR001102

Good Luck

Paul

 

I have figured out that there is no air getting into the system. But my dad had the bright idea of pulling the lines off the steering rack and turning the vehicle on to try and bleed it which pushed all the fluid out of the rack. Now it seems like the pump isn't pumping, because the pump is whining and no fluid is leaving the reservoir. I also removed the return line from the rack and hooked up a clear tube to it. I started the vehicle, turned the wheel lock to lock and no fluid was coming out of the rack which to me means the pump isn't pumping. But I pulled the pressure line from the pump and fluid comes out of the pump and the fluid drops in the reservoir.

 

The most common fault with the power-steering is a clogged filter screen in the bottom of the reservoir.

Did you replace the reservoir or clean the screen?

Good Luck

Paul

 

Actually, most common fault is forgetting to turn on the car.

 

Yes I changed the reservoir because I ripped the screen on the original trying to clean it.

 

Did this ever get figured out? I have a 2013 LR2 and recently replaced my reservoir and flushed the system and my steering is still stiff at a stop. I want to try everything possible before I attempt the power steering pump.

 

No issue with my power steering (knocking wood as I type this), but how do you recommend cleaning the screen? In situ?

 

Tried screen cleaning with solvents in a reverse flow... as well as the fill and shake method. There is a screw at the bottom of the reservoir. I suppose I should have attacked that. Anyhow the dealer gave me a discount on the new one with discounted service as well. So I went that route.