Steering - Squeaking Noise From Bulkhead When Turning
No: 57/01/05/NASFGN LM211
Ref: 57/02/03/NAS
Issue: 1
Date: March 07, 2005
Power Steering Squeak at Bulkhead
AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
New Range Rover (LM) All
SITUATION:
STEERING NOISE WHEN TURNING
A customer may report a concern of a squeaking noise from the bulkhead area when turning the steering wheel. The noise level does not change with road speed but may vary, depending on speed of steering wheel rotation, and temperature.
RESOLUTION:
FLUSH AND CYCLE THE POWER ASSISTED STEERING SYSTEM
NOTE:
A similar squeak can be traced to the steering column bushing and grommet. Refer to TIB 57/02/03/NAS for additional information on the lubrication of the grommet to eliminate this noise source.
If a customer expresses concern about the squeaking noise, refer to the Service Procedure detailed in this bulletin. The likely cause is steering rack pinion seal squeaking against the pinion.
PARTS INFORMATION
DDW WARRANTY CLAIMS:
DDW requires the use of causal part numbers. Labor only claims must show the causal part number with a quantity of zero.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
NOTE:
This procedure requires the power assisted steering (PAS) system to be cycled through full left steering lock to full right steering lock without the engine running and without the front wheels freely suspended.
1. With the vehicle on a suitable lift, locate the front wheels onto swivel plates to enable the steering to be cycled lock to lock without the engine running.
2. Open the hood.
3. Clean the area around the PAS fluid reservoir cap and remove the reservoir cap.
NOTE:
GTR lookup sequence is as follows: GTR Home > NAS > Service Information/LM Range Rover/2004 > Workshop Manuals > Service Procedures > "EXTERIOR FITTINGS/REPAIRS > "Undertray - front" link.
4. Refer to GTR Section 76.11.81 and remove the engine undertray.
5. Position a suitable container to collect PAS fluid spillage under the vehicle.
CAUTION:
Before disconnecting PAS joints, ensure the immediate area around the joint is clean to prevent contamination.
6. Disconnect the PAS supply hose as follows:
^ Note the orientation of the PAS fluid supply hose to Figure the PAS pump. (Figure 1)
^ Loosen the union nut.
^ Disconnect the hose.
^ If undamaged, retain the 0-ring seal for refill-flush-drain procedure.
^ Allow the PAS fluid to drain from the system.
CAUTION:
The front wheels must not be freely suspended during the purge process.
7. With the vehicle placed on the swivel plates and Supply without engine running, cycle the steering ten times through full left steering lock to full right steering lock to ensure maximum quantity of fluid is purged from the system.
NOTE:
Ensure a new 0-ring seal is installed to the PAS pump hose prior to final assembly.
8. Clean the residual fluid from the PAS pump and reconnect the supply hose in its original orientation with washer.
9. Fill the PAS reservoir with new PAS fluid (LRN2261).
10. Start the engine and allow to idle for two minutes while slowly cycling the steering lock to lock.
NOTE:
GTR lookup sequence is as follows: GTR Home > NAS > Service Information/LM Range Rover/2004 > Workshop Manuals > Service Procedures > "STEERING/ADJUSTMENTS" > "Power assisted steering (PAS) system - bleed" link.
11. Refer to GTR section 57.12.02 and add PAS fluid to the PAS reservoir when necessary as air is purged from the system.
12. Switch engine off.
13. Repeat drain procedure from step 6, before proceeding to step 14.
14. Refer to GTR section 76.11.81 and install engine undertray.
15. Ensure PAS reservoir fluid is at the correct level and install reservoir cap.
16. Remove vehicle from lift and swivel plates.
CAUTION:
Do not hold the steering at full steering lock for longer than one second, as this may overheat the PAS fluid.
17. Start engine and position the vehicle in a suitable location to perform the following static steering maneuver:
^ Quickly turn the steering to full right steering lock and 'bounce' steering on/off full lock five times.
^ Quickly turn the steering to full left steering lock and 'bounce' steering on/off full lock five times.
^ Complete five repetitions of the following steering cycle - full lock, to hold, to 90 degrees back.
^ Turn the steering to full right steering lock
^ Hold for one second
^ Quickly turn steering back 90 degrees.
^ Complete five repetitions of the following steering cycle - full lock, to hold, to 90 degrees back.
^ Turn the steering to full left steering lock
^ Hold for one second
^ Quickly turn steering back 90 degrees.
18. Re-test vehicle for the squeaking noise.
19. If the fault is still apparent, repeat the steering maneuver in step 17.
20. Verify that the PAS reservoir fluid is at the correct level following bleed and test process.