Thread: D4 power steering issues

Originally Posted by tuffrangie

Hi all,

The power steering in my 2012 D4 3.0 has become quite stiff and difficult to turn at times. Even to the point that I cannot physically dry turn the steering wheel (i know that is bad for the car, but just as an example, not how it is used) The pump/steering is loud when attempting the above.

I had it serviced yesterday for its 50k checkup and mentioned it to the dealer and they said to my wife it was due to my 'larger' 255/55/19 Cooper Zeon's. I am quite annoyed that they have written that on the report they are larger-given they are the stock size. Surely the tread pattern change wouldnt be enough to cause this issue with the steering?

Am I right in thinking this note may affect future warranty claims? Has anyone else had a similar issue with their steering? Its only when low speed manouvering/4 wheel driving. I do have a bar and winch on the car too, so a bit of extra weight up front.

Thanks
Rob

Id be taking that up with the services manager!

Originally Posted by tuffrangie

I had it serviced yesterday for its 50k checkup and mentioned it to the dealer and they said to my wife it was due to my 'larger' 255/55/19 Cooper Zeon's.

Thats hilarious.....they obviously don't know what size they come out with or maybe they are just incompetent.
I run bigger tyres. Your tyre size will have no effect to your power steering....and importantly have nil effect to your warranty in any way. T
ime to pop down and demand to see the service manager. Also, they cannot state that your warranty will be effected anyway....the onus is on them to prove that this caused the failing of your power steering.
I know my service manager would not dare bring that line on with me.
Let us know once they use a bit of grey matter and fix your car.
Brett....

As the others have said 100% codswallop - like you said the tyres are standard size. I would have the note removed and the demand the problem be rectified free of charge under warranty.

The steering is capable of handling loads far greater than what a change of tread MAY cause. For example when tyre pressures are low or general off-roading or, shock horror, when rock crawling etc etc.

The power steering fluid may be low (due to a leak) or the pump itself on the way out.

It seems they may have tried it on given that it was the "little woman" standing at the counter.

Don't stand for their bullcrap.

Thanks heaps everyone. We have decided to try a different dealership that is closer (instead of the one we bought the car from). Apparently the 31st of this month is the earliest they can fit us in. The car has used 3.5L of oil in between services for the first 50,000km. When this was flagged with them they said that is within tolerance. Also $850 to change brake pads seemed excessive!

They aren't inspiring much confidence.

Power steering fluid level was on the min line so I filled it up with the correct fluid and it made no difference. No sign of leaking anywhere?

I might actually take the morning off work and take it in myself and demand an answer. She was dealing with the service manager too.

Anyone on the forum work in a good Melbourne dealership where we can take the car?

Cheers
Rob

Speak to Sniegy (Peter), forum member, at Melbourne Dockland MLR

go-disco4

Bit of an update for those that care:

Car was taken to melbourne city this morning and immediately diagnosed a stuffed power steering pump as suspected. We were told 5 day turnaround no loan car available. They offered to call my wife and 2 kids (aged 3 and 10months old) a taxi. We live 70km away and can't live without a car for 5 days. Spoke to landrover customer care and they organised a hire car at no cost.

So all in all good result, but a bit disappointing the dealership didn't go out of their way to sort a car out or offer to ring customer care themselves. Thanks to John at the dealership though for driving her to Hertz and helping with the kids. Looking forward to driving a car with power steering again. Can't believe Brighton said nothing was wrong!

Thanks for everyone's advice
Rob

Ouch, have owned 5 cars with over 200K, 2 of those with over 300K and one of those with over 430K and never seen a ps pump let go... That was my second thought when you mentioned your symptoms. My first was low fluid.

$850 is damn expensive for just brake pads. They're about 1/2 hour tops per wheel to change (less if you have a hoist) and the pads themselves (OEM TRW) set me back $75 for front and $60 for rear. Add $25 to that for a wear sensor if your pads wear down enough for the sensor light to come on. If they changed the discs over too at this point I could possibly see it reaching $850 for someone to do it for you?

3.5L oil consumption between intervals also seems high - my 2.7 doesn't use any oil between intervals and has 195K. That of course depends on what your interval is - mine is 10K.

I don't recall anyone commenting that changing tyres has affected steering as you described and you were right to "smell a rat". I have the same coopers as you. No steering issue and clearly (as you found) the fault is in the power steering.

As far as your oil consumtion is concerned. That is not normal. I know they quote some oil may be required, but in reality I get through service to service 1300km and the level stays well above half. Most of us never need to add oil. I would ask the service people to find an explanation (and fix it).