Hi all,

about three months ago I had to replace steering fluid reservoir and filter. As it is a known common problem on the older freelanders 2 (mine is 2008 TD4), I read that it is often connected with steering rack replacement. Mine was ok until now when I noticed some play and rattle when driving over an uneven road surface. When I jacked the car up and moved the wheel back and forth, I could hear and feel that something is not right.

I purchased the car from the dealer with an extended warranty, which covers rack replacement, however, before I go to the dealer, I want to make sure that it is really the rack at fault. As I expect that they won't be willing to do it so easily, I would like to have some "support" materials. Once I read about a bulletin with this steering reservoir/rack issue. Could anyone help me finding these, so I can show it to the dealer?

Last edited by kris-p on 14th Sep 2023 11:28 pm. Edited 1 time in total

I don't know about the bulletin you refer to, but it could be the track control arm, worn where it attaches to the rack (under the bellows). I had the same with my Jaguar X-Type. It was a DIY job on that, I suspect it would be on a Freely too. 2010MY 2.2 e4 (gone but, not forgotten)
Audi TT Roadster 3.2 DSG
FFRR Westminster 4.4 TDV8 (L322)

Hi we had the steering rack fail outside warranty, and we had a replacement with a 50% contribution from LR as we had only 40,000 miles on the clock at 5 years old. The first sign of the rack going was the steering getting heavy at manouvering speed. You say you have replaced the reservoir. When you did that replacement job did the fluid look like a mucky light brown frothy cappuccino ? . If it did there is every chance that the rack was damaged. Also when you replaced it did you flush the entire system ? it was in the opinions of those on this forum caused by loose weld spatter when the rack was manufactured, and poor QA,( although the garage and LR did not agree it was a common problem) . If the reservoir had reached that state the filter would be blind and the damage could have occurred. If it is the rack, and you had the full blocked filter issue, change the pump at the same time. It was and expensive job about £900 before the contribution. 2009 GS Auto Zermatt Silver - Sold June 21 after 10 years of ownership

2016 Subaru Outback SE 2.0 diesel SE Premium Lineartronic Sold 2024 after 8 years and 80k miles . Best Car I ever owned !

2023 Toyota Hilux invincible X 2.8 Auto .

It could be the inner tie rod faulty, but I assumed that it might be the rack as it was connected with steering reservoir replacement.

When I was replacing the reservoir, I flushed the whole system, the colour was dark brown and not as see through as the new liquid.

I might need to take the car to my local mechanic for inspection before driving to the dealer as it is on the other side of the city.

When it comes to manoeuvring at low speeds, I feel that it varies, sometimes the steering is lighter, sometimes heavier, but it could be just the type of surface...

Also, I forgot to mention, that when the car is stationary with the engine on, and I turn the steering wheel to the right, I can feel light knock through the steering wheel. It could be connected to the fault that you can see in the video.

Is there any place where I can find maintenance bulletins for freelanders?

It could be the track rod inner joint worn, easily replaceable - http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-LR0168...0wodvSwNtA or, and my eyes are not what they used to be, but it could be play in the bottom ball joint as it looks like the lower arm is moving.

A garage should easily be able to tell you which when it is jacked up. Side to side play on the wheel and it will be the track rod joint, top to bottom play will be the lower ball joint. Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

So it turns out that the "issue" was only loose inner tie rod. Once tightened, everything is back to normal.
Not sure how it became loose, but all sorted now.

Thanks all for replies.

Not sure how it became loose, but all sorted now.

Have you had your wheel tracking done recently ? FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
FL2 MY13 TD4 GS Current

Yes I was thinking that it seems a strange thing to just come loose.

Yes, it's been for alignment about 3 months ago, but I noticed the rattling noise just now (2 weeks ago).

To quote Sherlock Holmes:

"How often have I said that when you have excluded the impossible whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
FL2 MY13 TD4 GS Current