well after nearly a year of driving my FL2 2007 auto, i finally cured the vibration on the steering, at around 1800 to 2000 rpm a vibration felt thu the steering wheel on gradual acceleration, i noticed that the steering res. fluid was very slow at returning to the res. so bought a new one and completely drained the system and re-filled with new, and hey presto, no vibration at any speed. conclusion - that the steering pump at the revs was not receiving the correct amount of fluid, so there was an occasion when the steering went limp and let the wheels take command. hence the vibration occurring.

The steering reservoir has a fixed filter inside it, so if the reservoir had never been changed chances are the filter was very blocked.

Click image to enlarge

Is the reservoir virtually a service item then? Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

2014 Orkney grey Freelander SD4 GS.
2004 Zambezi silver Discovery 2 Td5 (Gone)
1963 Surf blue Morris Mini Minor Super de Luxe (my little toy)

Only if your power steering fluid gets contaminated. No contamination, nothing to block the filter. I have only changed the reservoir once in 11 years of ownership of my 14 year old fl2. Just as often as I’ve changed the rear diff!

Pretty much. The image I posted above is the filter from the 2nd reservoir changed at 50k miles, the below one is the first reservoir changed at 30k miles.

 
Hung like Einstein, smart as a horse.

Unfortunately the oil will get contaminated. The rubber hoses deteriorate over time, tiny particles of rubber float (rush) around the system, they get caught by the filter, either that or they will eventually block orifices that matter.

Leave it long enough the filter blocks, this starves the pump damaging it, that then sends metal fragments into the system damaging the steering rack blocking the filter even faster. The choice is yours.

Oil does not last forever, when you change the steering fluid change the reservoir / filter. Tangiers Orange - gone, missing her
Replaced by Ewok what a mistake - now a happy Disco Sport owner