So a mechanic did a much needed flush on my steering rack.
He said it was very dirty with a lot of sludge coming out and need quite a few litres to flush.

The steering has greatly improved, however the pump is still groaning at idle and when going from lock to lock.

I changed the reservoir today thinking that might help the steering pump but made no difference.

I did however notice that the new fluid is already lost its translucency. Its sort of a muddy green. Will post a pic below.

In saying this is, is this normal for the fluid to be this dirty within 2 weeks. Would it best to get a new steering pump and new fluid or just do another flush?

A flush though ain't cheap as the fluid is pretty damn expensive.

Be grateful for thoughts or recommendations.

Could be swarf in the rack which might damaged the pump also??? more info here

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic18066.ht...rack+swarf 2013 FL2 XS.
Defender 90 300 TDi.
Defender 90 300 TDi CSW.
1964 MGB Roadster.
1944 Willys MB "Jeep" with bullet holes. (gone)
17 hand Irish Drought Thoroughbred (mostly lame)
Nagging Old Boiler.

Mahatma Gandhi said if there is an Idiot in power those who elected him are well represented. The Enemy is our own corrupt Government.

Mine was black as used engine oil when i got her. New reservoir and took a few full flushes to get it really clean. Not very hard to do at home to save costs.

Even running perfectly clean fluid, still get a bit of groaning and notchiness - just years of abuse from previous owner. Been running lucas additive which smooths it out really well. Was meant as a temporary bandaid, but still doing it's job years later. I flush once a year and put a fresh glob of the lucas in at same time.

Power steering fluid from Volvo is half the price of the same fluid from Land Rover!

^ Definitely. Or should be at least a few options in your part of the world that meet the specs for Pentosin CHF202.

@Horizon

It will be this I imagine:

https://www.amazon.com/LUCAS-Power-Steerin...1&th=1 (Now Sold). 2008 Freelander 2 (Nazca Sand) SE TD4 Auto. Statutory write off & on WOVR for hail damage but still road legal.
171037Km as of 09/05/22
Superchips Bluefin Flash
Nanocom Evo II (also sold)

BossBob wrote:

Power steering fluid from Volvo is half the price of the same fluid from Land Rover!

Landrover would have to the last shop remaining on earth before I bought their expensive lubricants.  Jules

Horizon wrote:

Be grateful for thoughts or recommendations.

Horizon wrote:

@grue which of Lucas additives do you drop in there?