Power steering pump failing - will driving cause damage?

[TNJ]

I have a dilemma - the power steering on my D4 feels as if it is failing. The wheel is much more difficult to turn although it is intermittent - sometimes it is fine but by the next corner the wheel needs to be forcibly turned. The power steering fluid is full so this is not the issue - I am guessing that the pump is failing. It is driveable but just more work than normal.

My dilemma is that I am driving to the Alps in the car on Friday - so some 700 miles. I do not really have an alternative - I could take the Tesla but the additional stops to charge would add another hour or two each way which I would rather avoid - plus there are five of us going with luggage so would be a squeeze in the Tesla.

On the basis that the power steering is not working properly - but the car is still driveable - am I likely to do any damage by using it? I would get the pump replaced as soon as I get back but have no chance of getting it done before I go.

[tegwin]

Nope - wouldnt drive it.

If the pump is disintegrating you risk pushing chunks of metal into the rack/cooler etc - the pump might overhead and sieze causing a belt failiure.... You'd be foolish to try and drive 700 miles - sorry.

[A.J.M]

Has it being diagnosed as power steering pump?

Your description could also be the power steering column uj joint seizing up.

[TNJ]

Thanks for your replies. The fault hasn’t been diagnosed yet but it definitely feels as though it is the power steering.

I did have the driveshaft replaced a few months ago (another painful experience) - not sure if this would have any bearing on matters but the car was literally in pieces for this so perhaps something was not put back together correctly

[camel_landy]

If the fluid is leaking, you'll end up with the pump being run without lubricant... Metal on metal... Horrible noises... You get the picture.

First port of call will be to check the power steering fluid levels (IIRC - Yellow cap, under the bonnet).

M

[TNJ]

Thanks again - power steering fluid levels are fine which led me to think it was the motor.

I have taken the sensible option and will be using the Tesla.

I have had enough of the Land Rover now - was fine for 7 years and now just major problems one after the other