PAS system - characteristics and warranty replacements

PAS SYSTEM - CHARACTERISTICS AND WARRANTY REPLACEMENTS

Model

Discovery Series II

Affected vehicles

All vehicles

Date

2000-05-24

Reference

Bulletin 0013, CDS ref L8606bu

Bulletin text

Discovery Series II

AFFECTED RANGE:

All vehicles

PROBLEM:

PAS SYSTEM - CHARACTERISTICS AND WARRANTY REPLACEMENTS

The Discovery II power assisted steering (PAS) system incorporates new design features which result in different operating characteristics from systems used previously on other Land Rover products. In certain instances this has led to the unnecessary Warranty replacement of PAS components.

CAUSE:

Operating characteristics of the PAS system not fully understood.

ACTION:

When assessing the condition of the PAS system as the result of concerns expressed by a customer, refer to the following notes to ensure that the results are fully understood.

Operating pressure: • The Discovery II PAS system operates at a pressure of up to approximately 100 bar (1500 lbf/in 2 ) maximum, significantly higher than the original Discovery. Refer to Discovery II Workshop Manual, repair number 57.90.10.01 for full pressure test information.

Operating characteristics: • To prevent excessive pressure build up on full lock the new design steering box incorporates two pressure relief valves which operate when the steering is approaching full lock, (left or right). If excessive force is applied to the steering wheel, a further one quarter turn of the steering wheel can be achieved. This may be perceived as lack of assistance but is in fact a characteristic of the system and there is no fault. Reassure the customer that all is well. Explain that this is a completely normal function of the system and not detrimental in any way.

Bulletin N o : 0013 L8606bu 1 24.05.2000

Oil leakage: • A large proportion of steering boxes returned under Warranty have the problem description ‘Leaking from drop arm seal’. As part of the assembly process the seal area is packed with grease to prevent contamination of the shaft and possible seal damage. During normal use, this grease is subjected to increased temperatures which may cause it to migrate to the lower edge of the steering box casing where it may be interpreted as an oil leak. In this instance, the only action required is to wipe clean the affected area. It is essential that units are only condemned for leakage when it can be confirmed that oil loss has occurred, i.e. when droplets of PAS fluid can be transferred to the finger tip. Furthermore, as the steering drop arm is the lowest point of the system it is vital that all connections are checked for leakage before any decision to change the unit is made.

PARTS INFORMATION:

Issued for information purposes only. Refer to the Parts Microfiche / Electronic Parts Catalogue to confirm correct part number details as required.

WARRANTY CLAIMS: Refer to the Warranty Codes Manual for the Complaint Code which most accurately defines the fault. Refer to the Repair Operation Times Manual for individual SRO numbers and repair times. Where applicable, identify the precise fault on the material returns label, ie, ‘Leak from drop arm seal’. Simply ‘Leaking’ is not acceptable. In future, Warranty Claims for the renewal of steering box assemblies, where the problem description cannot be confirmed, will be rejected.