Member Since: 19 Oct 2005
Location: Scotland
Posts: 796
Heavy steering and failing stop start; connected?
The power steering on my D4 is heavy and inconsistent other than the first inch or so of travel either way. Fluid level is ok but the stop start is now also only operating intermittently. Anyone know if these are likely connected or is it just a coincidence? Thanks.2014MY Discovery
18th May 2019 7:48 pm
aja4x4
Member Since: 14 Apr 2019
Location: Westbury
Posts: 2459
Stop start problem could be caused by a failing battery
18th May 2019 8:52 pm
110CSW
Member Since: 19 Oct 2005
Location: Scotland
Posts: 796
Thanks, Yep I thought that and will replace it (main or both?). Could the steering by a symptom of a failing battery or is it likely there is something wrong with the rack/pump?2014MY Discovery
18th May 2019 8:57 pm
aja4x4
Member Since: 14 Apr 2019
Location: Westbury
Posts: 2459
The main one but it needs to be replaced with the correct type AGM stop start battery.
The steering fault could be linked.
I would also check that the stereo amplifier is switching off there is a common fault with them staying active and draining the batteries, which will shorten the battery life. It will show up as a fault code if you have a reader.
18th May 2019 9:06 pm
110CSW
Member Since: 19 Oct 2005
Location: Scotland
Posts: 796
Connected a reader and no codes. I do often sit waiting for kids with the music on which will not be helping the battery and at over five years old is probably worth a change. Anyone got a link for a good battery deal? Happy to fit myself.2014MY Discovery
18th May 2019 9:29 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8044
Lower steering universal joint needs lubrication or replacing.
If the SS is failing without the eco light showing it is the main battery.
If failing with light on it is small aux battery.
And yes it is all related I’m afraid, it’s called poor maintenance It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
19th May 2019 5:50 am
Dave T
Member Since: 03 Jul 2009
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 6902
110CSW wrote:
Thanks, Yep I thought that and will replace it (main or both?). Could the steering by a symptom of a failing battery or is it likely there is something wrong with the rack/pump?
When mine failed it was the small oneJoined the BMWX5 45e group
1994 Defender 90
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2016 D4 Graphite Santorini Black
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19th May 2019 9:21 am
Lil'wolf
Member Since: 08 Jul 2012
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 20
110CSW wrote:
Connected a reader and no codes. I do often sit waiting for kids with the music on which will not be helping the battery and at over five years old is probably worth a change. Anyone got a link for a good battery deal? Happy to fit myself.
Exide EK950 AGM Start Stop from Tayna batteries, £136 delivered!
19th May 2019 9:32 pm
Gary_P
Member Since: 03 May 2016
Location: Kent
Posts: 1506
If you’ve got a charger it would be worth charging the main battery.
A CTEK will advise if the battery is so poor it can’t be charged.
Worth a try then you can see if steering issue goes away.Gary
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Discovery 4 HSE 2016MY
20th May 2019 9:35 am
110CSW
Member Since: 19 Oct 2005
Location: Scotland
Posts: 796
Good point. Have a CTEK and connected up the main battery and it took overnight to charge so must have had too many short runs and use of the radio when sat waiting for kids. Then connected it to the small battery and it showed up as fully charged.
Stop start now working fine and steering is not as heavy. Mind I have been driving my wife’s Golf a lot and that has Uber light steering so no questioning what is happening! Still think the suggestion of getting the garage to look at the knuckle joint makes sense though.2014MY Discovery
22nd May 2019 5:12 pm
Gary_P
Member Since: 03 May 2016
Location: Kent
Posts: 1506
That's good.
Can I suggest if you're continuing to do short runs that you top the main battery up with your CTEK once every couple of weeks?
I've learned from this forum that a battery that gets regular and thorough charging will last longer. In addition your stop/start will keep working.Gary
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Discovery 4 HSE 2016MY
22nd May 2019 11:05 pm
110CSW
Member Since: 19 Oct 2005
Location: Scotland
Posts: 796
Agree, thanks. Will also report back when my local garage gets my car on the ramp.2014MY Discovery
23rd May 2019 9:47 am
110CSW
Member Since: 19 Oct 2005
Location: Scotland
Posts: 796
Great advice. Here is the offending part, new one fitted.
2014MY Discovery
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