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C102D — High internal friction of the power steering

Detailed page for trouble code C102D.

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Code

C102D

LAND ROVER C — Chassis

High internal friction of the power steering

Brand: LAND ROVER
AI status
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Page language: EN

Causes

  • Mechanical binding in steering rack or column
  • Worn or contaminated power steering pump or hydraulic components
  • Failed or weak electric power steering (EPS) motor or gearbox
  • Damaged or contaminated steering rack seals or bearings
  • Faulty torque sensor or steering angle sensor
  • Poor electrical supply (low battery/charging voltage) to the steering assist system

Symptoms

  • Increased steering effort at low speeds (heavy steering)
  • Intermittent or reduced power assist; steering may revert to manual feel
  • Steering warning or EPS indicator lamp illuminated
  • Audible whining/grinding from pump or motor during steering
  • Steering feel uneven, jerky, or binding through range
  • Diagnostic trouble codes and freeze-frame data stored in chassis/steering module

What to check

  • Read stored DTCs and freeze-frame data with a suitable diagnostic tool
  • Check battery voltage and charging system under load (while steering)
  • Visually inspect steering rack, column, tie rods, and bushings for corrosion, damage, or binding
  • Inspect wiring harnesses and connectors to steering motor/torque sensor for damage, corrosion, poor pins or grounds
  • If hydraulic: check fluid level, condition and for contamination/leaks
  • Operate steering at key-on and engine running while monitoring live data (motor current, assist demand, torque sensor)

Signal parameters

  • EPS motor current (A) — elevated current indicates excess friction or motor load
  • Assist command / demanded torque (%) or Nm
  • Torque sensor output voltage or torque sensor live value (mV/V or Nm)
  • Steering angle sensor output (degrees) and rate of change
  • Supply voltage (V) to steering module/motor during operation
  • Motor duty cycle or PWM command (%)

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Capture and record all stored codes, freeze-frame and live data from the steering/chassis module. Note conditions when the fault set (speed, temperature, load).
  2. Verify battery and charging system health. Ensure proper supply voltage (nominal ~12–14.5 V) during steering operation. Retest after correcting any battery/charging issues.
  3. Perform a visual and physical inspection of steering mechanical components (rack, pinion, column, tie rods, bushings) for binding, wear, corrosion or foreign debris. Repair or replace as required.
  4. Inspect wiring, grounds and connectors to steering motor, torque sensor and steering module. Repair corroded pins, damaged wires or poor grounds; re-test for code return.
  5. 5a) For electric power steering: use a diagnostic tool to monitor motor current, commanded assist and torque sensor while an assistant slowly turns the steering. High motor current with normal command indicates motor/gearbox friction; inspect motor, gearbox and bearings.
  6. 5b) For hydraulic power steering: check fluid level/condition, pressure and pump operation. Contaminated fluid or failing pump can increase internal friction; flush/replace fluid and test pump pressure.
  7. Check steering angle sensor and torque sensor calibration. Recalibrate or perform steering angle/torque sensor adaptations per manufacturer procedure if out-of-spec.
  8. If tests point to a failing EPS motor or internal rack friction and mechanical checks are normal, remove and bench-test or replace the steering motor/rack assembly per workshop procedure.
  9. After repair, clear codes and perform road test and module adaptations. Verify live data returns to normal and C102D does not reappear.
  10. If fault persists after mechanical and electrical repairs, consider module/software updates or module replacement following manufacturer guidance.

Likely causes

  • Binding or seized rack inner tie-rod, rack bushings or column bearings
  • Excessive friction from deteriorated power steering fluid or contamination (hydraulic systems)
  • High motor current due to worn EPS motor brushes or internal gearbox friction
  • Torque sensor drift or failed steering angle sensor causing incorrect assist commands
  • Poor battery/ground condition reducing available assist power

Fault status

⚠️ Status
C102D — High internal friction detected in the power steering system. Increased motor current or resistance observed; steering assist may be reduced. Inspect mechanical and electrical components.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.5 - 3.0 hours

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