Advice needed, power steering leak, part discontinued
Discussion
I have an Alfa 166 which has developed a power steering leak. That pipe which is leaking is no longer stocked by Alfa and none of the dealers in the main network have any stock. I'm trying to source one from a breakers, but in the meantime was interested to know if there are any companies around the SW London/Surrey area who can make up a replacement pipe for a reasonable price.
Any recommendations?
Any recommendations?
Good point, the part number I have is 60665334. The car is a 1999 T Reg 2.0 twin spark.
It would seem that slightly later models have 60665338 fitted, so one of my hopes is that these parts are interchangeable as they look identical on the eper diagrams.if so, that'll make tracking one from a breakers a tad easier.
It would seem that slightly later models have 60665338 fitted, so one of my hopes is that these parts are interchangeable as they look identical on the eper diagrams.if so, that'll make tracking one from a breakers a tad easier.
BliarOut said:
Don't put anything other than PAS fluid in there unless you want to rebuild your rack. Your local Pirtek can make a hose up for you if you get stuck.
I've never had any issues doing it and it's only the same as using something such as http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/... just a lot cheaper if you've got some brake fluid knocking about.These people http://www.alfaaid.co.uk/ in Maidenhead
Guy called Lee, my mates sisters fella - very good mechanic
Guy called Lee, my mates sisters fella - very good mechanic
mrdelmonti said:
BliarOut said:
Don't put anything other than PAS fluid in there unless you want to rebuild your rack. Your local Pirtek can make a hose up for you if you get stuck.
I've never had any issues doing it and it's only the same as using something such as http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/... just a lot cheaper if you've got some brake fluid knocking about.
)Having had four PAS rack rebuilds (due to poor third party workmanship) and associated refitting woes I'm a bit fussy about PAS systems
Autolusso break alot of Alfa's, if not I am sure they can suggest an alternative 
http://www.autolusso.co.uk/
http://www.autolusso.co.uk/
BliarOut said:
PAS fluid is a lubricant, brake fluid isn't. If you do need a 'bodge' solution cut the pipe in half at the leak and jubilee clip a piece of solid pipe in there (assuming it's the low pressure side )
Having had four PAS rack rebuilds (due to poor third party workmanship) and associated refitting woes I'm a bit fussy about PAS systems
Fair enough,I just used brake fluid as recommended to me. I can understand your scepticism though especially after four rebuilds )Having had four PAS rack rebuilds (due to poor third party workmanship) and associated refitting woes I'm a bit fussy about PAS systems
Edited by mrdelmonti on Tuesday 21st June 20:16
I know who to recommend and more importantly who not to use
Top tip if you ever have to have a rebuild, fit a Magnefine filter in the return line it'll pick up any detritus that caused the failure in the first place. It's also a good idea to replace all the flexible pipes at the same time as they degrade over the years.
Top tip if you ever have to have a rebuild, fit a Magnefine filter in the return line it'll pick up any detritus that caused the failure in the first place. It's also a good idea to replace all the flexible pipes at the same time as they degrade over the years.
DavidCane said:
I'll give Think a call tomorrow. I believe it's the low pressure pipe, otherwise i'd be losing the oil a lot lot faster. However, I have to ask how 'low' the low pressure is?
Can brake fluid in the oil really do any good? Never ever heard that before.
Okay typical power steering system is roughlyCan brake fluid in the oil really do any good? Never ever heard that before.
Tank >low pressure> pump >high pressure> rack >low pressure> cooler behind bumper >low pressure> tank
The low pressure side is maybe 20 psi at most so you can get alway with alot of liberties. I know as i have taken most of them.
The high pressure will be near 3000psi so less scope for bodging but still can be bodged.
How to replace your high pressure pipe a rough guide
The high pressure pipe will be a combination of metal bits and rubber bits that will lead a torturous path around the car
Being as careful as possible remove either end of the high pressure pipe from the pump and the rack. Car companys being b
ds like to use oddball fittings so the more you can save the better. If the metal pipes start to twist stop and cut them as far back as you can so you still have as much metal as possible as this will be a standard size and you should be able to get a compression swage to fit this.Get some 1/2 inch garden hose. Now run this from the pump to the rack along a logical route which you can easily clip the pipe in and feed it through gaps. This will form part of the template for your new pipe. Do bare in mind that garden hose is more flexible then high pressure pipe so aim for nice easy bends. Once you have this roughly fitted and cut to the proper length and remember here it went.
Now measure your hose as this is your length.
Now go to your nearest hydraulic hose place and see what they can do.
And don't even think about the brake fluid
BliarOut said:
hence the That one litre can cover about 3000 square meters when the pipe lets go in your garage.
Also on the subject of power steering fluid if you power steerings is getting a bit tired and weak thickening up the fluid with some gear oil appears to work
Thanks for all the advice. I can honestly say that I never seriously considered the brake fluid option.
My mechanic spent a while under the car yesterday (it as on the ramp) looking for the leak. He's very sure it isn't a high pressure pipe leaking, but instead a crack in a low pressure pipe.
I'll call think and pirtek tomorrow, will also give alfa aid a shout. Autolusso have already told me that they haven't got the part. I've got a couple of breakers who may have one at a resonable cost, I may just have to take the risk and order one of tho tomorrow.
If it turns out that the later part (60665338) will still fit then that will make life a lot easier as I think there are more cars from after jan 2000 being broken.
Does anyone know if the part is the same on the 2.0, 2.5 and the 3.0?
Thanks
DC
My mechanic spent a while under the car yesterday (it as on the ramp) looking for the leak. He's very sure it isn't a high pressure pipe leaking, but instead a crack in a low pressure pipe.
I'll call think and pirtek tomorrow, will also give alfa aid a shout. Autolusso have already told me that they haven't got the part. I've got a couple of breakers who may have one at a resonable cost, I may just have to take the risk and order one of tho tomorrow.
If it turns out that the later part (60665338) will still fit then that will make life a lot easier as I think there are more cars from after jan 2000 being broken.
Does anyone know if the part is the same on the 2.0, 2.5 and the 3.0?
Thanks
DC
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