Power steering problem on E36 320
Discussion
Hi guys, I was wondering if you can help me. I have got a problem with my power steering and have given a lengthy description of the problem below. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
Yesterday I was driving around some country roads quite hard and have had the following problem ever since. I'll give you the background first.
I was slowing down for a T junction that was ahead, just around a light left-hander. As I came round to the left to approach the junction the steering seemed to get caught at approximately 30 degrees anti-clockwise from centre. I applied more force to the wheel and clunked through the obstruction. I then encountered this again at approximately 110 degrees. Being concerned that the steering was about to fail, I turned right out of the junction and parked out of the way. On turning right I noticed no obstruction. I had a quick look under the bonnet and found that the steering column and UJs were ok, but that the power steering fluid was down to the minimum level. Before pulling away I noticed that I could steer lock to lock when stationary with no obstruction. So, I limped home and found that the problem only occured when cornering left, and at 30 and 110 degrees.
Today I have been under the car and can see no evidence of leaks around the PAS system and the steering column and UJs are tight and smooth. The fluid is very grey, so I intend to change it, but haven't yet. I have however topped it up to the maximum mark and followed the instructions in the Haynes manual for air removal. This has made no noticable difference to the problem.
I drove around the Halfords car park just after topping up the fluid and experienced the same obstruction as experienced on the road and have noticed that there is a whining noise at the obstructive points, similar to that heard at full lock, but not as loud.
My question is what is likely to be causing this problem and was wondering whether anyone else had experienced this problem before or if someone could give me some advice as to where the problem lies.
I suspect that there is a problem in the power assistance part of the steering rack for the following reasons:
-I believe the power steering pump is running ok because the level of power assistance is the same as that before I encountered the problem.
-I'm not convinced there is a problem with the rack itself because there is no problem when the car is stationary.
-All mechanical parts look and feel tight, as I would expect them to be, the belt driving the power steering pump included and suspension components included.
Therefore I think there is a problem with the power steering rack's assistance because it is only affected when turning anti-clockwise from centre (not when turning clockwise to return to centre, incidentally) when the car is in motion.
If I have diagnosed this correctly, is it likely that the assistance part of the rack assembly can be removed (as it looks like a separate part on the rack) and cleaned up by me, or replaced if necessary, as opposed to needing me to replace the whole rack in its entirety. I ask this because I have seen the price of replacement racks!
Many thanks for reading this lengthy post, and thanks in advance for those who might have any suggestions for me!
Yesterday I was driving around some country roads quite hard and have had the following problem ever since. I'll give you the background first.
I was slowing down for a T junction that was ahead, just around a light left-hander. As I came round to the left to approach the junction the steering seemed to get caught at approximately 30 degrees anti-clockwise from centre. I applied more force to the wheel and clunked through the obstruction. I then encountered this again at approximately 110 degrees. Being concerned that the steering was about to fail, I turned right out of the junction and parked out of the way. On turning right I noticed no obstruction. I had a quick look under the bonnet and found that the steering column and UJs were ok, but that the power steering fluid was down to the minimum level. Before pulling away I noticed that I could steer lock to lock when stationary with no obstruction. So, I limped home and found that the problem only occured when cornering left, and at 30 and 110 degrees.
Today I have been under the car and can see no evidence of leaks around the PAS system and the steering column and UJs are tight and smooth. The fluid is very grey, so I intend to change it, but haven't yet. I have however topped it up to the maximum mark and followed the instructions in the Haynes manual for air removal. This has made no noticable difference to the problem.
I drove around the Halfords car park just after topping up the fluid and experienced the same obstruction as experienced on the road and have noticed that there is a whining noise at the obstructive points, similar to that heard at full lock, but not as loud.
My question is what is likely to be causing this problem and was wondering whether anyone else had experienced this problem before or if someone could give me some advice as to where the problem lies.
I suspect that there is a problem in the power assistance part of the steering rack for the following reasons:
-I believe the power steering pump is running ok because the level of power assistance is the same as that before I encountered the problem.
-I'm not convinced there is a problem with the rack itself because there is no problem when the car is stationary.
-All mechanical parts look and feel tight, as I would expect them to be, the belt driving the power steering pump included and suspension components included.
Therefore I think there is a problem with the power steering rack's assistance because it is only affected when turning anti-clockwise from centre (not when turning clockwise to return to centre, incidentally) when the car is in motion.
If I have diagnosed this correctly, is it likely that the assistance part of the rack assembly can be removed (as it looks like a separate part on the rack) and cleaned up by me, or replaced if necessary, as opposed to needing me to replace the whole rack in its entirety. I ask this because I have seen the price of replacement racks!
Many thanks for reading this lengthy post, and thanks in advance for those who might have any suggestions for me!
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