girly question........power steering

[al 350i]

those fortunate ones like me who are blessed with power steering could you tell me if it is a little noisey?? mine seems to work but just a bit loud, considering its an old system i don't expect it to be silky but just trying to gauge how bad it should be. i want to flush the system and replace with nice new fluid, whats the best way to do this and what fluid is recommended?

[mrzigazaga]

Hi mate..If it buzzes really loud it could be that the bearings are worn inside the pump, Is the fluid black as this can indicate worn gears..The best way to renew the fluid is to locate the feed and return pipes on the rack from the pump, Undo them and let it drain out..Take care not to loose any olives or seals when you undo the nuts..Tighten them back up and half fill the pump reservoir to avoid it gurgling over...Replace lid..Turn on ignition and bleed the system by turning the steering full lock left and then right..Do this a few times..Check and top up..Repeat bleeding..I think you will need the RED stuff...Cheers..Ziga

PS: If you want the fluid really clean then repeat the drain and bleed process..There is another couple of ways but you need two people..

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Edited by mrzigazaga on Tuesday 22 May 21:15

[al 350i]

cheers ziga, i did find what i thought was a drain plug on rack but nothing came out when i undone it

so will just pull of pipes and drain that way. fluid is at least 10 years old and unused so the least i can do is change it! just to make things worse, thought i'd just turn her over tonight to hear that luvelly rumble and while i was sitting there with her ticking over i put my foot on the brake and ...........nothing!!! foot went to floor and won't pump up, can see the fluid move in master and there's a puffing noise!! i've just had the front callipers refurbed and bleed system the other day think my eezi bleed get has blown seals out. kept pressure low and master cylinder is new (been sat on car unused 18months).

oh well won't be test driving just yet


any luck with your rack??

Edited by al 350i on Tuesday 22 May 21:37

[mrzigazaga]

Thats a bummer about the brakes!!..How is the slave cylinder?..Im contemplating taking out the rack when the track rod ends arrive..Cheers...Ziga

[Wedg1e]

Mine has always whined like an unpaid prostitute.

[vampire222]

Wedg1e said:

Mine has always whined like an unpaid prostitute.

Put some duct-tape on the lid then....

[GV]

Mine failed yesterday! Went for a drive to test out new damper settings was whining like a hound parked up and noticed a leak coming from the rack. Going to find where its leaking precisely before deciding what to do - first thing is to try out Lucas Stop Leak otherwise the rack's got to come out for a refurb. Any recomendations?

[mrzigazaga]

Hi Mate..Dont really know of anyone in your area but i will be using these guys, They quoted me 130 + vat for mine..They do collect and delivery but its best to phone them...Cheers..Ziga
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=p...

[dixiebabes]

Power steering Sheesh you pair of big girls blouses.

Dix

[mrzigazaga]

dixiebabes said:

Power steering Sheesh you pair of big girls blouses.

Dix

Dont start that again!!....Seriously though..Im considering either replacing it with an electric motor or fitting a MANual rack..Might have to make room for a supercharger or turbo

[GV]

dixiebabes said:

Power steering Sheesh you pair of big girls blouses.

Dix

Actually....I'm thinking of doing away with the PAS!! If I knew what the manual replacement rack is I'd consider that option and keep the PAS rack for later use once I got the dosh to pay for a refurb...

[Mr Tank]

GV said:

dixiebabes said:

Power steering Sheesh you pair of big girls blouses.

Dix

Actually....I'm thinking of doing away with the PAS!! If I knew what the manual replacement rack is I'd consider that option and keep the PAS rack for later use once I got the dosh to pay for a refurb...

Andy

I think I have a non-powered steering rack you can have for a few beer tokens!

Andy

[dixiebabes]

Watch the women fall at your feet and all the modeling contracts come rolling in the minute you take the PAS off zig. I have to beat them off with a sh**ty stick me like.

Dix

[rev-erend]

PS here .. with the quick rack (2.5 turns lock to lock) it's essential.

Fitting a new electric pump soon.. just got to decide where to mount it.

[CHJ]

I have a spare original 400SE PAS pump which might be of use to someone?

Difficult to get hold of I have been told, but may be wrong?

Chris

[rev-erend]

I bought a brand new SD1 pump from rimmers .. so they can still be bought
but there are two types out there.

[GV]

Mr Tank said:

Andy

I think I have a non-powered steering rack you can have for a few beer tokens!

Andy

Thanks Andy - I'm going to try the Lucas PAS stop leak product - the fluid appears to be leaking from where the steering shaft enters the box. I'll drop you line if I decide to go for a manual rack as an interim fix..

[al 350i]

mrzigazaga said:

Thats a bummer about the brakes!!..How is the slave cylinder?..Im contemplating taking out the rack when the track rod ends arrive..Cheers...Ziga

i've used the place in deptford who refurb racks before and have not had any probs apart from their not the worlds greatest powder coaters!!!

took cylinder out tonight and looks ok, maybe could be a little tighter are there 2 pistons inside cylinder? it looks like there is one further down bore!! while i was out there tonight i thought i'd pull the rad out too and send it off for a refurb, where's best?

[mrzigazaga]

Hi Mate..If its a master cylinder then i think there are two pistons..A primary and a secondary..I used these guys for the radiator, They was'nt the cheapest but turned it around fairly quick and repaired it recently F.O.C as it was still under warranty..Might be worth a call...Cheers..Ziga
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=a...