1996 328is, 140,000 miles
I've owned this car for 17 years, and do most of my own work.
Originally, the power steering was working great, but the pump made a loud squeaking noise at idle.
I installed a used pump. No squeak, but immediately no power steering. I bled the system (lock to lock several times). No power steering.
I was frustrated, so I thought the pump was defective, so I went to get another pump.
I went to a junk yard today. I paid $13 for another pump. I installed the pump, bled the system (no noise during bleeding), and still no power steering. No change from the first replacement pump.
Therefore, it was not the first replacement pump.
I have a hard time believing that I have a bad steering rack. Everything worked great prior to installing the first pump. I do not see how changing the pump would make the rack go immediately bad.
The only other variable here is the fluid. I used ATF fluid Dextron III (Super Tek) from Wal Mart. Prior to changing the rack, maybe change the fluid? What fluid would you recommend?
Opinions? Help?
Brian
The reservoir contains a filter, have you changed the reservoir/filer?
Change the reservoir to change the filter.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Last edited by bluptgm3; 11-19-2017 at 11:07 PM.
When you say you bled the system by going lock to lock, did you actually hold the wheel against the lock? If I understand it right, you need to hold the wheel against the lock on either side several times to bleed air out.
@bluptgm3
No, I didn't. How do I do that? Do I need to change the whole reservoir?
@smickler
I will give that a try.
When I disconnect the hose that goes from the reservoir to the pump, I should expect all of the fluid in the reservoir to gush out. Correct?
It is not. It is barely dripping.
Is there a screen or a filter in the reservoir? If so, how do I clean that?
Brian
A new reservoir is $20. If that is your problem. One of the reservoir lines has a restrictor in it. It’s about an inch long, solid metal with maybe a 3/16 hole drilled through it. Located in the middle of the line. I wonder if that is clogged? If pulling the reservoir to check for flow maybe also pull the lines but nite that the one with the restrictor will flow much less.
Ya, good point. Disconnect the return line a pass a piece of wire (coat hanger wire) thru the restrictor to be sure it is not clogged.
Replace the reservoir/filter.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Last edited by bluptgm3; 11-20-2017 at 02:40 PM.
Bookmarks