Power steering PLEASE help!! RESOLVED

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callisr

callisr

Well-Known Member
Posts
615
Location
Burton-on-Trent, Staffs
Hi all

I have just finished installing a 300tdi from a disco, into my ex mod 90. This includes fitting the power steering (4 bolt box) from the same donor vehicle. Everything worked when I removed it from the disco at the beginning of this year. Since then it has all been stored in clean, wrapped conditions.

The only parts of the system that have changed are:

1) The high pressure pipe from the pump to the box (which was extended by pirtek to reach the pump which is further away in the 90 than it was in the disco).

2) The pipe from the reservoir to the pump

3) The rubber part of the return line to the reservoir

So, I bled the system but it didnt seem to work properly either by means of the nipple on the box or by rocking the steering lock to lock. All that happened was the fluid got boiling hot, including the pipes and reservoir.

I changed the pump and had the same issue - the fluid almost boils - it is definately burnt and scorching hot and smoking. I do have power assistance though!

When the steering wheel is turned initially, a slight whine can be heard from the box, but this disappears when the steering is held in any given position.

I am guessing that the box is shot but am hoping for a confirmation before I splash that sort of cash out. I am also guessing that I knackered my new pump aswell??

Please help as I am at my wits end with it now. there are 6 of us dependant on a corsa as our only means of transport! Really need my 90 back on the road!!!

Thanks in advance

Rich
 
Have you definitely got the pressure and return pipes the right way around on the PS box, normally you cant mix them up but if you have had them extended then that may be possible. Don't know if the effects you are seeing would occur as I've never done it but worth a look.
 
Thanks for the reply!
I am as certain as can be that the pipes are the right way round.
I am gonna take the pipes off and check for blockages next. After that, Im lost!

Cheers for taking the time to reply!


Rich
 
List which pipes go where and I'll check it against mine when I've finished work. I've also fitted a discovery 300tdi and all the pipework fitted ok without having to extend any?
 
Cheers, mate!
Reservoir to pump is 5/8 pipe which cant be wrong.
Pump high pressure pipe (the one I had extended) goes to the front (smaller) fitting on the steering box (when looking down onto the top of the box)
The larger fitting on the steering box goes back to the reservoir (spigot with the arrow pointing towards the reservoir)
Everything was labelled up when I took it all off the disco, and the system worked perfectly.
I am wondering if the high pressure pipe has some sort of blockage in it. It was extended by pirtec who soldered new tails onto it for the rubber hose to be crimped to and maybe a blob of solder has got inside?
I am at work atm too but will check that when I get home tonight.....
Thanks for the help!
Rich
 
Yeah..... it didnt want to bleed at all initially.
It only started 'assisting' after a drive around the block (and after the fluid got very hot so more viscous).

Incidentally, did you use the high pressure pipe off the disco?
Mine came off the disco and was about 3 inches too short?
I am assuming your 300tdi is mated to an lt77 box so is in the same place in the engine bay as mine is?
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the offer of popping round. I doubt I will get home (Stretton) until about 7pm so you will probably be home with a beer in hand by then!!
Thanks for the offer though!:)
Rich
 
callisr said:
Thanks for the offer of popping round. I doubt I will get home (Stretton) until about 7pm so you will probably be home with a beer in hand by then!!
Thanks for the offer though!:)
Rich
Click to expand...
Unfortunately I'll probably be at home getting ready for bed as I'm up between three and half three most mornings, I'm off work Wednesday and Thursday though if you haven't already sorted it by then
 
OK, the pipe that is on the outer edge of the reservoir is connected to the left hand side of the power steering pump, the pipe nearer the middle of the reservoir is connected to the hole in the power steering box nearest to the bulkhead and the pipe on the right hand side of the pump connects to the hole nearest the radiator on the power steering box.

Hope this helps and as I said it should be self bleeding.
 
The fact that it's getting hot suggests to me that it's just getting mashed around rather than travelling round the circuit. A bit like those powerful blenders that can turn vegetables into soup and heat it up just from the viscous heating effect of the blades spinning. Something doesn't want it to go round.
 
Thankyou both!
I too am convinced that the heat is due to restriction in the circuit. That also means the pump must be ok as it is generating sufficient force to create the preasure and heat. Just hoping that it is a pipe fault cuz they are cheap (ish) !
Cheers
Rich
 
So, I removed the high pressure pipe and in a nutshell, it was blocked by excess material from the silver soldered tail fitted by pirtek.
They tool the pipe and removed the tail, cleared out the silver solder and fitted a new tail.
They also reimbursed me for the pas pump that I purchased.
Not fitted the repaired pipe yet but I am confident!
Cheers for the help and advice to those that contributed, especially Marmaduke for the offer of assistance!

Rich
 
Darned shame they screwed up the job, but good for them sorting it..... Hope it's 100% now - always good to follow these odd fails to file away. My steering box is moving up the to do list, replaced bottom seal and swivel 4 years ago, but it is always 'damp', and the bore was pretty rough so life is limited I guess. Just need a good 4 bolt box..... ;-) cheers, A
 
That was a simple solution then. It sounded like it might be blocked from the symptoms but I couldn't work out how.
Very good service from Pirtek too. Nice to hear of companies putting satisfied customers before profit.
 
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