Club 80-90 Forums

Since I have owned my van (several months now) I have lamented that power steering would be great, especially if I ever expect the Frau to get behind the wheel. Imagine my surprise when I discovered a power steering pump and reservoir under the bonnet (as it were). The reservoir seems full, but clearly the system does not work. Is this simply a failure of the pump, or should I be checking elsewhere first?

Are you sure? that there is no difference between how heavy the steering is with or without the engine running...

Pump fault.

Martin

Check the rack has not been changed

Well, the steering is pretty 'lumpy' which I put down to a worn joint. But it's as difficult with or without the engine running.

So, one suggestion is that a previous owner had away with the power steering rack and instead has slipped in a non-assisted one! I'll get out in the morning and start sleuthing. Any other reasons for non-apparent functioning?

Thanks for the ideas.

so obvious question is there a drive belt fitted to the pump ? normally if the p/s had failed and the rack had been swapped for a manual one would remove the drivebelt and plug the end of the pipes at the front rack

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you ...

The belt is fitted and the hamster is turning in the wheel!

If there is fluid and power and no leaks then possible the pump has failed, it used to be possible to get a seal kit for them and refurb them simply but now whole unit available new from brickwerks for not too much and warranted, change the filter and fluid too, filter is in bottom of reservoir, be aware of big spring when opening

Thanks for the advice. Will add replacing the pump to my (growing) list of jobs!

I have been away, but my friend Nick got to the bottom of the non-functioning power steering. The belt was loose and therefore was not powering the pump. A new belt and a bit of adjustment and the pump has jumped into life - steering feels fantastic. At least did. Now discovered the pipes are rotten and have leaked all the lovely fluid out.

I see Brickwerks do a pipe kit for around £130; is this the best solution? Also, any particular type of PS fluid? Thanks for everyone's suggestions and assistance.

Ayup mate.....the brickwerks pipes sound expensive but when you research into pressure & temperature you realize that the pipe is very expensive (something like £17.00 a metre.) when I looked.
When all said and done Pirtek might be able to shave a few quid off the price but I just went the Brickwerks route and they work very well.
Fluid is normal ATF Dextron II spec, the common stuff, you need 1.25litres for the whole system.
Unfortunately the pipes route over the petrol tank 9if you're doing the job rite (the can be rooted differently of course but it isn't as neat.)

Martin

Thanks for those tips CD, really useful.

I've never really considered myself the type to 'need' power steering, but having smashed my elbow on the door whilst doing an uphill, reverse parking manoeuvre I'm going to confess - I need power steering.