Introduction and question...

[Zooropa]

Hello all!

Been reading the forums for help for a while with a black 1998 1.9 Z3 (Taninred leather interior) I am resurrecting. Hopefully I will be able to get further forward now I am a member here and can tap into your wealth of experience!

Just to post what I have done so far:

- Replacement driver's seat
- forward back seat motors repaired
- full service
- replaced front quarter panels
- replaced sills
- replaced rear wings
- replaced seatbelt pretensioner cable
- Bluetooth stereo fitted
- bonnet catches repaired (were sticking)
- rear red/white lenses installed
- stainless steel cat back exhaust fitted
- new rear back plates and wheel bearings

I have a question already...

How heavy should the steering be? I have noticed a little fluid on the steering boot on the passenger side however doesn't appear that the fluid in the reservoir is going down. No noises from steering pump etc. Any suggestions?

Thanks and look forward to speaking to you all!

 

[Grumps]

Hi and welcome aboard. It should be perfectly light and smooth to turn. Mine is a 2.8 and the steering is featherweight.

 

[Zooropa]

Thanks for the welcome! I feared that might be the answer. I have another car which is much more modern and the steering is feather light on that. By no means is the Z3's steering impossible but it's not as light as I'm used to. Am I just being too picky maybe? Thanks again!

 

[Antm72]

Hello and welcome seems like you have been rather busy !!
Steering should be light if it has a leak it may be the rack but the pump may have gone i suppose hope you find the issue soon

 

[Zooropa]

I sure have. I'm determined to bring this little car back to its former glory! Always wanted once since I was young. Can you offer any advice about how to tell what has gone wrong? I'm keen to try and learn how to do it myself. Thanks!

 

[Zooropa]

Ps. Also anyone near Glasgow doing a similar project?

 

[Antm72]

Its difficult with out being with the car,i suppose getting a comparison betwwen how hard it is between engine off and no pump and running pump engaged will tell you if its working.
It could be due a fluid change.
I would say although mine clearly works its not as light as my work van but thats a 65 plate and is one finger but i get what i expect from the zed.

 

[Zooropa]

So get it on axle stands and turn the wheel with the car off and then turn it with the car on? I've yet to pull the boots out the way to see if the fluid is underneath them or whether it's coming from somewhere else. Definitely only the passenger side though. Thanks for your help so far. I should have done this ages ago!

 

[Zooropa]

I might try and get a video of it to see if it looks normal or not.

 

[Antm72]

I would just do it sat on the ground.
If you turn the wheel engine off it will need hanging on as it will be really heavy. With the engine running it should make turning the wheel alot easier.
I would trace the leak first it is a good bet that its your problem as the system may have air in it.
Turning a steering wheel lock to lock with the steering fluid res cap off will self bleed the system.

 

[Zooropa]

I think you may be right about it having air in the system. I took the cap off and turned it lock to lock loads today and it definitely felt a bit lighter. I have a suspicion it is one of the hoses and that's running down onto the boot. Hopefully!

 

[andyglym]

to the forum from West Cumbria. Ditto the above, mine is also a 2.8 and very light. I have a "sideways" garage if that makes sense so I need to reverse in and put on full lock twice to get her in, as light as should be expected for a car of its age and large tyres.

 

[Stevo7682]

Hi there from another Scottish 1.9 owner.
What size of tyres you running. Mines on 225/40/18 steering chunky compared to the speed sensitive steering on my skoda superb with 235/40/18

 

[Stevo7682]

Ps. Also anyone near Glasgow doing a similar project?

Where is it in glasgow you are could possibly come over get a look I'm in ayrshire but in glasgow all the time working in Cardonald all next week

 

[t-tony]

First thing I would check is the state of the power steering fluid in the resevoir. Get a sample out and have a good look at it, it should be clear, whether it has red fluid or not it should be clear. If it is black or dark grey the chances are your pump is on its way out.

Tony.

ps. So sorry I forgot, a warm welcome from Lincoln.

 

[Bazza]

from me

 

[Low Rider]

To Zroadster.org from Worcestershire

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome on board

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[Carl H]

Hello from Hampshire