Power steering dead

[Paul Stagg]

Hi bringing z3 back to life after being stored in a damp garage for a few years.
Many electronic problems I need to fix but really need help with the power steering.
Completely dead, is there a fuse somewhere I should know about .
Or something else.
Many thanks Paul

 

[Mazza]

The power steering is just a belt drive pump, and I dont think there are any electrical connections.

Has the pump seized????

Have you got enough fluid in the reservoir, or a possible leak????

 

[Paul Stagg]

The power steering is just a belt drive pump, and I dont think there are any electrical connections.

Has the pump seized????

View attachment 102596
View attachment 102597

Have you got enough fluid in the reservoir, or a possible leak????

So defo mechanical and not electric assist.

 

[Mazza]

No I cant see any electrical connections. Powered by the fan belt.

If you untension the belt, and take it off the power steering pulley, you could try spinning it by hand to see if it has seized....but if the engine has been running then I wouldn’t have thought it was. You would have heard the belt squealing.

 

[Paul Stagg]

No I cant see any electrical connections. Powered by the fan belt.

If you untension the belt, and take it off the power steering pulley, you could try spinning it by hand to see if it has seized....but if the engine has been running then I wouldn’t have thought it was. You would have heard the belt squealing.

she has been sitting for some time but I've got her running and all is good under the bonnet
I will check the fluid level next and see if the belt is ok.

 

[t-tony]

It very common for the steel return pipe from the rack back to the reservoir to rot out and leak. Depending on the surface it has been parked on it could well.have lost the fluid leaving little evidence.

Tony.

 

[Paul Stagg]

It very common for the steel return pipe from the rack back to the reservoir to rot out and leak. Depending on the surface it has been parked on it could well.have lost the fluid leaving little evidence.

Tony.

Spot on end of pipe sheared off.

 

[t-tony]

Spot on end of pipe sheared off.

That's good, an easy fix Paul. You can replace it with rubber hose and "Jubilee" clips as it's on the low pressure side. Although IIRC someone on here was looking into getting some stainless steel ones produced which would be the better option.

Tony.

 

[Paul Stagg]

That's good, an easy fix Paul. You can replace it with rubber hose and "Jubilee" clips as it's on the low pressure side. Although IIRC someone on here was looking into getting some stainless steel ones produced which would be the better option.

Tony.

not sure how its the very end bit shaped like a mushroom

 

[t-tony]

I just looked at the picture Paul and see what you mean. Depending on the year/engine two guys are currently breaking Z3 and may well have the pipe you need. @Paul Rice and @Sean d.
Others regular breakers are @spurs fan in a coupe , @mrscalex , @Synclare

Tony.

 

[Paul Stagg]

I need a new one of these

 

[mrscalex]

My start point for this sort of thing is always to see if a new one is financially viable. Secondhand for power steering pipe components is okay but you can't be certain how good the pipe will be in action.

Some of the power steering pipes are horrendously expensive. Some of them aren't.

What engine have you got there? Or better still let me have your VIN (PM me if you want) and I'll try to identify the part number and get a price.

 

[Paul Stagg]

Taken hydraulic pipe of E36 I'll make it fit .

 

[Paul Stagg]

My start point for this sort of thing is always to see if a new one is financially viable. Secondhand for power steering pipe components is okay but you can't be certain how good the pipe will be in action.

Some of the power steering pipes are horrendously expensive. Some of them aren't.

What engine have you got there? Or better still let me have your VIN (PM me if you want) and I'll try to identify the part number and get a price.

my engine is 2.8 I need this part.

 

[mrscalex]

It looks like the high pressure hose between the pump and the steering rack?

If so I believe it's 32416754173 and is £200.

I don't think you'll find that as a 3rd party part. I've looked before and concluded not and started investigating having them made. I'd say the options are:

1. Take a deep breath and part with £200 for a BMW part
2. Ask your local hydraulic hose company (likes of Pirtek) to make you one
3. They are the same as a 2.2 and I may well have a secondhand one if you want to PM me.