Power Steering Metal Pipe

[Cobranut]

Hi, can anyone advise me please, I have a 1998, 2.8 Z3 and the metal power steering pipe under the engine, next to the cross member has sprung a leak due to corrosion. Is this an easy DIY job to do or need a professional and if so is it a costly job..where is best place to get replacement..picgture attached
....thanks Nigel.

 

[t-tony]

@Martin Sullivan , can you help with this part Martin?

Tony.

 

[Martin Sullivan]

This part is not a problem Nigel.
While the car is up in the air it’s worth checking the high pressure hose to the steering rack as well as the cooling loop which is just in front of your radiator.

It can be a diy job if you know how to wield a socket set. A few others have replaced the part themselves and then asked a garage to double check it whilst they’re getting an MOT or something else done.

I’ll send you a PM. In short you can either “come direct” for a discount or go via (my steadily improving) website.

www.ZEDonist.com

Power Steering Return Pipe - 32411094452 | ZEDonist

Power steering return pipe for the BMW Z3. This is a direct replacement part for BMW part 32411094452. This part is designed to fit the vast majority of Z3’s. Due to the route of the power steering return pipe this component is exposed to the worst of the elements. Due to the manufacturer’s...

www.zedonist.com

thanks for the link @t-tony

 

[MisterP007]

@Martin Sullivan

Martin

Can you help me with something please:

One of the slight bodges with building the 250 GT Spyder replica on the Z3 is that the power steering loop is in the way of the front opening bonnet and has to be cut out.

I currently have the two rubber hoses that lead to it connected with a horseshoe loop of the original cooling loop pipe clamped with jubilees (not ideal). I have done 1000 miles like this but want to sort out a more permanent solution.

Can you suggest a way/parts needed to effect a "cooling loop delete". Everything in the engine bay/suspension/steering is 1998 Z3 2.8.

Any ideas?

 

[Martin Sullivan]

Good question!

I was going to get rid of the cooling loop in my car. Having realised most people would want to keep it I’ve gone down that route too.

what we could do is look to adapt my return hose and include a straight through coupling to connect directly to the BMW moulded hose which goes back to the reservoir.
We would need to maintain the OEM hose attaching to the reservoir as it’s stiff moulded hose which follows a specific route.

Does that make sense?

Could you post a picture of what you’ve got at the moment?

 

[Martin Sullivan]

Something like this, if my drawing makes sense to you.

 

[jaguartvr]

When I bought my Z3 donor the cooling loop had been removed and bypassed with a simple rubber hose. No problems in 5 years, I've never had a car that has needed a cooling loop on the power steering. Ditch it as nearly all the loops will probably be rusty and near the end of their life.

 

[MisterP007]

Thanks for all the replies folks.

The loop has already been removed, it was actually in good nick (the car was dry stored for years).

Thanks for the sketch Martin that looks like a distinct possibility.

My thoughts are to replace the whole return pipe from the banjo to the base of the reservoir (is that the correct route) with a custom-made flexible hose tied to the steering rack with strong, wide cable ties and run vertically up to the base of the reservoir (if it misses the serpentine belt. There is a hydraulics firm who can do it for me in East Grinstead (normally do JCB's etc.) for £40 ish.

I may take a long hard look at the pipework to and from the reservoir/pump and see if it is better to replace all with custom hoses.

Keep you posted when I decide.

 

[Martin Sullivan]

Yup, cable tieing a flexible hose to the steering rack is certainly one option, I’m sure it will work.
The pipes I have are designed to be as close to OEM as is feasible and are made from zinc plated steel and are supplied with all the clips washers and bolts required

The OEM hose to the reservoir is a fairly rigid moulded hose. I haven’t explored replacing that myself as they can be sourced easily for sensible money.

As with so many things there are multiple ways of getting a functional result