Power steering

[@Josh]

This may sound like a silly question but here we go...

I was at Cadwell Park on Saturday and my power steering went a put fluid everywhere, how easy will I be able to tell if it is my power steering pump or just a pipe that is leaking or what?
From what I could see it covered my alternator and all that area behind the head light.

I just want a idea so whe I come to strip it all I am not given a massive surprise.

Thanks Josh

 

[NorthloopCup]

It'll be a pipe or the pressure switch mate as that's in the same area. I'd expect it's fucked the pump as well if you ran it for any period of time.

 

[@Josh]

@NorthloopCup tbh I think the pump was on its way out its used to give the odd loud noise when I'm full lock or turning at very low revs or little movement.
I probably only ran for another 100 meters as I soon went in the grass when I lost my steering going into the straight, it seemed to drain all its fluid anyway and when I came ti move it again I had know power steering at all.

 

[NorthloopCup]

Well the pump will undoubtedly be fucked mate as they run constantly if the engines running. Inspect all the pipes for damage and refill the system with fluid. If your lucky it'll show itself pretty fast.

 

[@Josh]

Yeahh will do see how much has been lost, it was probably a good 15 mins of engine running after I went off circuit and then another 15 mins getting car on and off trailer.
Thanks for the guidance let the fun begin.

 

[bloke]

pump will be dead, you're lucky the shaft hasn't decided to leave the body, only goes as far as the inner wing but makes an interesting noise:wink:

 

[dablk]

Mine went on my drive,
Rang Birchdown and they advised me not to drive it as it would likely have covered and ruined the aux belt with pas fluid.
And when that goes/slips, It can end up in the timing belt.

So I would be careful.

 

[@Josh]

Finally got round to sorting this, the problem was the pressure switch. Been the local scrap yard an got another one £4 bargain!

Just wonder what's the best fluid to put back in it as its drained it all? Car is just for track use.

@NorthloopCup

Thanks

 

[NorthloopCup]

You'll be fine to run it on normal power steering fluid mate. Dexron 2 is what Renault recommend I think.

 

[@Josh]

Yeah sorted now mate, pump was fine no issue just the pressure switch!

 

[Simmie]

How much fluid did you need to fill the system?