Question about plugging power steering lines

#1

I have asked this question somewhat before, but do not understand the answer.

The rule is located at 9.3.7.2 and provides that “Power steering pump and associated plumbing may be removed, provided the steering rack is plugged in such a manner as to allow proper function, but prevents fluid leakage”.

What do I plug and where to prevent leaking? I believe you have to tie two of the fittings together with a small length of hose, but what about plugging the rack? I never found anyone with the plugs. I want to make sure I do this right. Any help would be appreciated.

-Scott

#2

I just looped the hose, but there is a delete kit. See powersteeringdeletes.com

#3

The only place you need to plug are where the lines go to and from the rack to the power steering pump, i.e., where they connect with two banjo bolts. There once was a small debate about whether you should create a loop there running a small length of hose from input to return. But most of us contend that’s unnecessary and just plug them both. See this:
http://spece30.com/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,94/func,view/id,42842/catid,16/
Tom

#4

i used the blank from powersteeringdeletes.com to plug off the holes. deleted the lines.

#5

I just cut the hard lines about an inch out from the banjo bolt end, crimped them in the vice and welded across the end. That way I didn’t have to source any additional hardware. Seems to be working fine so far.

Matt

#6

TC Motorsports has a kit with the plugs that I’m thinking of ordering. http://www.tcmotorsports-store.net/tc-motorsports-power-steering-eliminator-kit.html

#7

Matt H. wrote:

[quote]I just cut the hard lines about an inch out from the banjo bolt end, crimped them in the vice and welded across the end. That way I didn’t have to source any additional hardware. Seems to be working fine so far.

Matt[/quote]

That is exactly what I did.

Michael

#8

kishg wrote:

So did I. Been working great.

#9

I installed the TCMotorsports plug kit last week. Quick, simple and cheap. Probably could grab the parts yourself at a hardware store, but would have taken me more time figuring out correct size bolts and such than just ordering it and knowing it is all good. Give them a shout at TCMotorsports. They are great guys and really know E30s.

#10

Someone on the board here was knew the sizes of the bolts to plug the rack. It is in one of the old threads. I bought those at ACE and just did it a couple of weeks ago.

Just take off the lines and resevoir, jack up the front end and turn the steering wheel lock to lock 5 times or so and then put the bolts with the little washers. When I first did it, I only turned the wheel a couple of times and it didn’t work. You need to turn the wheel until there is no more fluid pouring out while you turn it, if not you’ll get some pressure issues and the wheel WILL NOT turn. . I was at VIR a couple week ago and it worked great.

Jason

#11

I removed my pwr steering, drained the fluid, and now I can’t get the rack to take any fluid back in.

  • can anyone tell me how to refill my power steering rack with new fluid?

To remove the fluid I opened the banjo bolts and sawed at the wheel until nothing was left to pump out. To refill I tried pouring it back in the holes from the banjo bolts, but the fluid just dripped right back out (maybe it needs pressure from the pwr steering pump?). I also took the front cover off to see if I could fill it there, but as far as I can tell it just holds a tension spring with no direct access to the fluid.

I’d appreciate your thoughts!

Bryan

#12

Maybe it’s not worth screwing with. I’d just plug the holes and be done with it.

I’m sure my steering box is low on fluid. During the epic 4hr CMP engine swap a hose clamp on my power steering hose didn’t get tightened. As a result I lost power steering fluid all over the under-side of the car. I later tried to put in some power steering fluid in the hose, but that didn’t really work all that well.

#13

The holes are plugged and I’m using the car. The steering feels pretty good as is actually. Getting it buttoned up correctly is just one of those items on my to-do list.

I have seen people mention (on other e30 forums) that they’ve been running racks with no fluid for a while and haven’t seen problems. I’m skeptical though, the rack was designed to be run with fluid, and it seems right to add some fresh stuff back in there.

I’m hoping I’m just missing some simple way to add fluid back in.

#14

what i’ve heard is that it’s not the ps fluid that keeps the rack lubricated but rather sealed in lubricant that is not serviceable. having said that, we left the fluid in and capped off the bolts.

#15

If anyone remembers the actual size of the two bolts used to cap off the lines at the rack, it would be appreciated. I’ll just go online and order them. Thanks.

-Scott

#16

kishg wrote:

I think if you leave fluid in the rack it will bind up because the fluid can’t circulate. We turned the wheel stop-to-stop several times and let the rack spit out all the fluid, then capped off the lines. Works great.

#17

BigKeyserSoze wrote:

[quote]If anyone remembers the actual size of the two bolts used to cap off the lines at the rack, it would be appreciated. I’ll just go online and order them. Thanks.

-Scott[/quote]
I can’t vouch for the information, but the bolt sizes are in this thread:
http://spece30.com/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,94/func,view/id,42839/catid,16/