power steering woes

[philandmickey]

Hi
My 1996 130 with 250k has fairly nonexistent power steering.

It's most noticeable when trying to park, where there basically is none. As soon as the car is moving it is fine.

With the front wheels off the ground the steering is quite smooth and easy.

With a pipe on the bleed screw on the top of the steering rack there is a reasonable squirt, which fills a 400ml cup in about 30 secs as soon as I start the engine.

If I turn the wheel the flow doesn't really get any stronger but does stop start as I go from left to right.

my thoughts are, this points towards the rack rather than the pump.

Having just spent $4000 on the transfer case and clutch I am not keen to lavish too much on my baby at the moment.

If we think it is the rack, is it acceptable to purchase a 2nd hand one?

Thanks in advance.

Phil

[philandmickey]

Hi

Well I was hopeing for an idea or 2 from anyone, but I seemed to have stumped everyone.

I guess the main question I'm asking is how much pressure should I see coming from the bleed screw with the engine running? and what should I expect to see when turning the wheel?

When I try to turn the wheel, the engine does labour slightly, although it is not possible to turn the wheels, so I am thinking the pump must be doing something and the problem seems to be with the steering box.

If anyone does have any thoughts I would be very greatfull.

Phil

[jboot51]

I've never measured the volume coming out of the bleed screw, though it is all dependant on how far the bleed is opened.
I have had fluid shoot over 1.5 meters into the air at a fair old pace from the bleed screw.
I would be hoping the pump is suspect, as a new steering box is a lot more expensive.

[PAT303]

The relief valve on the pump could be stuffed,remove the bottom fitting after dis-connecting the hose and a spring and ball should fall out,if the spring is broken the pump will not build pressure. Pat