Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Shackeng]

I should have added that, this occurred on start up after event free driving and parking, the steering was just solid, however, if I gave it about 3000 rpm, I ocsnly got a slight bit of power steering back. This would indicate to me that it is unlikely to be electrical failure, as I don't think the relay would be affected by revs.

The fluid tends to turn to shit as the pump breaks down inside.
The amount of assistance that the pump gives is dependent on the car speed (probably taken off the abs sensors)
If the relay is oppsed, my money is that it will shut a valve in the system somewhere so you get no assistance

Exactly, so unlikely to give any assistance even at high revs.

[Shackeng]

Fingers crossed that its relay, but I'll message my mate who used to have TD Elite he broke a number of years ago, he took all useful bits off it, and promptly shoved them all in storage. I've had a bloody shed load few bits off him in the past. Will pop him a message 

Thank you James.

[tigers_gonads]

I should have added that, this occurred on start up after event free driving and parking, the steering was just solid, however, if I gave it about 3000 rpm, I ocsnly got a slight bit of power steering back. This would indicate to me that it is unlikely to be electrical failure, as I don't think the relay would be affected by revs.

The fluid tends to turn to shit as the pump breaks down inside.
The amount of assistance that the pump gives is dependent on the car speed (probably taken off the abs sensors)
If the relay is oppsed, my money is that it will shut a valve in the system somewhere so you get no assistance

Exactly, so unlikely to give any assistance even at high revs.

Unless the 3000 revs gave a voltage spike which kicked the relay in for a few seconds until it finally burnt out 

[tigers_gonads]

If needed, there are a few pumps on eBay ranging from 20 quid (used) upto 80 quid (new)

[Shackeng]

If needed, there are a few pumps on eBay ranging from 20 quid (used) upto 80 quid (new)

Not many for the TD though.

[aaronjb]

IIRC if the servotronic relay or fuse fails it just defaults to either "min" or "max" assistance .. not "no" assistance.

[tigers_gonads]

If needed, there are a few pumps on eBay ranging from 20 quid (used) upto 80 quid (new)

Not many for the TD though.

Don't forget the E34 BMW 5 series had the same engine 

I'd still swap the relay first though

[Shackeng]

IIRC if the servotronic relay or fuse fails it just defaults to either "min" or "max" assistance .. not "no" assistance.

Ah OK, thanks Aaron, I was trying to avoid grovelling under the glove box, but on reflection, probably easier than changing the pump.
Is there an easy way to test the Rl in the bench, otherwise I hope RobG has one, although I know he usually keeps FL bits.

[Shackeng]

If needed, there are a few pumps on eBay ranging from 20 quid (used) upto 80 quid (new)

Not many for the TD though.

Don't forget the E34 BMW 5 series had the same engine 

I'd still swap the relay first though

Yes, I did know that, and I see the pumps advertised for both together, so another option.

[Shackeng]

Does anyone know if its possible to check the relay on the bench with a simple test meter and a 12v battery?

[Kevin Wood]

Not sure the TD has servotronic at all, does it? Thought that was the preserve of the V6, but may be wrong.

In any case, no electrical failure mode will give you no assistance. Worst case it'll get a bit heavier but not enough to prompt a trip home on a recovery truck.

Given that the behaviour was RPM- related, my money is on a failure of the pump.

[05omegav6]

Presumably the belt is intact

[Shackeng]

Thanks Kevin, confirms my thinking also. It doesn't help that the handbooks are generic and list a 30A fuse for the steering etc., but as you say, may not apply to mine. None of the pics I've seen of replacement TD pumps appear to have electrical connections.

[Shackeng]

Presumably the belt is intact

Affirm, first thing I checked.

[05omegav6]

Presumably the belt is intact

Affirm, first thing I checked.

I figured it would be but we all have our Homer Simpson moments