PAS problem

Need technical Q/A then you're in the right place

Moderator: martauto

User avatar
bryn_p
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 176
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: North West

Post Sat Jan 22, 2005 7:25 pm

Hi all,

Got some kind of problem with the steering on my track day 325i. The steering feels very unassisted and is very 'jerky' when turning the steering wheel. The belt looks ok (but I haven't really examined it closely), so is it likely to be the rack thats had it?

Cheers,
Bryn.
Davenotouring
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 7962
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Cambridge

Post Sat Jan 22, 2005 7:32 pm

Hi there,

My car did something similar recently, it was a cold morning, and it was difficult to turn the wheel, and was jerking, like you mentioned, as if you could feel cogs or something.

I tightened up the PAS belt, which was a bit loose, and it hasn't happened since.

Weird though I keep worrying thinking there's something more to it, but like I say, it hasn't done it since!
Image
Nissan 200SX S14a - Track Slag
BMW 328i Cab - Daily Slag
User avatar
Brianmoooore
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 49359
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Sun Jan 23, 2005 12:56 am

Check belt, change fluid if not nice red colour, and hope.
Guest

Post Sun Jan 23, 2005 10:08 am

Hi

Check the deflection of the belt. From memoery in my haynes manual it should not be more than 5mm.

I would replace the belt. :lol:
User avatar
bryn_p
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 176
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: North West

Post Sun Jan 23, 2005 2:11 pm

Just had a quick look and the belt is loose and the fluid is grey... but I guess that's to be expected when you pay Ԛ£100 for a car!

Cheers for the advice guys, will get them both changed next weekend.

Bryn.
User avatar
Brianmoooore
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 49359
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Sun Jan 23, 2005 2:52 pm

Sounds like you've a nice cheap "had zero maintenance" car. Can be good fun sorting everything out, but I find in general that E30s stand up to this kind of abuse fairly well with no long term damage.