Idleing and power steering problems on 320i

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

Moderator: martauto

jonmsm
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 673
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Thu Sep 08, 2005 10:22 pm

Just finished working on the car and now its back on the ground it seems to idle funny. I'm sure sorting it is a combination of the idle control valve screw and the accelerator cable but it does funny things. When i first start the car, the revs rocket up to 3k then slowly comes back down and will idle very rough until it eventually stalls. I've watched the control valve and for the most of the time its not even touching the throttle and only just comes in quick enough to stop it stalling some times. After a bit of a thrash once it was warm it sat fairly well but still a bit lumpy. Any ideas what it could be??

Also, power steering... The car doesnt seem to return to center when you steer. I looked at the ball joints and everything down there is running smooth so I assume the pump is not working as it is a bit stiff to move?? If its this, how easy is it to change (looks bolt on bolt off sort of thing) and do i have to bleed the system, if its the rack, how easy is that to change????

Thanks for any advice - jon :)
1986 e28 M535i (gone and missed)
1988 e30 320i cab (full resto STILL in progress)
1996 Volvo 850 T-5 estate (280bhp Turbo Nutter), T-5R (my precious)
1966 Fiat 850 saloon & 1970 Sport Coupe
C1 (go-kart)