E30 Zone

I've got an issue with the power steering on my cabby and need some guidance on how to tackle the problem.

The steering is very heavy, so either the rack or the pump has failed. I had the fluid changed about 800 miles ago when it had an Inspection 2 carried out by Barry on here last year. It has now very quickly changed from cherry red to a grey murky colour in a short space of time.

There is no fluid leakage and the belt is attached fine. Could it be the rack or the pump which has has caused the fluid to turn grey and cause heavy steering? Given the symptoms, which one has most likely failed? Or have they both failed as a result of one failing?

Also, were there different PAS racks and pumps fitted across the E30 range depending on model or were they all the same? Do all E30s share the same pumps and racks? My car is a 1991 318i cab which has had an M20B25 engine conversion.

Any help on this issue would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

id change the oil again if its contaminated badly that quick again have you drained the whole system ? as described in the wiki i think or google it as it will be a easy find as i think you disconnect it at the pump and drain it that way.

Hello German-Whips,

sorry to hear about that, fluid turning grey is usually metal particles in the oil due to wear, pump has vanes, most likely excessive wear on them caused by something to have happened in 800 miles from fresh oil. Loss of hydraulic pressure due to pump wear will make the steering heavy. Pressure testing system will guide you, good pressure between pump and rack means pump is ok and rack is the problem, cheers.

Either way... Pumps and racks are so cheap, might as well just replace the pair with recon