Power steering failure

[banjoboy1]

Power steering has failed no fluid in reservoir so topped it up .Fluid drained out completely when restarting engine power steering only working for a few mins.I suspect it may be the top rack seal that has gone as that is the one mentioned via this forum and it fits these symptoms.The garage will be investigating Mon but is it still the case that I have to buy the seals in a set?The job looks reasonably DIY but I would prefer the garage to do it providing they quote a fair labour charge (2hours max ?)

[mikeWalsall]

The top seal is the one prone to leakage .. rather than having to buy a complete kit .. a member as sourced a supply ..

http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... ls#p664345

[banjoboy1]

Just had a peek at the steering rack by removing air intake under bonnet.Dunno whether its good news or bad but the leak isn't coming from the rack seal as it is completely dry.Now I suspect the pump itself is the prob .Where is the pump situated exactly?When I first found the leak underneath it appeared to be coming from somewhere close to the position of the reservoir further back than the rack would that point to the pump?Can't get underneath to see under down to back probs (arthritis).Anyone replaced a pump or any info on this forum?Looking at a reconditioned pump on Ebay .Anyone got any experience with a reliable supplier? I will have to wait for the garage to check it out anyway.

[Northern Bongolow]

this how its layed out.

http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... 1of02.html.

this is the pump.

http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... 2of02.html.

there is a pressure relief valve fitted so maybe thats blowing for some reason.

[banjoboy1]

Thanx for your help with the info.Turns out the garage found a corroded through pipe and suprisingly have said a new one is available from Mazda so I'll be having it fitted For £150 inc Lab.Dunno whether thats expensive but I can't do all that lying under the van stuff any more so I pay the man with the ramp and all the tools.

[mikeWalsall]

Must admit .. although I still like to tinker .. with 'old age' creeping on I can get down .. but find it harder to get back up ..!!

I just have a complete distrust of garages ..

[banjoboy1]

Bad news re my steering rack repair.Garage booked the job in for Wed then rung me up and said bring it in Thurs.Come Thurs they say they cannot get the new pipe till maybe next Thursday.No explanation so far but I believe the pipe is coming from Mazda,I'm very suprised that Mazda can supply a new pipe anyway can anyone confirm that these spares are still available.Does anyone know where I can get a new pipe or who perhaps anyone that can make one up to pattern?The pipe is the high pressure output one so joining it with a rubber hose is not recommended.I'm wondering whether brazing the small hole in the pipe is a feasible repair?I'm even considering using something like Araldite as a temp/perm repair and hope the new pipe turns up or I can get a s/h one.Any one got any ideas re obtaining a new pipe.?

[Simon Jones]

Most of the European Mazda spares are held in Belguim so maybe the pipe has to come from further afield.

[teenmal]

Banjoboy1,you could try your local or nearest Hydraulic hose fabricator shop or contact some of the online guys ,,

example.

http://www.powersteeringhose.net/

[Doone]

They usually fail on the small bend on the pipe.You can often get a good used one from a scrap Bongo.
Maybe put some underseal on the pipe to help prevent it re-occurring.

[banjoboy1]

Thanx for the good advice from all.Had the new pipe fitted today only took an hour or so and steering seems perfect.One concern though is the fluid level in the reservoir .On checking the level after returning home from garage it seemed to be around the minimum level mark.After running for a few minutes to check for leaks the level was raised higher above the minimum.Do you check the level when the engine has been stopped for a while as I would expect?If so I suspect the mechanic has topped up the level without allowing it to settle?
Also how important is it to use dextron 3 which I believe is the correct fluid I have no idea what they have put in at the garage could I just top it up with the right fluid hoping they will mix OK?

[Bob]

These fluids are 'Backwards Compatible' and I wouldn't think a garage would have an older spec.

ie You can use Dexron 4 if it call for 3 and no harm done.

[banjoboy1]

Thanx for the info do you know the correct procedure for topping up the level? Do you fill up the reservoir when the engine is hot or cold? The level on mine is on MINIMUM when cold but some way above this mark when warm.Not really happy with seeing the level on MIN so how much should I put in I don't see a MAX mark?