Bongo Fury

Coming back to Cornwall from Torquay on Thursday, I took one of those "full lock right hand down" turns in Torquay. That's when the moanin' and whirrin' noises started. I took a look this morning and the PS reservoir was way down in level. Done a quick bend down look (well best clothes on folks !) and could see leakage around the steering rack area.
Halfords is only a couple of miles away so I got me some * Wynn's Stop Leak * and some PS fluid and topped up on their forecourt. Turned the steering a couple of times from lock to lock and then set off back home. No noise now, and the PS is light as a feather as usual. (Hopefully no damage to the pump then ? ) Will keep my eye on the level now, see how well the "Wynn's" performs or have to think about changing the seals.

Moral of the story ?

Never drive ageing vehicles with Power Steering in anything but straight lines.

I would think that as the p.s.i is at it's highest at extreme locks, a weary seal just gave up. Could have happened at anytime.

Shortly previous to this, in the cold snap the battery gave up, and I'm running on a 50AH battery temporarily.
The night before we went to Torquay the Timing belt on the Astra Estate decided it would break. It nevers just rains does it ? (How come they can build an F1 racing car that can withstand a 250mph crash, but cant manufacture a timing belt that is reliable at all ?)

MANEMAN wrote:Coming back to Cornwall from Torquay on Thursday, I took one of those "full lock right hand down" turns in Torquay. That's when the moanin' and whirrin' noises started. I took a look this morning and the PS reservoir was way down in level. Done a quick bend down look (well best clothes on folks !) and could see leakage around the steering rack area.
Halfords is only a couple of miles away so I got me some * Wynn's Stop Leak * and some PS fluid and topped up on their forecourt. Turned the steering a couple of times from lock to lock and then set off back home. No noise now, and the PS is light as a feather as usual. (Hopefully no damage to the pump then ? ) Will keep my eye on the level now, see how well the "Wynn's" performs or have to think about changing the seals.

Moral of the story ?

Never drive ageing vehicles with Power Steering in anything but straight lines.

I would think that as the p.s.i is at it's highest at extreme locks, a weary seal just gave up. Could have happened at anytime.

Shortly previous to this, in the cold snap the battery gave up, and I'm running on a 50AH battery temporarily.
The night before we went to Torquay the Timing belt on the Astra Estate decided it would break. It nevers just rains does it ? (How come they can build an F1 racing car that can withstand a 250mph crash, but cant manufacture a timing belt that is reliable at all ?)

Welcome MANEMAN. Very good point about the power steering. I use Veg oil in my fuel mix and have no issues with it EXCEPT when I do a full lock turn (as I do every day) just after starting my cold engine, when it will run a bit lumpy while on full lock. Which gives a clue as to how much energy demand the pump is making. Trouble is, the Bongos excellent turning circle is just too useful to resist using

It's unusual for the seal to let go in such a dramatic fashion...They seem to dribble fluid for months...years even!

The pinion seal can sudenly let go and it fairly pours out - a friends did it recently

These guys give good service - and are cheaper than Mazda

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0294068061

Hi

What power steering fluid should I use in 2.5d 4wd - just bought my first Bongo and noticed that psf needs to be topped up!

Regards

Joe

jessie1 wrote:Hi

What power steering fluid should I use in 2.5d 4wd - just bought my first Bongo and noticed that psf needs to be topped up!

Regards

Joe

It's automatic transmission fluid, the same as in your gearbox (grade is Dexron 3)

I saw my name pop up there again so thought now may be a good time to update on the story of the ** Wynn's Stop Leak **

I had to top up the steering fluid in the first week after putting the "Wynns" in. Since then, which is coming up to 6 months now, all has been well. - i.e, no leaks.

Always try to look as these "Instant Fixers" as a temporary measure though, and daily (Paranoid read: hourly ?? ) keep your eye on things where fluids are concerned.

My temporary might vary a bit from what is correct, so dont do what I do. Do what I tell you to do and fix it properly !

John.

Edit: Still running on the temporary 50AH battery - See what I mean !

I've had my bongo for 2 years, with a very slight leak from the top pinion seal, power steering leak stop stuff helped to a slow it down a bit, to the point where it's almost stopped, I carry the seal kit in the bongo though & I will get around to replacing the seal eventually

I used it last year after getting horrible noises due to loss of fluid. Next MOT had an advisory about a slight leak from the rack, but no comment at all in this years - same tester as well

Thanks for all responses - Dexron 3 it is then!

If it needs topping up, may be worth checking why? Usual suspect is the top pinion seal weeping, which is basically where the steering column meets the steering rack, if it is leaking try some power steering leak stop stuff as discussed above, seems to have cured the problem for most peeps.
If you want to be proper about it, the seal can be replaced in situ apparantly, I think Wheelquick have done it before in an hour or so, the seal kits are available for about £35.

My lovely Bongo, which is green and now known as the 'Paddy Wagon' had that terrible whining noise over the weekend and I spoke with my mechanic this evening! He advised to contact nearest Mazda dealer and see if the seal being replaced actually solves this problem or is it a big problem with the steering rack. Can anyone advise please?

By the way my Bongo is a '95 model which I think is the bees knees!!

Find a different mechanic IMO, Mazda dealers probably won't have a clue as it's a grey import, there's a list of bongo friendly garages in the members area.
Have you checked the level & topped it up if it's low? replacing the seal stops the fluid leaking out, so yes it should stop the noise if that's where it's leaking from. Did he actually look at it to verify this?

He filled it up with automatic ps fluid and the noise disappeared immediately! But I have dealt with this mechanic for about 15 years and do trust him!

I live in Co Down Northern Ireland and I'm curious to know if there are any other Bongo owners nearby!?!

I'm a single mum with just 1 daughter left at home and I'm trying to avoid any big expenses so soon after purchasing the 'Paddy Wagon'!!

( Starting to worry that I have bought a pig in a poke!!)

Please please please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By the way, he examined it thouroughly and also test drove it to hear it for himself! He also showed me exactly where the leak is and advised to enquire if replacing the seal is enough to correct this problem, or will I need to replace the entire steering rack?

Without knowing where the leak is, I can't say, but I wouldn't lose any sleep over it . It's reasonably common for them to leak at the pinion seal, if you put some power steering leak stop in it may well sort the problem indefinately as discussed in this thread. I wouldn't worry too much, as I've already said mine's been leaking very slightly since I got it, I've done thousands of miles, uk & Europe without any issues. Don't forget these are old cars & things will wear out & leak, you've got to expect a degree of maintenance.
Maybe get him to ring Wheelquick in Wigan, who have replaced this seal, they may be able to help.
If you have a look in the regional sections of the forum, there's an Ireland section, you may find some local assistance on there - http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... m.php?f=46