Power Steering Fluid

[nope-mx3]

I think I got way too little power steering fluid.
Seems it`s a leak in the hose.<p>Is this "dangerous"? What`s the worst thing that can happen?
I got a "ticking" sound when I turn my steering wheel, might this be because of this?
The noise has been there since I got my Mx3, so I haven`t noticed it too much before.<p>nope-mx3

[Sonicxtacy02]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by nope-mx3:
I think I got way too little power steering fluid.
Seems it`s a leak in the hose.<p>Is this "dangerous"? What`s the worst thing that can happen?
I got a "ticking" sound when I turn my steering wheel, might this be because of this?
The noise has been there since I got my Mx3, so I haven`t noticed it too much before.<p>nope-mx3<hr></blockquote><p>If its a moderate leak you can drive for awhile as long as you keep fluid levels normal. The ticking sound when you turn is more than likely air in the system. It'll get worse over time. Worst case scenario is you drive when you have no fluid and burn out your pump which would cost about $1000 US to fix in a shop.

[nope-mx3]

ouch, gotta go buy some power steering fluid tomorrow then hehehe<p>Hope it`s not burnt out. The power steering seems to be working, so I guess it`s still functionable.<p>thanks for the reply<p>nope-mx3

[Sonicxtacy02]

you'd know it if it was burnt. The system wouldnt work at all. Do you have any hard steering probs? I went thru this last winter, and tho my pump never burnt out, i had a terrible time driving the car, and it would whine and screch at every turn. Get it fixed before it becomes that bad.<p>[ February 27, 2003: Message edited by: Sonicxtacy02 ]</p>

[nope-mx3]

No problems yet, so I`ll fix it tomorrow.<p>Thanks for replying <p>(this way I can put the money on the Koni`s and H&R`s I have ordered, hehe)<p>
nope-mx3

[Mradio]

when I was taking apart the power steering lines and the pump, tons of air got into the system. but according to the shop manual the air seems to go away itself, you just have to fill up the system and move your steering wheel around for a bit.

[nope-mx3]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Vlad:
when I was taking apart the power steering lines and the pump, tons of air got into the system. but according to the shop manual the air seems to go away itself, you just have to fill up the system and move your steering wheel around for a bit.
I`ll fill the tank and do some inspiring driving this weekend then ;D (roads are almost completely without snow now, and probably dry this weekend D)<p>nope-mx3

[Sonicxtacy02]

if there is a leak air will just keep coming in the system. You'll see bubbles constantly coming up thru the resivior

[nope-mx3]

Checked it today.
Was no leak, and plenty of fluid, so It`s all good <p>found a small hole in the flex-hose infront of the cat. though... looks as if I have to replace the entire exhaust system from the cat. to the engine :/ (about $700 US in parts)<p>nope-mx3

[Mradio]

if there is a hole in the flex pipe, you just need to replace the y-pipe (it goes from the cat to the exhaust manifolds). You don't have to change them. I just got a used one for $25 from one of the guys off Probetalk. It needed some mods though.
later

[nope-mx3]

ah, that`s a good idea.
I can use a pipe from a ford probe or a Mazda 626?
with some modifications?<p>nope-mx3

[Mradio]

first of all the probe/mx6/626 y-pipe is a little longer. So you will have to move your catalytic converter back a bit. Plus u need the rear exhaust manifold from the car you get the pipe off, because the flange is rotated a bit on those cars compared to an mx3. Also you will need to cut off your old flange where cat attaches to the catback system and rotate that as well, or get a high flow cat and weld on new flanges.
The best bet would be to find a used y-pipe from an mx3. Try www.car-parts.com search for any state. Iam not sure if they ship internationally.

[Mradio]

Another thing, for that price quote you wrote - $700 you can get a whole new custom exhaust system with a new muffler and a high flow cat, plus a used y-pipe. At least where I live you can. :p
Peace