Power Steering leaking corroded pipes...HELP!

[Loz3]

So, the euphoria is wearing thin having looked under the car which is still leaking PS fluid badly. two metal pipes run under the steering assembly and one rubber one. The leak "appears" to be coming from the metal pipe but they are both so badly rusted, I'm guessing replacement is the prudent move.

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE OF THIS?? (car is a 1997 1.9 Manual Roadster)

I'd like to know what I've got myself into and how best to proceed. I don't have bottomless pockets and I am on nodding terms with Mr Heath Robinson.

Any helpful advice gratefully recieved

 

[GazHyde]

Which engine is it in your Z3?

http://realoem.com/bmw/select.do is useful for finding part numbers, and has some expanded drawings on it. If you can point to one of the numbered bits, it may help us a bit.

 

[Loz3]

Thanks and that is a fantastic link!

I believe it is these pipes here (Number 4)

The car is a May 1997 built 1.9 RHD Manual gear Roadster.

Anyone replaced these? They look pretty rusty!

 

[Loz3]

Update:

Called local BMW Stealer this AM. they say the part is no longer available. have to buy the whole box for £1000+

So, looking on EBAY I see the E36 steering box is interchangable. Is that correct (good to check before I buy one today)??

I've seen used ones from £40 up to £120. I'm guessing I'll go up to about £80 if I canget one locally.

Cheers for any input.

 

[Aceman]

Interesting your local dealer is saying the pipe is no longer available as coopers have it listed here;

http://www.cooper-bmw-parts.co.uk/i...ls&flypage=shop.flypage&option=com_virtuemart

Failing that you can always try a hydraulic pipe company like Pirtek who could probably make the pipes for you but you might have to remove them and let them copy them which might be impractical for you.

Try coopers first as they are usually very good and many of us have used them several times before.

 

[Loz3]

I went tl the leeds stealer and we both looked it up and it showed no longer available so I suggested looking at e36 part which was a dkfferent number but looks same? it comes tomorrow so we will see. I

 

[Aceman]

Hope it fits

 

[Loz3]

thats the pic from the E36 3 series. Can you see any difference from the Z3 1.9 rack above? All I can surmise is that the e36 is a different part because its more turns lock to lock, but why the pipes are a different number and price is a mystery... (Marketing!??!)

Feel free to tell me if you think I'm overly optimistic of them fitting...

 

[Aceman]

There is no difference in the pictures as they are identical and have the same reference number but and could be a big but BMW do sometimes use the same diagram to depict similar parts so although the pictures are the same they only serve as a guide for the parts guys in the dealerships and not a definitive way to identify parts.

I do hope they will fit as it will be good info for the rest of us come the time we need to change ours.

 

[Loz3]

metal pipes fit perfectly but the plastic one is an inch too short. sadly the garage broke this one while removing to fit the metal ones so now they are going to cut and extend by sleeve, the plastic one which we believe is a breather so not high pressure. should be rolling in a couple of hours when they get back on it.

I know I took a gamble with the pipes but I looked at E46 and that looked different so I figured if E36 was way off, you'd see it. Word to the wise, don't break the plastic push fit one and you are good to go!

BMW part kit was under £40

 

[Aceman]

Good to know glad you got sorted.