Leaking Pipe On Steering Hydraulics

[citrophile]

I have traced my steering problem (ie no power assistance!) to a leak on the hydraulic return pipe from the steering rack where it runs in a cranked tube bolted to the side of the sub-frame. The citroen service diagram says this is the low pressure part of the system.

 

I don't want to go to the hassle (and no doubt expense) of renewing the whole pipe, which is a combination of flexible hoses and metal pipe which runs round the passenger side of the engine bay and back to the pump, and though that I could just cut out the leaking section and replace it with some flexible hydraulic hose and jubilee clips.

 

Any thoughts as to whether this would work?

 

Rob

 

[paul.h]

The pressure in the pipe can not be much since it has jubilee type clips on it. If the leak is just a pin hole in a metal section, you could just put a patch of hose over the hole and held by a jubilee clip over the hole to seal it. If the pipe is 4012C0, from the citroencarparts.net site a new one is £84.

 

I would expect coastline taxis has a proper fix though.

 

If you do replace part of the pipe this is the procedure for getting any air out. The hose material would need to be compatible with the lds fluid and you may get a better hose to pipe seal if you can put a flare in the pipe end (like a brake pipe).

 

4. Bleeding the power steering electropump assembly

Turn the steering from lock to lock, approximately ten times.

Start the engine.

Wait 3 minutes before turning the steering.

Turn the steering from lock to lock, until there are no points of resistance.

Stop the engine.

Check the LDS fluid level (see the relevant operation).

[coastline taxis]

Depends on the year of your car. If its a mk2 then honestly just go to the scrappy for the pipes (£20). if its a mk3 then its a bit haarder but again they are in the scrappys and ebay. But if you want to fix it yourself if its rubber then cut out leaaking piece and insert a hollow tube and jubilee clip it if its metsl clean and use liquid metal.. 

[citrophile]

It's a mk2 and the leak is on the metal tube itself.

 

What's liquid metal and where would I get some?

[coastline taxis]

Local discount store. Its like a plastacine you cut of what you need and roll it in your hands then put it over the pipe (after youve cleaned it of course) and it sets like metal you can even drill and tap it

[citrophile]

Suddenly had a thought yesterday that my old VTR would have the same set up so stripped out the complete pipe, cleaned it up, and will be fitting it this morning. It's a bit fiddly but not that difficult. Worst bit was getting ratchet and T40 bit in to remove the bolt from the rack connection!

[citrophile]

Well, have now fitted the replacement pipe and refilled with LDS (over 3 litres!) and, so far, all well and working.

 

Did have a couple of "oh my god, now what?" moments with the suspension as it seemed to be stuck on low and the pump was just running but after a couple of minutes it started to rise. Must have just been re-priming and pressurizing the suspension as the reservoir had been empty!

 

Now what am I going to do with my Sunday? Oh yeah, my wife's C3 needs the rear exhaust box strap replaced.......!!!

 

Cheers

 

Rob

 

[Johndouglas]

That's a happy conclusion.   And thanks for coming back and telling us about your solution.

[paul.h]

You cannot buy the rear exhaust box straps from Citroen, but there are universal ones that may fit on ebay.

[citrophile]

Thanks Paul, already have the strap (via eBay) and fitted it earlier today. Actually not that difficult. Seem to be spending most of my free time these days flat on my back under one Citroen or another.........still, must be saving thousands on garage bills.

[paul.h]

For the benefit of others, do you have a link to the strap you used so it can be referenced on the C3 pages ?

[Johndouglas]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-x-high-density-Sporting-Exhaust-Hanger-Bracket-Rubber-Mount-Blue-support-/281041541634?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item416f619a02

 

I keep a stock of these. They're universal because they fit all our cars

[paul.h]

We may be thinking of different straps here, I thought it could have been the metal band that goes all the way round the back exhaust box and then hooks in to the rubber hanger as in the ebay link. These metal bands rust through but Citroen do not sell them. They are on the C4 as well. On aftermarket back boxes the hook is simply welded on the box.

[citrophile]

Seems I ordered the strap direct (not via ebay as I thought) from ClampCo (link below). The strap I ordered was an MB5 which is listed as for a C2 but it also fits the C3 (and a range of other PSA cars I believe).

 

http://www.clampcouk.co.uk/exhaust-repair/exhaust-brackets-straps.html?limit=48

 

Rob