Zx Power Steering

[Guest pendrifter Blisland]

Had my zx 1.9d leader R-plate, since 2003 and must say I've been quite impressed. A few minor problems - glow plugs replaced, rear brake adjusters etc replaced. The usual timing belt, exhaust (part), tyres etc. Touch wood, I'm hoping it continues. I do approx. 10-11000 miles a year, about half towing a small trailer (not weighty) and get about 40mpg; on a long run (London and back) up to about 48mpg. At current fuel costs and including all extras (tax, maintenance etc) costing about 24-25p per mile. It's now up to 123,000 miles.

The previous owner replaced the steering pump at 72000 miles, and recently the steering got very heavy. Fluid reservoir nearly empty! Refilled and its gone down about half inch in 6 weeks or so. Its seems there is a mechanism which the steering arms(?) are attached to, which has some seals which are wet/damp. I presume this is where the fluid loss is. On one or two occasions I have noted a very small damp patch where the car has been parked, but this is not often.

The question is does it need fixing urgently or is it something I can live with? Also would it fail MoT if not fixed.

Any other info would be appreciated.

Also what sort of mileage can I expect to get out of the engine?

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Hello there.

 

It would appear from what you've written that it's your steering rack that's leaking fluid. This is unlikely to get past an MOT inspector who will issue a failure or an advisory AT THE VERY LEAST! The good news is that the rack is reasonably straightforward to change and you should be able to source a replacement from a breakers quite cheaply (under £30) or a reconditioned one for £180 or so. (Sorry!) You really ought to get this sorted asap because it's really a safety issue.

 

Regarding your engine and it's life expectancy, the Holy grail of longevity is good quality oil and regular changes. Your engine will be perfectly happy with a decent quality mineral base oil of 15w/40 and has a specified oil change of 6000 miles. When I ran XUD citroens I used to change the oil at 3000 and oil & filter at 6000. If there is an industrial oil supplier in your area, you may save quite a lot of money in the long run by buying your oil in 25 litre drums. Also make sure that your "Anti freeze" (Coolant) is in good condition summer and winter and you'll avoid "water side" corrosion problems. Do this and your engine should see at least 200,000 if you don't hammer it.

 

Cheers. hope this helps :D

[Guest pendrifter Blisland]

Hello there.

 

It would appear from what you've written that it's your steering rack that's leaking fluid. This is unlikely to get past an MOT inspector who will issue a failure or an advisory AT THE VERY LEAST! The good news is that the rack is reasonably straightforward to change and you should be able to source a replacement from a breakers quite cheaply (under £30) or a reconditioned one for £180 or so. (Sorry!) You really ought to get this sorted asap because it's really a safety issue.

 

Regarding your engine and it's life expectancy, the Holy grail of longevity is good quality oil and regular changes. Your engine will be perfectly happy with a decent quality mineral base oil of 15w/40 and has a specified oil change of 6000 miles. When I ran XUD citroens I used to change the oil at 3000 and oil & filter at 6000. If there is an industrial oil supplier in your area, you may save quite a lot of money in the long run by buying your oil in 25 litre drums. Also make sure that your "Anti freeze" (Coolant) is in good condition summer and winter and you'll avoid "water side" corrosion problems. Do this and your engine should see at least 200,000 if you don't hammer it.

 

Cheers. hope this helps :lol:

[Guest pendrifter Blisland]

Hi Colin,

Thanks for that.

Next job find the rack. Got a pal who is well into motors, time then to do a deal!

Thanks again.