Power Steering Overheating

[dcstep]

The PS issue is not just about overheating fluid. It can lead internal damage to the plastic parts in the PS pump which can deform and need replacement. The idea of using Redline PS fluid is a good one, but you need a heat shield between the headers and the reservoir.

At dvanced M-School last week, it happened to several cars, all M3s. The M5s and M6s had no problem, perhaps due to more space under the hood. Venting of some sort might be another solution.

BTW, all the cars had new Contis that were great in both wet and dry.

No one, absolutely no one had any trouble with brake fade. VIR has some long straights to cool the brakes. Of course, the 2 or 3d corner at the end of the front staight heats them, but is fortunately followed by several corners and the uphill esses where little braking takes place.

Dave

[farbarg]

I've had the PS fluid splatter issue after a couple of auto-x runs. Turns out, so did the other M3 in the same run group. I didn't think it had to do with over heating, though, just spirited driving.

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by farbarg

I've had the PS fluid splatter issue after a couple of auto-x runs. Turns out, so did the other M3 in the same run group. I didn't think it had to do with over heating, though, just spirited driving.

If you were to run enough AX laps in a row, then it would indeed overheat and potentially ball up its innards. As you note, AX is not likely to cause an overheating problem.

Dave

[niterider]

This is a normal problem with most BMWs that are driven hard. I think the best bet is to lower the fluid level as some of u mentioned and wrap some sort of wrist band around the ps reservoir and cap. I know it sounds like a jdm mod but im sure it will help keep the fluid away from the track or ur tires.

[swamp2]

Originally Posted by M3V8Driver

Brembo doesn't make junk components.

I basically disagree. They make some pretty low end stuff actually. They do a ton of OEM-ing that is far from a bright red aftermarket BBK. It has been shown that many OEM non Brembo/non branded brake systems (i.e. a totally stock system) actually outperform some factory installed Brembo systems. The issues is that to meet cost targets those systems are selling the caliper color and name rather then actually selling a brake upgrade.

[NRing]

To solve the power steering overheating issue: install the PS cooler from the M3 GT4?

[davem3fan]

Mine was spewing a bit from the reservoir @ the Nurburgring... It's no auto-X, but apparently quite a workout.

I would guess sustained high revs are the key in this puzzle.

[NRing]

drove 8 laps at the ring thursday and lost some ps fluid. also got an overheating fault of the coolant sys. week before the same plus stock brake pads glazed up. now with movit brakes 370x35 6 pot and cooling vents at least no more brake trouble. will install the gt4 ps cooler. it looks much bigger and it should work otherwise bmw would not have made this part. monday one more test.

[mastek]

I wrap a single piece of heavy duty shop paper towel around the reservoir cap with a zip-tie and this catches the fluid and prevents it from spilling around the engine bay = problem solved.

I think this is due to the actual PS pump being located so close to the exhaust header ... and maybe some G-Force issues as well.

[NRing]

Originally Posted by mastek

I wrap a single piece of heavy duty shop paper towel around the reservoir cap with a zip-tie and this catches the fluid and prevents it from spilling around the engine bay = problem solved.

I think this is due to the actual PS pump being located so close to the exhaust header ... and maybe some G-Force issues as well.

it is not close to the header at all. it is at the front of the engine.

[turbo8765]

Originally Posted by davem3fan

I would guess sustained high revs are the key in this puzzle.

I think this is the key.

[checkmate]

The same issue happened to me, my friend (owns a E92 M3) and another guy with the E39 M5. Just saw this thread and am relieved to see its a fairly common problem. We were at VIR where the temp reached close to 88' and mad humid..probably hit 90' + at the track.

Maybe the next time around I will use a shop towel and a zip tie around the reservoir cap.

[VSmotorsports]

We just picked up the GT4 power steering cooler. It connected right into the factory lines and adds another core for cooling. Will be racing this weekend so we can let you guys know what happens.

[turbo8765]

Originally Posted by VSmotorsports

We just picked up the GT4 power steering cooler. It connected right into the factory lines and adds another core for cooling. Will be racing this weekend so we can let you guys know what happens.

How much $$$?

[wwjd15]

I have tried GT4 cooler and it didn't work for me as the problem was not the cooler. The main problem is no air direct to the cooler itself.

[rzm3]

First, I have yet to see actual data (i.e. temperature) of the fluid on a track/race day. Fluid spill/leak does not automatically equal to boiling.

Second, a local M3 Grand Am team simply relocated the cooler to a lower position so that it catches more air. PS runs fine during 2+ hour endurance races.