Track Day Power Steering Issues

[von_zoom]

I will be bringing the car in on Wed to see what the story is.

Tunedm3 - any thing to report as a result of your BMW Service visit?
Thanks
vz

[TUNEDM3]

Originally Posted by von_zoom

Tunedm3 - any thing to report as a result of your BMW Service visit?
Thanks
vz

I picked up the car last night. The reason my power steering went, was my tire rubbed through the fender liner and wore through a harness that controls the steering in the car. Unfortunately, I had to pay out of my own pocket as they said the car had a modified suspension and alignment and the tires were not designed to be put up there. Anyways, everything is all good for now.

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by TUNEDM3

I picked up the car last night. The reason my power steering went, was my tire rubbed through the fender liner and wore through a harness that controls the steering in the car. Unfortunately, I had to pay out of my own pocket as they said the car had a modified suspension and alignment and the tires were not designed to be put up there. Anyways, everything is all good for now.

Could you tell us about your suspension mods? Did you hear any rubbing and/or see any signs of rubbing on your tires?

Dave

[von_zoom]

Bummer! That is a real shocker. I bet you were not expecting that. What kind of mods did you do?
vz

[TUNEDM3]

I have KW Clubsport Coilovers, KW Plates. I have also been running four rear OEM 18's. (The 40 series in the front is a tight fit) The car is lowered about 1-1.25 inches in front and I am running -2.4 camber, 0 toe with max caster. I prob could get away with -2 camber as this car doesnt need it like previous generations. I was aware that I was rubbing, but did not take the effort to further investigate as I thought it was the fender liner and not a big deal. My fault and I accept that. I had them reroute the line on the other side of the frame rail and now I should not have any other issues.
The whining noise I get from the steering when hot is still there though and I plan on being back at the dealer soon.

A friend of mine mentioned he melted the plastic fittings twice on his E46 M3 steering. Odd as my E46 never had an issue.

[dcstep]

If they didn't replace the pump, you may be hearing that and it needs to be replaced as it's likely to fail in the future.

Dave

[CSMRX7]

I have encountered the same whining after hot sessions. I can now replicate it on the street. My local dealer said the pump is shot and will be installing a new one in two weeks. Will let you all know if anything else develops.

[mastek]

how about wrapping the header (with racing header heat wrap) ?

Also, lowering the PS fluid level.

TUNEDM3 = What size tires were you running up front??

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by mastek

how about wrapping the header (with racing header heat wrap) ?

Waitin' on someone to try it.

It makes a lot of sense as an easy to implement potential solution.

Dave

[CSMRX7]

New PS pump is in and the noise is gone. Will update once I hit the track again, but that won't be until spring

[CSMRX7]

Thought I would update. Done 4 track days this season. Car spewed fluid again and the whine is back. I need a permanent solution instead of replacing my PS pump every 6 months.

Anyone have a better fix?

[aus]

The GTS has a powersteering fluid cooler.

[FruitCake]

Happen to me to, no biggy. Cleaned it up after each session to prevent staining on the clear bra on the fender and engine bay, and continue to push it, HARD.

Took it to the dealer last week, and they said everything is fine, its known to happen under heavy driving.

[CSMRX7]

I wish it was no biggy but 2 pumps later I am not so sure about that.

I may look into the GTS cooler.

[2000gsr]

Anymore updates on this? Anybody else take this issue to the dealership and what did they say?

[FrenchBoy]

I tested my little contraption at a track day yesterday. Seems to work like charm ;-)

[Dntlvet]

Originally Posted by ching

Same thing happened to me and I'm taking the car to the dealership later this month. Stock car here, and while it was warm, it wasn't "Texas" hot that day. I'll let you know what they do.

Ching' what did they do?

[aus]

French Boy, where does that hose end at?

[FrenchBoy]

Originally Posted by aus

French Boy, where does that hose end at?

It's hard to see on the photo but I bent the tube over and zip tied the end to mimic a plug.

[aus]

I see now, but doesn't it need to vent?

[FrenchBoy]

Originally Posted by aus

I see now, but doesn't it need to vent?

That's a fair question and I wasn't sure whether I should let it vent or plug it. From, the photo below (in this thread), it seems that the Fall Line decided to use a short tube with a plug. I figured they must know something I don't ;-)

I am unsure whether the fluid is expanding from heat or if it's just splashing around from g loads. I am thinking the latter, hence the plug (same volume of fluid + air. The fluid is just moved around)

Any input either way would be appreciated.

[rzm3]

Originally Posted by FrenchBoy

It's hard to see on the photo but I bent the tube over and zip tied the end to mimic a plug.

Probably should still let it vent. The point of the line is to contain the fluid inside the tubes, instead of spilling it all over. It the intention is to plug the hole, why not plug it on the cap?

What size tube is that? Did you have to drill the cap to make a bigger hole?