Help or advice required...J reg Citroen BX 1.9 Diesel Occasionally lost power steering for a moment before returning to normal. The problem is gradually getting worse and worse, so much so that I am now only using the car to commute. Used to only happen at low speed / revs such as parking, but now happens randomly. Tyre pressures are ok, LHM res full and no obvious signs of LHM leaks. I dont mind getting my hands dirty but would like some idea what I should be looking for or what may need replacing. Any Citroen experts out there who could shed any light ? Any help or advice greatfully received.
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Try 'www.citroenz.com' First class BX website.
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Often a sign of a worn hydraulic pump. Does the steering assistance come on and off in the middle of a bend such that it is worrying you might not steer where you want?
M.M
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" Does the steering assistance come on and off in the middle of a bend such that it is worrying you might not steer where you want? "
Never used to but has started to do this every now and again. If this a is a sign of the hydraulic pump about to give up the ghost is there any other symptoms this would cause that I could look out for as a way of confirming the pump is a fault, or an easy way of testing the pump?
Anyone know how difficult a job it is to replace the pump?
Thanks for replies...
DFTD
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This is a common problem in BX's - all of which are at least 10 years old.
First line of attack is to change the LHM if it's not been done for a while, and if it's a long time, use Hydraflush first (special cleaning fluid available from Citroen or German Swedish & French) for a couple of 000 miles, then switch it back to LHM. If this doesn't sort it, then overhaul of the flow distributor (located between the pump and the pressure regulator, down the front of the engine) is next on the list - there are 2 small filters in this which get clogged up. If still no joy, then might be time to think about replacing the pump - this is easy on a N/A Diesel BX - probably about 1/2 hours work. Re-con pumps are available from Plaeides, and not TOO expensive. Some folk have tried this however, and still had problems, which might lead you to replacing the pinion valve on the steering rack (or the entire rack!) - which would probably cost a lot more than the car's worth!
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RichardW
Is it illogical? It must be Citroen....
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Was going to try Hydraflush and filter option this weekend but a somebody decided to use the back off my car instead of their brakes whilst SWMBO was waiting to get onto a busy island. No major damage but the tailgate would not lock therefore the insurance company have impounded my car for safe keeping until repairs are made. Anyway the bump was not bad enough to try claiming damaged steering so when I get it back I am still going to have to sort the problem out.
Couple of questions...
1) Where are the two filters you speak of, I know of one in the reservoir, where is the other?
2) Whats involved with overhauling the flow distributor, is this something I could do with limited tools / knowledge.
Sorry for so many questions but having to run the car on a shoe string
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There are actually 2 filters in the reservoir - a big D-shaped one which is the return filter and a long thin conical one which is the suction filter (and is right inside the block that comes out when you take the top out of the LHM tank. The two other filters are small and inside the flow distributor. Overhauling this is not a job for those with limited tools / experience - however I did hear of one guy that got good results from removing the FD and dumping it in a bucket of petrol for a while then giving it a good swill round in the petrol and leaving it to dry before refitting. If your steering is not too bad, this may be enough - but try hydraflush and cleaning the filters in the LHM tank first.
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RichardW
Is it illogical? It must be Citroen....
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This is the fault of the power steering valve, it looks like a hip flask & is situated at the front of the engine.
The problem is normally a small piece of seal has come adrift somewhere in the system & restricted a small hydraulic passageway in the valve. You cant take these valve apart so the only option is to replace (not cheap). I would advise a good flush BEFORE you change the valve or the same thing may happen again.
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Jagman, I believe this is the flowdistributer.
My bet is it being dirty LHM and blocked filters :)
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The LHM is not really that old, these Citroens seem to have a clever self LHM replenishing system. Just when you really need a reliable motor, usually at least 100 miles from home the car seems to know that the LHM is getting a bit old and ejects it all over the road / tyres etc and even has a clever red stop warning light on the dash to warn you that this process has taken place. Luckily Citroen had the forethought to make special storage areas under the bonnet to store a few spanners and at least two bottles of fresh new LHM.
Still not got the car back from the insurance company yet and will be trying the filters and Hydraflush options if and when I get it back.
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