JTD Power steering

[Anonymous]

My son's Bravo JTD loses power steering fluid, but there is no apparent leak at the pump rack or reservoir.
I cna find neat flid along a metal pipe underneath the battery tray, which is covered with a braided protection. Because of the braid, I can't fingd the exact leak yet. This pipe seems to be conmnected to a U of metal pipe that runs in front of the rad. I can't find any reference to this in my Bravo Manual CD. Is it some sort of fluid cooler that cools the oil before it gets to the steering pump? If so then I assume this leaking pipe is a low pressure pipe & could be sealed with solder/epoxy/whatever Does anyone have any experience of this

 

[Tommy K]

YES!!!!


new pump needed bud!


look under the bonnet by the pully wheel... then get some1 to turn the steering as far left or right untill u hear the pump wine... it will then start to leak steering fluid from the end bearing seal..



It's an arse to get to tho... but get it changed ASAP cos once it fails you'll suddenly loose all steering and the fluid will go all over the alternator, aux belt and my even contaminate the timing belt!!!


There is a link to a chap in Lincol/hull here on BOO... he quoted me about £160inc vat!!


I thought it was a split in the pipe, under the braiding.... but after removing the pipe and checking we founf it was the seal pully end!



It's a common fault for the JTD due to the shocking lock & owners straining the pump trying to make a shape turn.


Note to all.. never turn ur steering full lock and hold it... u'll seriously damage the power steering pump!!!

Tommy K - Have you got the Bottle!!

 

[Anonymous]

Right, I cut back that poxy braid - it seems to be made of carbon fibre or something really tough, then undid some of those appalling clips holding the pipes, levered the pies into view & found a crack right underneath where the metal clip gripped. This all took about two hours - what a waste of time. I've temporarily sealed the leak with a split rubber pipe held over the pinhole with a jubilee clip. Seems OK so far. Long term repair will be to cut the pipe & re-join it with a 10MM compression fitting available from any plumbers merchant.
0 outof 10 to FIAT, completely over engineered (amazingly) & the over engineering actually caused the failure.

Still it's better than replacing a pump or the rack ( or these stupid pipes too for that matter)

 

[Tommy K]

well im so glad ur falure was less dramatic than mine!


Spending 2hrs changing a pipe is far better than all day replacing the pump!!!

Tommy K - Have you got the Bottle!!

 

[Anonymous]

Think mines leaking so i may be asking you more at the w/e when i can get under the car



Stu