Power steering problem

[lilhaiti]

I own a 90 750IL which is making an annoying clicking sound for the power steering. It doesn't seem like something mechanical because it doesn't speed up with the engine. It does it every 1 to 5 seconds (it varies). Everytime it clicks the P/S hose jumps. The power steering feels good other than a slight jump in the steering wheel with the clicking sound. Fluid level is good, although the fluid is a little reddish. Please tell me someone else has had the same problem and knows how to solve it, if not, who knows what causes this.

Thanks

Jay

[jeffreyb4me]

Can you hear this click from say, under the left side of the dash by chance?? AND how does the steering feel with out the car rolling [parking say].

[lilhaiti]

The sound seems like it is coming from the dash, but I know it is the the power steering because the hose jumps when it does it. While sitting the steering feels like nothing is wrong until you drive it, after that its starting clicking and you can feel it jumping.

[jeffreyb4me]

It's "sounds" like you have a failing 'Servotronic' Control Unit which is mounted behind the speaker in the L/F footwell. This is the unit that raises boost pressure @ < 5 mph which makes the steering very 'easy' when parking, hense perhaps, the 'clicking' and 'hose jumping'.

[lilhaiti]

Thnx!!! How hard is it to change and were can I find a cheap one?

[jeffreyb4me]

Cheap?? best of luck.....easy to replace, yes. Remove the under dash cover panel [ below the steering colunm ], remove the foowell kick panel and speaker and it mounts to a plate below the speakers location.

[Kiwi_Steve]

Jeffrey, I have a similar fault, at very low speed or stopped only. If I turn the wheel (sometimes, and its not something I can say happens when I do a specific thing - it seems random) I will get it to turn a bit, then its like it has hit the extent of its travel - you get a screeching noise that sounds like the pump labouring and if you back off on the steering wheel you can turn it a bit more - then the same thing. Its noisy, embarrasing and a major PITA if you are trying to get out of a park space into busy traffic

Any ideas on that one?

regards

Steve
New Zealand

[jeffreyb4me]

Hello from the 'states' again Steve ! !
Humm, the 'sevrotronic' system won't cause a noise of any kind, but your symptoms are certainly similar.....let's start with the simplest since I think your problem lies elsewhere. How's the p/s belt's condition, is it loose or glazed and slipping [which would cause the noise, esp. at low engine speeds].
I shall await your reply and great hearing from you again...........jeff b.