Sudden big LHM leaks

anorthfield · Post by **anorthfield** » Sat Apr 17, 2010 12:19 pm

I have a BX19 Diesel. One of 3 which we have had since new. Suddenly, LHM is leaking badly from the FDV, hydraulic pump, and power steering ram. Like most, the FDV has always weeped a bit. The ram hasn't noticeably leaked before, and the pump was fitted secondhand from another of my cars about 1500 miles ago, and hasn't leaked before. Suddenly all three items are leaking badly, jointly dumping a litre of LHM in 5 miles. Could I have over-pressure somewhere? Or what else could it be? Any thoughts gratefully received.

toddao · Post by **toddao** » Sat Apr 17, 2010 8:03 pm

It just sounds like wear and tear to me. They just all decided to 'go west' at once. It's unlikely that there was too much pressure.
I had three colours of leaks at once - green, black and yellowish ( gearbox). The car just hit a threshold of age and started 'crying' from everywhere - ( not very technical)

anorthfield · Post by **anorthfield** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 10:15 am

I think it's too coincidental. On Tuesday all is fine, no LHM usage for many months, and on Wednesday three huge leaks all at once. Anyone any other thoughts?

kiwi · Post by **kiwi** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 12:37 pm

Its a BX anything that can go wrong normally does at the same time.

Sounds like you just found out from fitting the secondhand pump you probably upset the balance of things and exposed the other weakness that decided now was the time to upset you.

Oscar · Post by **Oscar** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 9:34 pm

FDV and ram leaks may indicate a bust seal in the FDV - is the steering erratic or different from before?

anorthfield · Post by **anorthfield** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 9:02 am

The power steering is perfect, better than ever. Brakes are perfect. Suspension comes up as quickly asv my other ones.

ken newbold · Post by **ken newbold** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 9:21 am

The only thing I can suggest is that when you changed the pump you will of course have depressurised the system.
If the car is in regular use there will always be some pressure in the system, to depressurise it and then re pressurise it with a new pump may have caused any weak spots to come to light

Oscar · Post by **Oscar** » Fri Apr 30, 2010 3:04 pm

anorthfield wrote:The power steering is perfect, better than ever. Brakes are perfect. Suspension comes up as quickly asv my other ones.

Sounds like a new pump is pushing too much pressure past some weak points then.

Vanny · Post by **Vanny** » Sat May 01, 2010 12:02 am

Oscar wrote:
anorthfield wrote:The power steering is perfect, better than ever. Brakes are perfect. Suspension comes up as quickly asv my other ones.
Sounds like a new pump is pushing too much pressure past some weak points then.

Would the Pressure Regulator Valve (PRV) not sort this out? Unless it was faulty and allowing too much pressure past?

Oscar · Post by **Oscar** » Sat May 01, 2010 6:03 pm

Vanny wrote:
Oscar wrote:
anorthfield wrote:The power steering is perfect, better than ever. Brakes are perfect. Suspension comes up as quickly asv my other ones.
Sounds like a new pump is pushing too much pressure past some weak points then.
Would the Pressure Regulator Valve (PRV) not sort this out? Unless it was faulty and allowing too much pressure past?

Reseat the ball bearing?