PS RAM-usual symptoms of failure?

[B-Hive]

Hi again,,

As I seem to be waiting and waiting for my parts man to get off his derriere and send me my replacement Power steering RAM, I thought I'd take the op to research that it has infact failed..

I'm fairly certain that its is leaking profusely, but is this what normally happens to them?

I ask this because in removing the steering rack and cleaning everything up on the subframe area I noticed a separate (clear) return line had popped out from its tee-junction (just to the right side). I may have actually done this myself and happened when i was cleaning in and around this area, OR it could have happened when I was doing the Citro-aerobics. It was only when I started doing the suspension exercises that the fluid started pouring out and it seemed to be coming from the ram, as a result of going from one steering extreme to the next. However I think it is also quite possible that this other pipe popped in the process and began spewing green in all directions, or has been off for a while and only floods after aerobics due to the high volume of fluid return.

So I guess my question is again, when the RAM fails does its leak/leak profusely, or does it just stop being effective/give weird erratic assistance or something.

Might be able to save some coin on a replacement, but dont want to put old one back obviously if there is a problem with it. I guess bench pressure testing the RAM is out of the question??

Thnx

[docchevron]

hmm, I've had various failures with rams.
One just went REALLY tight, as in, the steering locked almost solid, without warning.
The ram had blued and bent, how or why I dont know, but it didn't leak.
Several others have failed through leaks on the piston seal, and yes, it'll start as a weep then get EPIC.

Usual signs of a leaking ram just starting to go would be the piston getting wet with LHM really.
That said, if it's got a leak nearby and covering the ram, hard to tell sometimes.
I imagine they could be pressure tested. Can see no reason why not.

[JayW]

I have a known good spare ram off the car if it's of any use?

[B-Hive]

I have a known good spare ram off the car if it's of any use?

Thankyou that would be great but I live in Australia...that aside if you're willing to send it to me how much would you want for it?? obviously i would cover the postage as well..

I called my breaker AGAIN today and still no return call, apparently he's too busy to deal with his customers...just plain rude if u ask me..if he didnt want to supply me, I would have prefered he lied and said he didnt have the bit.

Even though finding out he has a suitable one took 6 phone calls!!! He a high profile french wrecker down under..makes you wonder...I'm tempted to get opinions on this wrecker/breaker on aussie frogs but i think i would maybe be burning a bridge or 3....

[JayW]

Oz no problem...

PM sent.