Power Steering Woes - Wrong Fluid Causing Problems?

[95///M3]

I picked up an E30 this week and the power steering is so light that it is nearly un-safe. I can send the wheels from lock to lock from a standstill with one finger, nearly zero effort. If the previous owner filled the system with PS fluid as opposed to ATF could this be the cause of the problem?

UPDATED with Video:

http://www.jimherrold.com/e30/e30.mov

[StereoInstaller1]

No, but your front tires inflated to 400 PSI might become an issue

[browntown]

I think the steering is too light as well. I'm planning on getting one of these:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=130389

As for your question, if the rack is full of power steering fluid, drain add atf, drive, drain, add more atf, etc. The thicker ps fluid should make more pressure in the lines and would likely cause a leak before it made your steering easier.

[SpecM]

the p/s fluid shouldn't hurt that much...

all it is is undyed, overpriced ATF anyways. ATF is no thicker, although it does have better detergants and is better priced

neither of which would cause what you have going on

[95///M3]

Updated with a video...

[E30Kaiser]

Dude is that on jacks or something? That looks crazy and unsafe.

[browntown]

Wow, I wonder if the pulley is oversize and the pump is running overtime. No idea, that's just crazy. If it doesn't have atf in it, change it and see if that makes a difference. Or just delete the power steering all together.

[95///M3]

Dude is that on jacks or something? That looks crazy and unsafe.

I wish... It is overly powered. I don't quite understand it myself! Any thoughts?

[u3b3rg33k]

Wow, I wonder if the pulley is oversize and the pump is running overtime. No idea, that's just crazy. If it doesn't have atf in it, change it and see if that makes a difference. Or just delete the power steering all together.

Bigger accessories pulleys underdrive.

[browntown]

^^ you're right

[95///M3]

Consensus is that the most cost effective method of fixing should be to loop the rack, ditch the pump and reservoir?

[E30Kaiser]

Consensus is that the most cost effective method of fixing should be to loop the rack, ditch the pump and reservoir?

I would go with that lol, I drive without PS fluid but all the stuff is still on there and it isn't terrible as long as your tires are pumped up.