Power Steering Died Suddenly, Look What I Found

[Lof8]

On the last lap of my Sebring DE last weekend, my power steering died on me. I got to the pits and popped the hood. The belt was intact, the fluid level was pretty good - no obvious signs of problems.

Fast forward to today and my Dad had a chance to start tearing into the system. This is what he found. It looks like something clogged up the line. What knowledge can you guys lend?
thanks

[Lof8]

The weird pink/white material protruding from the banjo fitting is the filter/screen that used to be in the fluid reservoir. It seems it came loose and the pump sucked it down through the line to the fitting, where it became jammed.

I've never heard of this happening before, but it seems to have cost me a pump and a fluid reservoir.

[ColdAccord]

tampon for those heavy flow ATF days

[Teaguer]

Afterbirth in p/s system FTL. :down:

[Kershaw]

:rofl:

[Lof8]

Would you believe this shit just happened to me again!?! My ps reservoir is now running filterless. what a weak ass design.

[bme30]

.... angry ex GF ?

[browntown]

Do you find you need the power steering while racing? Why not just ditch it?

[Lof8]

Do you find you need the power steering while racing? Why not just ditch it?

I am certainly considering this option. The problem is that Sebring (where I usually drive) is a very bumpy track in some places and has a very tight "hairpin" corner. This gets a bit tedious without the power steering. I also do a bit of autocrossing, which is mostly very tight corners.

It seems the e36 system has a "pressure restrictor" in the return line. Anyone familiar with this?

[Blackout]

Lmfaorofllolomg.

[bernzpeed]

tampon for those heavy flow ATF days

lolz

[LokeyVW]

If it helps you I just pulled the PS out of my car and dont have a use for it any longer, if you want it you can have it all for the cost of shipping. Everything is in good shape pulled off my running driving 318 2 days ago.