Greetings and some info for ZX

[bv2991]

Hi fellas,

stumbled upon this forum last month when I was troubleshooting my aircon blower motor problem. I must say the info here has been really helpful to narrow down the cause of problem.

Okay, some info on troubleshooting that I could share (please bear in mind that this info is based on my own car. So, cause of problem may differ from car-to-car).

1) Air con blower only works on max speed. Cause: Aircon speed control module dead. I managed to get a used one. Problem solved.

2) Sticky/binding steering (from left full lock, then turn to right). Cause: Steering hydraulic ram. I didn't replace this (yet), but what I did was to siphon off old power steering fluid from tank and refill with Dex 3 ATF. 4 weeks without problem and it only reoccur last night (once). I may try this again. Will update progress later.

3) Rear wheel rubbing at inner-side tyre wall. Cause: Worn axle bearing and axle stub. Replace both and OK so far.

4) Front suspension knocking sound. This happened a few times.

First time: replaced RH absorber link. OK.

Second time: replace both lower balljoints. OK.

Third time: Replace LH absorber link. Not OK. Checked and tightened all front suspension bolts and nuts. Found one bolt at subframe not really tight. Tightened that and noise is gone.

I must say, pin-pointing the source of suspension noise and eliminating irrelevant causes is a bit time-consuming. So, take some time to troubleshoot.

From my experience, if knocking sound only on vertical suspension movement (e.g. when going on speed hump), it's the absorber link.

If knocking when turning, this involves more time. Could be the balljoints or could be the lower arms as this involves horizontal suspension movement.

Hope my info could be of use and I hope that we could continue sharing info the way we do now.

Cheers from tropical Malaysia!

[jeremy]

Are you sure Dexron 3 is the correct fluid for the steering? As you will see from other posts on this site Dexron 2 and 3 are rather different and the wrong one will ruin an automatic transmission.

I checked this out when I had to replace the steering pump on our ZX but did wonder if in fact it made any difference to the steering or even if LHM would work as well or better - being a hydraulic oil without friction modifiers - and friction modifiers sound abrasive.

[bv2991]

Nah,

can't confirm on that. It's just that I've tried changing the fluid before with Dex 2 and it didn't work. So, I decided to experiment with Dex 3 and it showed some progress.

Still, let me experiment with this first and see how it goes. I mean, 4 weeks of no problem does show something, right?

cheers.

[citronut]

cant you just check the spec in your owners hand book so you then will know what type of fluid it should run on,

a couple of months ago i fitted a new power steering pipe to am M reg i think, and it uses a mineral based fluid, but apparently not LHM, if you use the wrong fluid you could damage your steering system

regards malcolm

[bv2991]

I'm very much aware of the fact that the ZX uses Dex 2 for the PAS system.
I changed the fluid to Dex 2 before but no change.

So, I experimented with Dex 3 and the steering didn't have that 'binding' problem for 4 weeks. Please, I'm not offering bad advice or recommend people to follow me. Let me experiment with this and I'll post the progress later, savvy? DON'T DO THIS YET AS THE RESULT IS STILL UNCONCLUSIVE.

Wait a minute, citronut, are you confusing my ZX with Xantia?

Cheers!

[citronut]

no no, not i, please go ahead and play, as it would be interesting to know
kind regards
malcolm

[bv2991]

Out of curiosity,

can we refurbish the steering hydraulic ram internals?


Thanks!

[CitroJim]

can we refurbish the steering hydraulic ram internals?

Looking at a leaky one I pulled off my Peugeot 405 many years ago, I don't think so, easily. As I recall, they're not amenable to being dismantled, in the same way that Activa rams are not

It may be worth seeking the opinion of a hydraulics specialist who overhauls diggers and the like.

[bv2991]

Hi fellas,

okay, just an update on putting Dex 3 into power steering tank.

So far, so good! Steering feels lighter, smoother to turn. Side-parking and three-point turns no problem now.

Previously if I'm side-parking, there's be this hard-binding feel when counter-turning from left to right. Now, there's only very, very occasional binding, but very light to the point that it doesn't disrupt the wheel-twirling anymore.

No funny noise at steering pump, fluid loss minimal, just like when I was using Dex 2. Could it be that the Dex 3 had cleared up my hydraulic ram and lubricated it at the same time?

Will keep you fellas posted. Cheers.

[Huskyxantia]

I've a knocking on my zx estate front end.

I've replaced all ball joints upper lower and so on , drop links and a new steering rack old one was absolute naff.

When the car is stone cold there's no knocking till she is warm .. It does your nut.

Wasn't like it when I got the car in 2016 its very frustrating to trace

Any help .... Thanks

[Huskyxantia]

Well after a crash it was a lower pinch bolt to balljoint .
The wrong ball joint was fitted checking this yesterday the balljoint didn't have a grove it was a post type.

And after a huge row with the part supply idiots , they got away with it due to an expired warranty , considering the part has only traveled 800 miles .... Need I say more.

I now find trusting certain suppliers hard..
Shame on you main dealer.