D2 ACE & steering fluid problem

Hi.
I just wondered if anyone has seen this before. 2002 D2, the ACE fluid seems to be transferring to the power steering side - ACE goes down, PS goes up! I know they are the reservoirs are in the same unit, but I understand that the two systems are otherwise separate.
My best guess at the moment is that there is a crack somewhere which allows the suction side of the steering pump to pull fluid from the ACE side.....plausible?
No work has been done to the system, and until this started appearing there were no obvious leaks.
Any ideas welcome! Thanks. Pete

Aeromole said:

Hi.
I just wondered if anyone has seen this before. 2002 D2, the ACE fluid seems to be transferring to the power steering side - ACE goes down, PS goes up! I know they are the reservoirs are in the same unit, but I understand that the two systems are otherwise separate.
My best guess at the moment is that there is a crack somewhere which allows the suction side of the steering pump to pull fluid from the ACE side.....plausible?
No work has been done to the system, and until this started appearing there were no obvious leaks.
Any ideas welcome! Thanks. Pete

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Tis weird.
Do the two halves of the reservoir eventually come to a rest at equal heights? Cos if not then there is a partial, and accidental, one way valve going on there. All pipes to and from the reservoir are completely separate.
At least I think so, cannot imagine why not.
When I had a leak in a low pressure pipe from the reservoir, the other side stayed at the same level as always.
There are massive opportunities for pipes to leak under the bonnet, through rubbing together or against other things. So many are in close proximity. This is what happened with me, they are accessible via the removable panels under the wheel arches so first thing, check all pipes for leaks. Both sides and insulate those rubbing and keep them away from one another.

Others will come on with more knowledge about how to check both sides for leaks. My PS is always covered in oil, but doesn't seem to leak.

Funnily I just had a look at mine and the level in my ACE part is higher then the PS part, but I think I probably have a slight leak in the PS. It6 is up to "max" and the other one is higher, so higher than it should be.

Unless they are same height, would be coincidence

Aeromole said:

Hi.
I just wondered if anyone has seen this before. 2002 D2, the ACE fluid seems to be transferring to the power steering side - ACE goes down, PS goes up! I know they are the reservoirs are in the same unit, but I understand that the two systems are otherwise separate.
My best guess at the moment is that there is a crack somewhere which allows the suction side of the steering pump to pull fluid from the ACE side.....plausible?
;.....

Click to expand...

not plausible at all... though it's possible to be a visual illusion as the ACE draws fluid to make up to 140 bar pressure into the rams while the PAS has a closed loop at much lower pressure... the two halves of reservoir are 100% separated so you can rest your mind IMO

Thanks guys. No, the ACE level went right down and the PS side went right up and overflowed. I'm now watching it very carefully. Paranoia has nothing on me!

Aeromole said:

Thanks guys. No, the ACE level went right down and the PS side went right up and overflowed. I'm now watching it very carefully. Paranoia has nothing on me!

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In that case I would detach all pipes, having syphoned out all fluid from the reservoirs.
Take the tanks off, clean it and examine it very carefully, with powerful light, filling it with water to see where it all flows. Then you might fins some sort of a crack.
You could use spare hose, plugs and hoseclips to keep the liquid in.

I am beginning to wonder if someone has accidentally swopped two hoses.

Ha, the old hose-swapping fairy has been at it again! Seriously the fluid was changed 2 years ago and nothing has been worked on in that area since. Looks like I will have to get my hands dirty....again!

Aeromole said:

Thanks guys. No, the ACE level went right down and the PS side went right up and overflowed. I'm now watching it very carefully. Paranoia has nothing on me!

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What @Stanleysteamer said, but first of all make sure that the return pipes are not connected wrong as the ACE return to be connected to the PAS and vice-versa cos then it can happen what you described cos the ACE flow is stronger so the return rate higher and the PAS can't pump at that speed hence the overflow.... i have the feeling that's your problem

Stanleysteamer said:

I am beginning to wonder if someone has accidentally swopped two hoses.

Click to expand...

sierrafery said:

first of all make sure that the return pipes are not connected wrong as the ACE return to be connected to the PAS and vice-versa

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I must get new glasses.
I seem to be reading double!!!