ps hose

Does anyone know what this clamp does, I have a slow leak from it, I have redone the clamps where they connect to the resevour when I did the OFHG but can't remember what this clamp does, ie: does it join two pieces of hose together?.

Maybe it's not normal to be there

Thanks

There could be a hose splice hidden under the clamp, but I doubt it. More likely, is that worm gear clamp has dug a hole through the line. Try removing the clamp and inspecting the line. The leak could be coming from above the clamp and the fluid is just settling there. If you follow the line up, is there a clamp above it? Clean that area thoroughly, then recheck after 30 mins or so using a white paper towel. Any leaks should show up clearly.

Thanks WD, the hose is dry above that clamp, I'm just wondering what purpose that clamp serves?
Anyone seen a clamp there before?


Cheers

I believe that clamp is an aftermarket clamp left there by the previous owner. I do not recall seeing a single OEM worm gear style hose clamp anywhere on my BMW. Now may car is full of them.

Looks like someone removed the original clamp that holds the restrictor inside the line and replaced it with a screw clamp.
A few years ago I cut my old leaking line apart to see what was inside.

I try to replace all of my hose clamps with these from Mcmaster Carr. Best clamp for the $$ imho. A must for fuel lines.

JimLev,

What is the need for a restrictor?

Originally Posted by edjack

JimLev,

What is the need for a restrictor?

Just a guess, as the pump increases in RPM there is more PS fluid pumped to the steering box which makes steering easier. Once you get to some higher RPM the restrictor starts to limit the flow which limits the amount of assist from the pump.
Anybody got a better answer?

Thanks for the replies, learnt something new from Jimlev, maybe there is a slight split in the hose on one side or both under the clamp.
I have given it a bit of a tighten and I'll monitor it. If it continues to seep I'll remove the clamp and cut a little off each side of hose and re-clamp it.

Thanks for the help.

If you squeeze the hose on either side of the clamp and feel it's hard that is where the restrictor is located.

Originally Posted by JimLev

Just a guess, as the pump increases in RPM there is more PS fluid pumped to the steering box which makes steering easier. Once you get to some higher RPM the restrictor starts to limit the flow which limits the amount of assist from the pump.
Anybody got a better answer?

So....... if one were to modify the hose somewhat to remove, enlarge then replace the flow restrictor one could change the "feel" of the steering. Interesting!!!

So that others benefit from JimLev's pictures, I took the liberty of adding them to the 'what is this' thread:
- Getting to know your M54 engine, a photo & identification guide to every visible part in the engine bay (1)