The steering rack on my 1990 745 leaked the other day (appeared to be a corroded line). Reservoir level went low and it sucked air / fluid mixture for about 30 km before I could get it to the indy. One of the bolt holes for the rack was split so in goes a remanufactured rack. The indy said that there was likely no damage to the pump since they are pretty robust and I did not go far with low fluid. But he noticed that the steering was not smooth when he put it all back together. He suspected trapped air. He flushed and flushed some more and it is smooth now. But it is not a light as before. If I had to guess, I would say that there is a slight delay before the pump assist fully kicks in. Lines are not crimped, belts are not slipping. No leaks. The indy agrees that it is not 100% and speculated that the pump might be on the way out (at 374,000km, it is possible). So my questions: What could cause heavy steering other than a less than perfect pump? I read the FAQ which mentioned stretching a spring to get more assist. Could it be possible that running with low fluid and getting pulses for a short distance has affected the spring that regulates the pressure?

The indy says that replacing the pump can be a bear of a job because there are a number of dissimilar metal interfaces that corrode.

On a positive note, the shop gave me a deal on a rear IPD sway bar. I have had limited chance to put it to the test but it definitely is more 'flingable' with the rear say bar. Nice.

Bill