Chase Bays PS Kit Feedback and Install Pics?

[jbfrancis3]

Thanks, got one on the way.

Great. If you hadn't considered - you'll want two new AL crush washers, too. 14x20mm generic size, or part # 32411093596 from BMW

[enjoy_m3]

Does anyone have just the reservoir kit? It looks to be better than oem to keep it from leaking from the top like the oem plastic reservoir.

[0-60motorsports]

Ever since I used a Viton O ring for the reservoir cap my system is dry. I would personally just go for stock replacements if I needed them even though the chase kit looks great.

[bigjae46]

I like the AN fittings which would be more secure in preventing leaks. Otherwise I agree, the OE reservoir is fine. I just keep the fluid level a little lower.

Oh yeah...the white thing in the OE reservoir is a baffle...not a filter.


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[Fresh1179]

I will throw in my $.02. I installed the kit about 6 months ago and have had a few issues. The install is not as simple as you may expect. The room at the rack for tightening the AN hoses is very limited, so I would suggest looking for some stubby AN wrenches to save yourself some major headache. The same goes for all the other AN fittings with the exception of the distal end of the high hose which has easy room to complete the tightening. If I were to install again (and I think I would) I would take the time to find some stubby, low profile AN wrenches to make the install process smoother. I wish that they made the large AN fitting on the bottom of the reservoir a swivel fitting (It may be, don't quote me on this) for easier installation. That way, you could really tighten down those lines prior to navigating the install process.

I will say, I do notice more noise in the PS pump and the rack, especially at full lock. This could absolutely be my equipment, but these sounds were not present prior to install. I removed the lines from the end of the cooler and zip-tied some microfibers around it and drove until these were "empty.

I almost exclusively track the car. I had an issue with the system the first time that I will attribute to my own installation failure. I just finished a two day track event and upon opening the hood after arriving home, I smelled the familiar smell of PS fluid. I have taken a flashlight to the area and there is some spillage in the area. It is not insignificant. Now, this is not uncommon when you are beating on the car, but I hoped the system would mitigate this issue. I have the little beanie they sell to put over the top of the cap and it will be installed prior to the next event. I am going to check all of the hoses and fittings to make sure everything is cool, and make sure I didn't lose too much fluid (I did not overfill!)

All in all, I would recommend the system, but I would also recommend double and triple checking your AN fittings and the adaptors. In my experience, you will need some customized or specialized AN wrenches to get the job done properly. PS Fluid will stain and basically smell forever so prepare for that.

[jbfrancis3]

I will throw in my $.02. I installed the kit about 6 months ago and have had a few issues. The install is not as simple as you may expect. The room at the rack for tightening the AN hoses is very limited, so I would suggest looking for some stubby AN wrenches to save yourself some major headache. The same goes for all the other AN fittings with the exception of the distal end of the high pressure rack which has easy room to complete the tightening. If I were to install again (and I think I would) I would take the time to find some stubby, low profile AN wrenches to make the install process smoother. I wish that they made the large AN fitting on the bottom of the reservoir a swivel fitting (It may be, don't quote me on this) for easier installation. That way, you could really tighten down those lines prior to navigating the install process.

I will say, I do notice more noise in the PS pump and the rack, especially at full lock. This could absolutely be my equipment, but these sounds were not present prior to install. I removed the lines from the end of the cooler and zip-tied some microfibers around it and drove until these were "empty.

I almost exclusively track the car. I had an issue with the system the first time that I will attribute to my own installation failure. I just finished a two day track event and upon opening the hood after arriving home, I smelled the familiar smell of PS fluid. I have taken a flashlight to the area and there is some spillage in the area. It is not insignificant. Now, this is not uncommon when you are beating on the car, but I hoped the system would mitigate this issue. I have the little beanie they sell to put over the top of the cap and it will be installed prior to the next event. I am going to check all of the hoses and fittings to make sure everything is cool, and make sure I didn't lose too much fluid (I did not overfill!)

All in all, I would recommend the system, but I would also recommend double and triple checking your AN fittings and the adaptors. In my experience, you will need some customized or specialized AN wrenches to get the job done properly. PS Fluid will stain and basically smell forever so prepare for that.

You're not kidding that its tight and difficult to work in.

No swivel on the bottom. It can swivel before you tighten it but not a true swivel fitting which would be a good idea to avoid the hassle of tightening in close quarters.

The noise will be cured with re-use of the OE banjo bolt with check ball.

Email Johnny (sales@chasebays.com) with your fluid issue. I have found him to be extremely helpful. You can also ask him for the adapter to re-use the banjo bolt.

[Fresh1179]

You're not kidding that its tight and difficult to work in.

No swivel on the bottom. It can swivel before you tighten it but not a true swivel fitting which would be a good idea to avoid the hassle of tightening in close quarters.

The noise will be cured with re-use of the OE banjo bolt with check ball.

Email Johnny (sales@chasebays.com) with your fluid issue. I have found him to be extremely helpful. You can also ask him for the adapter to re-use the banjo bolt.

You almost need some reinforced, stubby tong-like AN specialty tools or machine down some crowfoot's. That really is the issue. There is very little clearance between most of the fittings, so even with the correct size AN wrench you can get a firm grip on the fittings. I ended up not using all the various expensive AN wrenches that I purchased and marring the thing up with some adjustable wrenches at crazy angles. Now, I wasn't worried about marring up the finish because it's a track car but there has to be an easier way. I am sure these tools probably exist and I am the idiot, but if they sold an "installation install wrench kit" I certainly would have paid for it.

[Randall921]

I just ordered this kit as my car has the typical power steering leaks. Anyone have a recommendation for a set of AN wrenches?

[jbfrancis3]

I just ordered this kit as my car has the typical power steering leaks. Anyone have a recommendation for a set of AN wrenches?

I don't own any but Chase Bays does sells a wrench kit for about $100. They don't look the shortest or most compact. I'd go just necessary individual wrenches by Vibrant which I've seen on SummitRacing.

[jbfrancis3]

Ever since I used a Viton O ring for the reservoir cap my system is dry. I would personally just go for stock replacements if I needed them even though the chase kit looks great.

0-60motorsports Nice. Do you have the sizing handy? I'd like it for another vehicle which uses the same reservoir.

[Fresh1179]

I don't own any but Chase Bays does sells a wrench kit for about $100. They don't look the shortest or most compact. I'd go just necessary individual wrenches by Vibrant which I've seen on SummitRacing.

Install Tip: A large portion of making the install go as smoothly as possible is going to be your angle of attack. The high pressure hose on the pump end will be simple. The issue you will run into is the primarily the connections on the bottom of the reservoir, and the connections to the rack. It is more difficult to properly fit the connections to the rack. One option is to essentially dive head first into the engine bay and really get down in there. I would connect one AN fitting to the rack first, ensure that it is very snug, the proceed to the next. I went underneath the vehicle and over the lower control arm for some tightening. Honestly, some really long extensions and appropriate crows feet might be the easiest way to tighten those connections. I think we are making it out to be harder than it is, but it truly could be VASTLY simplified with the right AN wrenches. Also remember to bleed the system etc. before firing her up. Good luck!


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[0-60motorsports]

0-60motorsports Nice. Do you have the sizing handy? I'd like it for another vehicle which uses the same reservoir.

I’ll get it for you tomorrow 👍🏼


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[Altaran]

Just noticed I never really updated my status on this kit:

As the fittings would never really stop leaking I decided to toss it out and go back to stock.

I got all new oem hoses and connectors, installed them and voila: everything is clean and nothing is leaking.

Also with OEM I now have more fluid circulating again, so now it's running cooler. The CB was heating up quit quickly even on short drives.

Also the CB kit does not have a non-return valve, which oem does have.

I will be staying OEM. In summary, perfect example of don't fix it if it ain't broken.

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[r4dr]

0-60motorsports Nice. Do you have the sizing handy? I'd like it for another vehicle which uses the same reservoir.

The Viton o-ring set that a member sells on here includes the PS reservoir just BTW.

[DESMDR3]

I’ve been sitting on this kit for almost a year and finally got the chance to install it. I went without the cooler. The install was very time consuming but I’m happy with the final results. Some thoughts on the install process.

The original high pressure hose I received with the kit turned out to be defective. First of all, Chase Bays customer support was great and shipped me out a replacement next day. The replacement I received was an updated line with 90 degree fittings on both ends. The original line only had a 90 on the pump side. They also supplied me with an adapter to reuse the stock banjo. I didn’t use AN wrenches but I’m sure they would have helped. You definitely need stubby wrenches though. When you go to install, first hand tighten all fittings and then evenly tighten them down while holding the hose from moving. This will help keep the hoses relaxed and lessen the chance of leaks.

I’ve been driving around on the kit for about a week. There’s some minor whine during low speed maneuvering but I don’t mind it. This is even with using the stock banjo and bleeding the system. Once you start driving, engine noise easily drowns it out. For the time being, I left the stock power steering cooler in the car. This kit, especially without the cooler, really simplifies the PS system.