PS Fluid Fill Location

[RVROD]

Ok this may sound stupid but being a new owner of a 1998 740il, can someone tell me where to top off my power steering until I can get it in for service. Is it the round bottle near the drivers side front shock tower that says ATF only?
Thanks in advance!!
Kevin

[cai]

Yes. Make sure you use the correct ATF fluid. This receptacle has a six or eight sided top. Look in the car manual and it will identify the two kinds of receptacles and fluids that you can use, one is the same as the Audi mineral oil fluid, the other one, as in most cars is ATF fluid. THESE FLUIDS ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE.

You have to pump the brake about 20 times and then see what the level is in the receptacle. Then fill as appropriate.

Good luck.

[RVROD]

cai,
call me crazy but I don't understand pump the brake 20 times and check level? The fluid in the round resovoir is red like ATF, is the mineral oil this color as well?
thanks
Kevin

[cai]

OK, as you wish, I will call you Crazy.

No, I do not think that they are the same colour. All I am saying is that make sure the cap of your reservoir says the type of fluid you need and that the the service manual book that came with the car identifies the two different kinds of caps there are so that you may also match that with what the top is saying.

The procedure for checking the level requires that with the car standing still and not running, you pump the brakes about 20 times. If you open the reservoir and then pump the brakes, you will see the level rise. After you have pumped the brakes 20 times, then measure the level and add fluid if you need more.

[jyep]

The power steering fluid reservior is sticking up on the right side of the engine area up high, should say "ATF only" (or Pentosin if self-leveling).

Unscrew the lid and see where the dipstick hits (Only do this with engine off.). If it needs more fluid, add what it says : Automtic Transmission Fluid or Pentosin.

[shifty]

Yes it's the black rounded reservoir that says "ATF ONLY" on the right side of the engine near the shock tower. I has nothing to do with the brakes... I dont know what that guy was on. Just fill it up with the engine off so the dipstick is halfway wet. Most of them leak. It's usually the hose that runs from the pump to the steering box that leaks, which just happends to be the most expensive at $120.

[jyep]

tell me about it; i had to change two of my hi-pressure p/s hoses which cost approx $120 a piece.

[shifty]

yeah, this E38 hose must be the most expensive host i ever bought. So far ive been lucky, I've only had to replace one, as well as all the hydrolic bolts.

[Dirty_Tool]

Sheesus guys,
Only the h-31 hydraulic system requires pumping the brake pedal to check the fluid. Thats the system with the accumulator (bomb) If it says ATF only then guess what ....it takes ATF.

[Terry]

Originally posted by jyep@Apr 17 2004, 08:48 AM
The power steering fluid reservior is sticking up on the right side of the engine area up high, should say "ATF only" (or Pentosin if self-leveling).

Unscrew the lid and see where the dipstick hits (Only do this with engine off.). If it needs more fluid, add what it says : Automtic Transmission Fluid or Pentosin.

[QUOTE]
If the fluid is low in the power steering reservoir and the cap says "ATF only" does that mean I should be putting Automatic Transmission Fluid in that reservoir and if so what kind?

[jyep]

You can use any ATF out there, they are all compatible, including synthetics.

[cai]

Well Shifty I am not on anything. The instructions on my 1988 735i do call for pumping the brake about 20 times and the level in the reservoir does rise after you do that. Since the systems seem to be similar, I followed the same procedure for my 1999 745i. Maybe the pumping does not have to be done, because this newer car does not have the bomb accumulator as the older one. The 745 book does not call for the pumping of the brake, but to be on safe side I do it anyway. All I can say is that you may not know everything, so I suggest you do not disparage others.

I also check on the type of ATF fluid to use, my old BMW called for Dexron type only. As with all free advice one gets, you are still on your own - who do you trust? I do not recall if the 745 book specifies the type of ATF fluid, but If I were you I would call a dealer and ask him about that.

Another thing, I see people referring to this accumulator being on the right hand side of the car. I guess that is all a matter of perspective, but drivers in the USA sit on the left side of the car and that is the side where the reservoir is located. I would suggest using that as a reference so as to not confuse people.