Power steering fluid level check - BMW Forum

tim96 · 10-31-2009, 09:27 PM

I have been having the occasional noise from the steering. I checked the fluid level by the dipstick on the cap of the resoiver tank. My question is where is the fluid level ment to be .. is it 1 between the two blue lines or is it 2 between the two green lines.

marti5 · 11-01-2009, 04:50 AM

Mines always at the top mark.

You say yours is making a noise they all make a slight noise when on full lock, or it maybe your belt is loose.

tim96 · 11-02-2009, 01:31 AM

i mean like a groaning noise occasionaly. I have heard it about 3 or 4 times in the last couple of months and it does not occur at full lock.
My level is at the lower line of the green.
As i have to drain a bit more out of the trans could i just pour what i drain out into the powersteer. Both fluids (trans and power steer are red) but i have no idea if the are the same grade or brand etc
Is all trans fluid the same?

tim96 · 12-06-2009, 07:33 PM

when you check the fluid via the powersteer dipstick do you just place the cap ontop of the reservoir or do you screw it completely back in?

german-speed-demon · 12-06-2009, 07:56 PM

screw it back in man, otherwise you geta false reading.

Torque · 12-06-2009, 08:33 PM

I just keep mine above the line, when I just place the cap on without screwing it down.

The hose to the power steering pump runs out of the bottom of the bottle and it isn't like the power steering fluid expands when hot or anything ... you can keep it full to the brim if you want with no ill effects.

ScottinAZ · 12-07-2009, 08:47 AM

if its making groaning noises on you, the pump may be going out. Mine was doing this when cold and FULL. New pump, viola, no more noises

Kennethdriley · 01-01-2010, 03:16 AM

You should use Dextron/Mercon in the power steering. And it sounds like your pump is going out.

gotKRAUT · 01-01-2010, 02:35 PM

if the noise doesnt go away, get a brand new OE fluid canister as it has a filter in it and when it goes bad the system tends to groan, what causes this? i dont know but its the truth...happened to 2 of my E30s now

Torque · 01-01-2010, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kennethdriley

You should use Dextron/Mercon in the power steering. And it sounds like your pump is going out.

No, you should use whatever it says on the cap. Some cars use Pentosin, though I'm not sure e30 ever did.

jackjroadster · 11-12-2010, 12:48 AM

I hear squealing noises every time I turn my wheel to a full lock. I’m really a noob when it comes to car maintenance so I just applied the steps from this video about checking power steering fluid. I saw that my steering fluid is still good but after 3 days I heard a grinding noise and the steering suddenly stiffens. I can’t understand why, I followed the steps on the video. Maybe the steps there are incomplete??? What is the possible cause of that grinding noise if my steering fuel level is still okay?

witeshark · 11-12-2010, 08:56 AM

Check the belt to the power steering pump for its condition and tightness.

jackjroadster · 11-12-2010, 09:26 PM

okay,i will try that later. hope it works.. thank you

jackjroadster · 11-16-2010, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackjroadster

I hear squealing noises every time I turn my wheel to a full lock. I’m really a noob when it comes to car maintenance so I just applied the steps from this video about checking power steering fluid. I saw that my steering fluid is still good but after 3 days I heard a grinding noise and the steering suddenly stiffens. I can’t understand why, I followed the steps on the video. Maybe the steps there are incomplete??? What is the possible cause of that grinding noise if my steering fuel level is still okay?

sorry I forgot to include the video.I think the belt has a problem.