Power Steering

[mr d fly]

So, I'm noticing when i'm in 1st gear making turns it's very difficult to do. My car sounds like a moose in heat. Very sluggish and very annoying. First thought that popped into my mind was low power steering fluid. I checked, and indeed it is kind of low. Here's my question: (and please pardon my ignorance in this area) Is it alright to just top the power steering fluid off or do i need to do a flush?
I'm also a little concerned that one of the hoses might be leaky. Is there a technical way to check for a leaky power steering hose or just get under there and have a look-see?

Thanks for your time and help guys.

[marti5]

Down to basics Im afraid get under and check for leaks, change the pipe, topping off the fluid is fine, I hope you have caught it in time.....

[mr d fly]

yeah, i checked it out yesterday. it appears there is a leak. i saw power steering fluid on the hose and some other parts. so, i guess it's time to replace some stuff.

thanks

[Torque]

Originally Posted by mr d fly

So, I'm noticing when i'm in 1st gear making turns it's very difficult to do. My car sounds like a moose in heat. Very sluggish and very annoying. First thought that popped into my mind was low power steering fluid. I checked, and indeed it is kind of low. Here's my question: (and please pardon my ignorance in this area) Is it alright to just top the power steering fluid off or do i need to do a flush?
I'm also a little concerned that one of the hoses might be leaky. Is there a technical way to check for a leaky power steering hose or just get under there and have a look-see?

Thanks for your time and help guys.

1. Fine to top it off. Just make sure you put in whatever the reservoir cap says: if it says ATF, put ATF; if it says Pentosin something or other, put Pentosin in ... do not put "power steering fluid" in, use what it tells you (well unless it tells you to put plain old PS in, which I don't think any BMW uses).

2. They all have leaky hoses.

[johnnyBgood]

I just did this:


BMW M3 Forum.com (E30 M3 | E36 M3 | E46 M3 | E92 M3) - View Single Post - *Power Steering Failure*

Doug's Domain :: DIY Power Steering Flush


jb

[mr d fly]

Thanks man, that info will definitely help.

Dumb question (i think)...i just checked the cap on my power steering reservoir and it just says "FZ". What should that mean to me??
It's a '94 325i, i think i recall finding out that i need to use dexron III atf if im not mistaken. Sound about right?

[johnnyBgood]

Originally Posted by mr d fly

Thanks man, that info will definitely help.

Dumb question (i think)...i just checked the cap on my power steering reservoir and it just says "FZ". What should that mean to me??
It's a '94 325i, i think i recall finding out that i need to use dexron III atf if im not mistaken. Sound about right?

Yes......ATF, the link has the info.......

2 quarts Dextron III / Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)


jb